| |
|
An Interesting Herb Fact
The Healing History of Horsetail
Horsetail is one of the oldest botanical healing herbs in known history. It is believed that horsetail is a close relative of many of the trees that grew on the Earth roughly 270 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. It is believed that horsetail is also the source of the modern cola seams. The horsetail plant is brittle and grows in jointed stems that are rich in healing silica. Horsetail has been used since Ancient times. It was used by the Greeks to help heal wounds. These days,...
Eucalyptus: A Famous Healing Plant from Down Under
The Eucalyptus plant is
well regarded as a traditional Aboriginal herbal remedy that is used to
treat fevers and various other ailments. In the 19th century, the
director of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens first introduced the
Eucalyptus plant in the West. The cultivation of the tree began to
spread throughout North America and Southern Europe shortly after. The
plant has several properties derived from its oils, and different
species of the plant are known to vary slightly. However, all species
of Eucalyptus plants are known for its antiseptic properties. Recent
Russian research suggests that some species of the Eucalyptus plant can
counteract several kinds of influenza viruses. There are many kinds of
Eucalyptus varieties that are also known to have antimalarial
properties and that are known to be highly active against bacteria. The
taste of the Eucalyptus plant is known to be cool, slightly bitter,
pungent, and moist. The constituents of the Eucalyptus plant include
volatile oils, tannins, aldehydes, and bitter resins. The actions of
Eucalyptus have been described as antiseptic, antispasmodic, and
stimulating. It is also well known as a febrifuge, expectorant, and it
is regarded for its ability to expel worms and reduce blood sugar
levels.
The leaves of the Eucalyptus plant are most commonly used to make
herbal remedies. In traditional Aboriginal medicine, the leaves of the
Eucalyptus plant were used to create poultices to treat any type of
inflammation or skin wounds. Decoctions made from Eucalyptus leaves
were also used. These were usually taken internally to treat a variety
of ailments. These days, it is much more common to take Eucalyptus in
lozenges and capsules to treat chest and congestion problems.
Eucalyptus is often taken as an infusion as well.
Another popular way to use Eucalyptus is through its essential oils.
These essential oils are created by steam distillation of the plant's
leaves. The oil of the Eucalyptus plant is highly regarded as one of
the most potent antiseptic essences of all known herbs. Eucalyptus
essential oil is widely used to treat a whole range of infections,
including influenza, typhoid, measles, scarlet fever and other serious
infections. Most Eucalyptus essential oil is now available
commercially, but many herbalists still prefer to make it at home with
fresh leaves.
The essential oil of Eucalyptus can be used in many ways. It can be
used effectively as a compress. Simply soak a pad in two ml of
Eucalyptus essential oil that is diluted in a cup of water, and then
apply the mixture to painful joints, burns, and inflammations. The
essential oil can be used in a gargle to treat throat infections. To
make a Eucalyptus essential oil gargle, dilute five drops of essential
oil in a glass of water, mix well, and gargle. To create a chest rub to
treat the symptoms of asthma, influenza and bronchitis, dilute 0.5-2 ml
of oil in 25 ml of almond oil and rub into chest. Eucalyptus oil also
makes a powerful inhalation herbal remedy. Simply add ten drops or so
into a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to treat congestion or
chest infections. |
|
|
