Among the variety of honey products, have you tried eucalyptus honey before? In addition to its taste and to their smell, what makes it exceptional is its host of health benefits.
What are the Benefits of Eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus is a commonly applied herb together with honey as a home remedy because of its medicinal healing properties of eucalyptol present in the same compound.
Eucalyptus essential oil acquired from fresh leaves of the evergreen eucalyptus tree has and is used in a variety of over-the-counter medications including inhalers, rubs, rash creams, liniments and mouthwashes. Eucalyptus tree has the botanical name Eucalyptus Globulus, also known as the fever tree, stringy bark tree or blue rubber tree.
It originated in Australia, but was introduced to other parts of the world, including India, Europe and South Africa a few centuries ago. Although many countries produce eucalyptus oil, Australia remains the largest supplier of eucalyptus oil in the world.
Health benefits Eucalyptus oil colorless extract of fresh eucalyptus leaves, dried leaves and branch tips, are similar to those of honey – anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antispasmodic, deodorant, antibacterial, antiseptic and stimulant.
Eucalyptus essential oil is usually a volatile oil and its main active health benefits of euclyptols have attracted the world to explore its use as conventional medicine as well as an aromatherapy oil.
You have probably noticed that eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy is becoming more popular as it blends so perfectly with many other essential oils like rosemary essential oil, thyme essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, marjoram essential oil, lavender essential oil and frankincense essential oil.
As an ingredient in over-the-counter medications, Eucalyptus oil is sold and promoted without a prescription as it is used for the temporary relief of minor aches and muscle pains and for the temporary relief of nasal congestion and associated cough cold.
Eucalyptus oil was compared with menthol that acts on the receptors of the nasal mucosa, which help relieve nasal congestion. To provide an expectorant action of eucalyptus and effective antiseptic, the volatile oil must contain at least 70 percent of eucalyptol.
It’s been reported that one of the earliest medical uses of Eucalyptus was by Australian Aborigines, which not only extracted precious water from their roots, but even used its leaves to relieve the fever.
In addition to being a good cure for respiratory problems, eucalyptus honey is a good antiseptic because of its germicidal properties. In exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a a very good antiseptic.
The Advantages of Eucalyptus Honey
Therefore, eucalyptus honey is used to heal wounds, cuts, scrapes, burns, sores, and ulcers. It is also effective in insect bites. Often, patients suffering from lumbago, ligaments and tendons sprain, aches, rheumatism, fibrosis, twisted stiff muscles and even nerve pain is recommended.
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory Eucalyptus honey is massaged on the surface of the skin in a circular motion to help relieve the muscle and joint pains. Another significant reason why people add eucalyptus oil to spas, saunas and baths is that it provides a refreshing and cooling effect.
Eucalyptus oil stimulates and is effective in eliminating depression and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates those who suffer from mental and stress disorders.
The essential oil of eucalyptus has applications in skin care products, detergents, soaps and household cleaning products, it is often applied topically to treat skin infections and is used as the main ingredient in many toothpastes and mouthwashes as it is highly effective against cavities, gingivitis and other dental infections because of its germicidal and antiseptic properties.
The eucalyptus oil has an antiseptic and deodorant nature that makes it a perfect environment for sanitizer from hospitals and sickbed atmospheres. It also kills bacteria and germs in the air and therefore keeps the environment clean. However, caution should be exercised when using eucalyptus oil.
Precautions of Eucalyptus Oil
- Eucalyptus oil is toxic if taken in large quantities. They have been reported an overdose poisoning potentially fatal of eucalyptus oil. Symptoms of overdose or toxicity include vomiting and diarrhea, nausea, central nervous system depression, circulation problems, a drop in blood pressure, collapse and coma.
- Only a few drops of eucalyptus oil are enough to cause fatal intoxication in some children. Eucalyptus supplementation is not recommended as well for children, pregnant or lactating women, elderly or chronically ill person.
- Diabetic insulin dependent should carefully monitor blood sugar as eucalyptus can affect blood sugar levels. Eucalyptus can affect the metabolism and clearance of drugs; Therefore, anyone on medication should avoid using eucalyptus.
With the many health benefits, adding eucalyptus oil to your pantry can provide many benefits to your health and wellness. So give it a try today!