The Outstanding Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is the name of a genus originating from the continent of Australia. The genus consists of more than eight hundred species that can be classified as large shrubs or extremely tall trees. Eucalyptus trees have been grown all over the world and for good reasons. For many years, this mysterious tree (otherwise called the gum tree) has been used for various medical conditions, as it is known to have several health properties. The eucalyptus tree's health properties are explained below.

Fights Cough

Eucalyptus oil is commonly used to relieve coughing. According to a study from 2010, a substance known as vapor rub, in which eucalyptus oil is an active ingredient, helped decrease coughing in children diagnosed with an upper respiratory tract infection. The children administered during the study ranged from ages two to eleven years old. You can use the vapor rub to relieve coughing by applying to the throat or chest. Rubbing it on the feet can provide night time relief.

How eucalyptus oil works to suppress a cough is still being debated. Studies suggest it is likely due to the high content of cineole (eucalyptol) in the oil. Cineol is an aromatic terpene believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, a study concluded cineole helped reduce coughing in patients suffering from acute bronchitis, a condition caused by inflammation of the airways responsible for carrying air to the lungs. In addition, cineole has antiviral and antifungal effects.

Get to know more about the ways in which eucalyptus benefits health.