Many of us know that eucalyptus has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. However, the Australian aborigines discovered a wider range of effects of the drink from the leaves of this plant. According to modern experts, tea made from eucalyptus leaves helps against arthritis. As well as skin rashes and colds.
In this article we decided to cover this topic in more detail. In addition, here are some useful recipes for making healthy eucalyptus drinks.
Beneficial properties for the body
The product has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, sedative, analgesic, immunostimulating, and wound-healing properties.
Benefits of eucalyptus tea:
- Suppresses the activity of viruses, bacteria, fungi.
- Stimulates the removal of mucus from the lungs.
- Relieves spasms.
- Makes breathing easier during colds.
- Activates the production of the body's own insulin.
- Reduces blood sugar concentration.
- Stimulates the functioning of the immune system.
- Normalizes gastrointestinal functions.
- Helps eliminate fever.
- Accelerates the restoration of damaged tissues.
- Helps remove parasites from the intestines.
- Relieves fatigue and nervous tension.
It is beneficial for a healthy person to drink 2–3 cups of eucalyptus drink per day. In the presence of diseases, the daily dosage may be temporarily increased or decreased.
Contraindications, possible harm
Contraindications for drinking tea with eucalyptus:
- Individual intolerance to substances contained in the leaves.
- Allergy to plant products made from Myrtaceae.
- Whooping cough. Eucalyptus fumes can cause an uncontrollable suffocating cough.
This is how eucalyptus blooms
When drinking tea, you must adhere to the recommended daily intake.
Possible side effects in case of overdose:
- nausea, vomiting;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- convulsions;
- diarrhea;
- deterioration of liver and kidney function.
What are the benefits of eucalyptus for hair?
Eucalyptus has great benefits for hair from a number of nutrients included in its composition:
- Cineole activates the process of self-rejuvenation in cells, strengthens roots and promotes rapid growth;
- Camphene restores damaged, dry and split strands;
- Fenchen absorbs subcutaneous fat and treats pustules;
- Aldegrides saturate curls with energy and give them a wonderful eucalyptus scent;
- Fatty acids moisturize and smooth dry strands;
- Tannins stimulate growth, strengthen hair follicles and hair structure;
- Flavonoids fight alopecia;
- Globulol affects the sebaceous glands, normalizing their work.
The secret of eucalyptus-based products is that they are suitable for all hair types, especially if mixed with drying or, conversely, moisturizing ingredients.
Due to the fact that eucalyptus even treats pustular formations and cannot harm the skin in any way, it should not be used unless you have an allergy.
Using eucalyptus in homemade hair masks will help get rid of the following hair problems:
- Copious flow of sebaceous secretions;
- Dry, brittle and damaged strands;
- Dandruff, alopecia and seborrhea;
- Slow growth;
- Pustules on the scalp and infectious diseases.
How to properly use eucalyptus in various compositions:
- Eucalyptus oil can be used both as part of various masks and independently;
- It is recommended to rub eucalyptus tincture into the roots;
- Eucalyptus decoction is well suited for rinsing after each wash or adding to various masks;
- The recovery course of therapeutic masks should last 2 months, and the procedures themselves should be carried out 1-2 times a week;
- After each application of the mask, it is advisable to wear a plastic cap, and for additional insulation, cover yourself with a scarf.
Pregnant and lactating
During pregnancy, tea with eucalyptus leaves is not recommended. The drink can cause severe allergies even in those women who previously tolerated herbal remedies well. The product is also dangerous for the fetus; it can affect the formation and functioning of its internal organs.
You should not drink tea with evergreen leaves while breastfeeding. During lactation, substances from the eucalyptus drink penetrate into the milk, changing its composition and taste. The baby may refuse to breastfeed due to bitterness, and the active components of the plant can cause allergies in the baby.
Eucalyptus leaves: home use
Medicines made from eucalyptus have no contraindications, no side effects, and are highly effective. The main active ingredient is eucalyptol, which is found in essential oil.
But it is necessary to take into account the fact that dosage forms made from eucalyptus leaves are not recommended for children under three years of age, with individual intolerance and hypersensitivity to the active substance. Use the drug with caution in chronic liver and kidney diseases.
Is it possible for children
It is not advisable to give medicinal products containing eucalyptus to children under 2 years of age. Products can cause shortness of breath, rash, and heart problems. For older children, give tea with eucalyptus leaves for colds, bronchitis, sore throat, and diseases caused by streptococci and staphylococci.
Start taking drinks with half a teaspoon. If the child does not show signs of allergy within 24 hours, you can increase the dose to 100 ml per day. From the age of 6, when treating diseases, children are allowed to give 1 cup of tea per day. Divide the dose into 2-3 doses. You can switch to the norm for an adult from the age of 12.
Beneficial properties of eucalyptus tea
The unique composition of the leaves makes the plant one of the most effective remedies. Now you can buy fragrant eucalyptus leaves in every pharmacy. You can also harvest them yourself because the tree remains green all year round. A decoction of eucalyptus leaves has proven itself in the treatment of colds.
- The high content of essential oils in tea helps remove mucus from the lungs and disinfect them.
- Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, the plant fights microorganisms such as streptococcus and staphylococcus.
- It is effective for removing worms and can rid the body of E. coli.
- Tea helps with stomatitis, periodontal disease and sore throat.
Recommendations from nutritionists for losing weight
Eucalyptus drink helps in eliminating excess weight. The aroma of tea reduces the feeling of hunger, and the product itself speeds up metabolism, improves intestinal function, and can prevent the development of neurosis against the backdrop of forced dietary restrictions.
Admission rules:
- drink 1 cup 2 times a day 30 minutes after meals;
- do not add honey, sugar or other sweeteners to tea;
- stop using if symptoms of allergy, cardiac arrhythmia, or exacerbation of gastric pathologies are detected.
Chemical composition
When studying the medicinal drink, it was revealed that when brewed, all substances and compounds contained in eucalyptus leaves pass into it, namely:
- essential oils;
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- phenolaldehydes;
- cinnamic and coumaric acids;
- gallotannins;
- terpenes;
- resins;
- micro and macroelements (cobalt, manganese, copper, zinc, selenium, aluminum, potassium, nickel, magnesium, barium, iron, calcium).
The calorie content of a drink made from dry leaves is less than 1 kcal. However, the energy value of raw materials from Turkish powder is 392 kcal. A cup of drink contains 10–15 kcal.
Eucalyptus fruits
In what form is it sold?
Eucalyptus tea can be purchased at a pharmacy or store. The following types are implemented:
- Whole and crushed leaves in cardboard and cellophane packages. There are products from Russian, European and Asian manufacturers.
- Herbal mixtures with other herbs. Mixtures with fireweed tea and mint are popular.
- In bags. Eucalyptus products are sold under the trademarks “TET”, “Wisdom of Nature”, “Buddha Teas”, “Inovital”.
- Soluble powder from Turkey. Made from eucalyptus extract and crushed young leaves of the tree. In Russia, the product is produced under the trademarks “Sultan”, “Hazar”, “Ixir”, “Akdeniz”. Spices, herbs, berries, and citruses can be added to the raw materials. For example, Sultan tea contains turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, lemon, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg, and allspice. According to reviews from people who have tried a real Turkish drink, not all components dissolve when brewing. Some remains in the cup as sediment or floats to the surface.
Benefits of Turkish tea powder
Eucalyptus tea from Turkey in powder has no less benefits for the body than a drink made from whole dried leaves:
- Stimulates the release of helminths and cleansing of the intestines from their waste products.
- Removes bad breath.
- Helps cleanse blood vessels from cholesterol plaques.
- Improves blood flow to internal organs.
- Normalizes intestinal microflora.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Helps heal bronchi and lungs.
- Tones, relieves fatigue.
- Improves brain function.
- Prevents the development of anemia.
You can take 2–3 cups of powdered tea per day, prepared in accordance with standards and GOSTs. Contraindications and possible side effects of the drink are the same as for the product made from whole leaves.
Benefits and harms for various diseases
In official medicine, eucalyptus drink is used in the treatment of respiratory pathologies and colds. In folk recipes, the use of tea is more extensive. The main advantage of the product, which is noted by doctors and healers, is its antibacterial properties.
Pros and cons of eucalyptus tea for various pathologies:
- Diabetes. The drink helps prevent increased sugar levels and the accumulation of bad cholesterol. Tea is allowed to be consumed 2 times a day after consultation with your doctor. When taken simultaneously with glucose-lowering drugs, the drink can provoke a critical drop in blood glucose levels.
- Gastritis. Eucalyptus product has a beneficial effect on the stomach with low acidity. Tea activates the production of digestive enzymes and eliminates inflammation of the mucous membrane. If you have high acidity, drinking the drink is not recommended: it can provoke a deterioration in the condition of the organ due to the active production of gastric juice.
- Poisoning. You can drink tea with eucalyptus leaves after eliminating vomiting. The drink accelerates the cleansing of toxins, helps restore strength, and prevents the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the intestines.
- Colds, flu. A product with eucalyptus helps relieve coughs, sore throats, reduce body temperature, and prevents the spread of infections and complications. Drink warm tea 3 times a day. Between doses, you should inhale the eucalyptus vapor released during brewing.
- Stomatitis, sore throat. When drinking the drink, the activity of bacteria and viruses that cause inflammation in the mouth and throat decreases. Tea helps relieve pain and speed up the healing of ulcers. The drink can be taken and used for rinsing.
- Thrush. For candidiasis, eucalyptus tea is useful because it suppresses the proliferation of pathological pathogens, eliminates itching and inflammation. Tea can be drunk and used for hygiene procedures.
Precautionary measures
Plants used for medicinal purposes provide remarkable effects. However, they can also have side effects, so you should consult your doctor before using them.
It is not advisable to use eucalyptus oil, infusion or ointment for children under two years of age. Also, people suffering from asthma, liver and kidney diseases, convulsions, hypotension, preparations from this plant can only be used after consultation with their doctor. Pregnant and lactating women are prohibited from taking the product.
Classic recipes
To prepare the drink we use the following recipes:
- Pure leaf tea. Pour 1 tablespoon of raw material into 500 ml of hot water, leave for 30 minutes, filter.
- With black tea. Mix eucalyptus leaves and black tea in equal proportions. Pour 1 tablespoon of the composition into a brewing container, add hot water, and leave for 30 minutes. Filter before use.
- With honey. Prepare pure tea from the leaves, cool to 30–40 degrees. Add honey at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 200 ml of drink.
- Powdered tea. We heat the water to 70 degrees. Pour 1 teaspoon of powder into liquid and mix. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Add honey if desired.
What supplements does it go well with?
The beneficial properties of eucalyptus tea can be enhanced and supplemented with other components. The herbal product is combined with the following additives:
- Sea buckthorn. Increases the immunostimulating and antiseptic effects of eucalyptus. Helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and eliminate infections. Contains substances that help improve mood.
- Mint. Adds sedative properties to tea. Helps normalize blood pressure and get rid of insomnia.
- Chamomile. Enhances the anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus tea. The plant mixture is effective for influenza, bronchitis, sore throat, and pneumonia.
- Thyme. It is not inferior to eucalyptus in terms of concentration of essential oils. Helps fight cough, sore throat, fever.
Brewing while maintaining maximum benefits
Rules:
- Brew the drink in a thermos. The container prevents the loss of essential oils and rapid cooling of the water. Long-term preservation of liquid temperature promotes the transfer of active substances from leaves to tea.
- Do not pour boiling water over raw materials. You need to brew the drink with water heated to 70 degrees. This temperature promotes the release of substances without their destruction. Boiling water provokes the decomposition of complex compounds into simple elements, reducing the benefits of tea.
- Use a thermos with a glass flask. When contacting metal, some substances oxidize and break down.
Composition and benefits of the product
The oil is obtained by extracting eucalyptus leaves and its shoots. The method preserves a maximum of useful components. Eucalyptus oil, liquid and transparent in appearance, has a strong, tart, but fresh aroma, combining notes of mint and citrus.
The oil contains many useful components, including:
- Flavonoids;
- Aldehydes;
- Tannins;
- Aromatic carbohydrates;
- Organic acids;
- Menthol;
- Vitamin E.
Eucalyptus oil is a popular remedy in folk medicine and cosmetology.
It has a wide range of medicinal properties:
- Anti-inflammatory;
- Antipyretic;
- Anesthetic;
- Expectorant;
- Antiviral;
- Wound healing.
It has a therapeutic effect on the human psyche and balances the emotional background:
- Fights fatigue;
- Uplifting;
- Strengthens concentration;
- Improves mental activity.
In cosmetology, effective oil helps fight various skin diseases and imperfections:
- Acne;
- Dark spots;
- abrasions;
- Burns.
It is an indispensable assistant in hair care. The beneficial properties of the product help get rid of many problems:
- Restores split ends of hair;
- Fights dandruff and fungus;
- Accelerates hair growth and wound healing;
- Strengthens thin hair, soothes the scalp;
- Gives curls shine and shine.
You can use a variety of oils to care for your hair. The next article will be about lavender oil for hair. All about its benefits and methods of use.
Read about the benefits of olive oil for hair here.
For reviews from girls about using lemon essential oil for hair, follow the link.
Using eucalyptus oil for hair
There are several ways to use the product at home:
- aroma combing;
- adding to shampoos and conditioners;
- rubbing into the scalp;
- adding to masks.
Using pure eucalyptus essential oil
The product is highly concentrated, so it should not be applied undiluted, otherwise you may get a chemical burn to the skin. You also need to be sure of the body’s reaction: before use, you should conduct an allergy test. To do this, apply one drop to the bend of the elbow and wait an hour. If redness and itching do not appear, you can use the product for cosmetic purposes.
Head massage
Eucalyptus oil helps strengthen, restore and grow hair. To carry out the procedure, 2-3 drops of ether are mixed with a tablespoon of neutral cosmetic oil (for example, coconut or almond). The amount depends on the length and density of the curls. The oil mixture is applied to the fingers and gently, without pressing, rubbed into the skin.
After the massage, you need to wrap your head in a towel and wait 15 minutes, then rinse with shampoo. This procedure is recommended to be carried out once a week.
Rinse
Regular shampoo will become useful if you add eucalyptus to it. For 300 ml of product you will need 8-10 drops of oil. Shake the bottle so that the extract is completely mixed with the washing liquid. Use shampoo in the usual way. After just a month of use, hair quality will improve significantly.
Aroma combing
Combing with eucalyptus oil helps calm the nervous system before bed and restore hair health. To do this, you will need a comb or comb made of natural wood. Drop a couple of drops of the extract onto the cloves and comb the strands for 5-7 minutes, trying not to miss a single section. There is no need to wash your hair after the session.
Aroma combing should be done 1-2 times a week. If it is used to prevent hair loss, sessions are carried out daily for two weeks. You should not increase the dosage of the drug. This will not enhance the healing effect, but will weigh down the hair or cause irritation to the skin.
Masks with eucalyptus oil for hair
The caring procedure consists of applying an oil mixture to the hair for a certain time, after which it must be washed off. Any natural base oil is used as a base: olive, almond, peach, burdock. After mixing, the composition is heated in a water bath. Then apply to hair, put on a shower cap and wrap your head with a towel.
The mask should not be left on your head for more than an hour. This may harm the skin.
Strengthening
Prepare a decoction of St. John's wort and oak bark: pour a tablespoon of raw material into a glass of water, simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, then leave for 1-2 hours. Strain, add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus, thyme, and rosemary oil. Rub the finished mask into clean, dry hair. After 40 minutes, wash off.
Nourishing mask
Combine grape seed and milk thistle oil (1 tablespoon each). Heat in a water bath and pour in 5 drops of eucalyptus ether. The composition is distributed over the scalp and then through the strands. Wrap your head in polyethylene and a scarf. After an hour, wash with shampoo. This recipe is suitable for weakened, split ends, thinning, dull hair. The mask will nourish them, make them elastic and strong.
Anti-dandruff
To 3 tablespoons of high-fat sour cream add 5 drops of eucalyptus extract, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of any balm. The mass is rubbed into the head, gently massaging the skin. After 25 minutes, wash off with shampoo.
Against split ends
Add 4 drops of eucalyptus and 1 tablespoon of glycerin to 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Apply to hair from the middle to the ends. Wash off after half an hour using balm.
Another recipe for a mask against split ends: add 5 drops of essential oil to 50 ml of apple cider vinegar. Mix and apply, avoiding contact with the roots. Wash off after 10 minutes without detergents.
Anti-fall
100 ml of burdock oil is combined with 1 tablespoon of glycerin, 5 drops of eucalyptus extract. The resulting composition is heated to 40 degrees and rubbed into the roots, distributing the residue along the entire length. After half an hour, wash it off.
You can use another recipe: eucalyptus, burdock, rosemary oils are mixed and heated to body temperature. Apply to the roots, then distribute along the entire length. Put on a plastic cap and wrap your head with a towel. Wash off after 40 minutes with shampoo.
How else can you use eucalyptus for hair?
The leaves of the exotic plant and the oily liquid are used in different ways to improve hair health. This can be an alcohol tincture made independently or a healing decoction.
Eucalyptus tincture for hair
A tincture is prepared from fresh eucalyptus leaves. It is cut into small pieces and placed in a 500 ml dark glass container. It should be 1/3 full. Add sugar until the jar is half full and shake. Sugar should cover all the leaves from bottom to top. Cover the neck with gauze and hide it in a dark place. After a few days, juice is released. Then add vodka to the throat, close the lid and leave for another 7 days.
The medicine copes well with dandruff, oily scalp, slow growth and baldness. It should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than one year.
The pharmacy sells ready-made eucalyptus tincture. It is as effective as homemade one and is inexpensive.
