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Eucalyptus
Widely
used in aboriginal medicine to treat fevers, dysentery,
sores, and serious wounds (which would be treated
by binding a Eucalyptus leaf around the wound),
the Eucalyptus plant was brought to Europe in the
19th century as an ornamental species - which incidentally
has developed some different characteristics to
those in its native home : the ornamental variety
secretes chemical substances which actually poison
the surrounding soil, inhibiting the growth of surrounding
plants.
Eucalyptus
is a highly antiseptic, antiviral, and stimulating
plant, and is used to encourage coughing and ease
spasmodic pains. The essential oil is often used
in inhalation remedies for colds, coughs, throat
and chest infections, and added to baths for treating
infections, coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory
problems. For fever sufferers, add a couple of drops
of essential oil to warm water in a plant-mister
and spray around the room, or add a couple of drops
to an oil burner.
Used
externally, the essential oil is effective at treating
cold sores, and when mixed with a carrier oil, makes
an excellent massage oil for tired muscles or painful
joints. It is valuable in treating burns and is
an effective local painkiller. Eucalyptus can also
be used as a nits remedy, and as a deterrent to
mosquitos and fleas.
! Excess may cause delirium
and headaches ! |
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