The mother tincture of eucalyptus has a balsamic and hypoglycemic action and is very useful in affections of the respiratory tract and in case of diabetes. Let’s find out better.
Properties of eucalyptus mother tincture
Eucalyptus globulus leaves contain an essential oil, particularly rich in eucalyptol, terpenes (pinene, camphene, fellandrene) and aldehydes; polyphenols (gallic acid, ferulic acid, gentisic acid); flavonoids (rutoside, hyperoside) and tannins. These active ingredients give the plant a balsamic, fluidifying and expectorant action of the catarrhal secretions of the respiratory tract.
The mother tincture of eucalyptus is used in phytotherapy in case of cough, cold and in the treatment of sinusitis.
Furthermore, the hydroalcoholic extract of the plant carries out an antibacterial and antiseptic action, due to the presence of the essential oil, very effective for diseases of the urogenital tract, in case of cystitis, leucorrhea and candidiasis, for which it is also recommended by virtue of deodorant action.
Recent studies have demonstrated the hypoglycemic property of eucalyptus mother tincture in the treatment of diabetes.
Description of the plant
Eucalyptus is a fast growing evergreen tree (it reaches 20 m in 6-7 years), in Australia, its homeland, it can even exceed 90 m. Native to Oceania (especially Tasmania, Australia and New Guinea), it usually grows in temperate zones.
In Italy it is widespread in the center and south and, in particular, in Elba and Sicily. The trunk has smooth, ash-gray bark, which comes off in thin and elongated plates. The wood is reddish.
The juvenile leaves are opposite, blue in color, while the adult leaves are alternate, dark green, sickle-shaped and hard. The flowers are usually grouped in flower buds, more or less numerous. The fruit is a woody, hard, wrinkled capsule covered with wax. The seeds are numerous and very small. The whole plant has an aromatic smell and a bitter taste.
How to prepare the mother tincture of eucalyptus
The “drug” (part used) corresponds to the leaves, collected in April – June and in September – November. The fresh plant is used, as it loses most of its properties when dried.
The mother tincture of eucalyptus is prepared with a drug: solvent weight ratio of 1:10 and an alcohol content of 55% vol.
Usage
The mother tinctures have no contraindications other than those of the plant itself, diluted in a little water they can be administered to everyone, the alcohol contained in them is thus diluted, so it is harmless. In rare cases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may appear after taking eucalyptus preparations.
Preparations based on eucalyptus leaves should not be taken in case of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract, as well as in the presence of severe liver diseases. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Oral use: 30 – 40 drops, 2 – 3 times a day. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 120 drops.
