Let’s talk herbs… The healing Eucalyptus

By Shirley Thomas

HOW many times have you not passed by, or under, a Eucalyptus tree and not stopped to consider its amazing health benefits? Or conversely, how many times have you considered the dangers to which persons could be exposed by merely standing under such a huge tree, towering several feet into the air, its heavy branches hanging dangerously overhead.

The eucalyptus trees outside the West Demerara Secondary School
The eucalyptus trees outside the West Demerara Secondary School

Eucalyptus trees found in Guyana are usually giant-like and are associated with the eucalyptus deani, found in Australia. These trees, supported by huge solid trunks, are known to grow as tall as 200 metres or even taller, and are usually found near trenches or watery environments.
Those that immediately come to mind are the two towering majestically on either side of the entrance to the West Demerara Secondary School, overlooking practically the entire neighbourhood. Judging from the size of their trunks, these trees have evidently been standing there for hundreds of years.
Then there are a few behind the Girl Guides Pavilion at the head of Croal Street standing adjacent to Vlissengen Road.
However simple they may seem, these trees are endowed with medicinal or healing properties, and have served and continue to serve generations, particularly persons plagued with the common cold and other related illnesses, such as bronchitis and chronic head colds.

Eternally grateful to the eucalyptus for its healing properties, Madhumattie Rambharack proudly displays a piece of the dried bark, known to relieve both common and chronic colds.
Eternally grateful to the eucalyptus for its healing properties, Madhumattie Rambharack proudly displays a piece of the dried bark, known to relieve both common and chronic colds.

Sharing with the Sunday Pepperpot today is Security Guard Madhumattie Rambharack, a mother of two, who was on the brink of despair after suffering a very serious attack of the common cold, which was concentrated in the head for years. Despite what she used, the cold never budged, Madhumattie said, and eventually her head began to feel numb. That’s when she realized she had to find a very good remedy in double quick time.
“My experience is that I had a heavy cold in my head. I tried all sorts of things one would usually recommend for a cold. I tried daisy and the inhaler, but this was a cold with a difference. It wouldn’t budge. I tried several doctors, but got no relief, and my condition ran into about five years.
“Then, eventually, my head started getting numb. I would go to doctors and they would just say they did not know what was causing the numbness. It was then I realized I had to find a good remedy and find one quickly,” Madhumattie told the Sunday Pepperpot.
“Then somebody told me about the eucalyptus. They told me boil the dried leaves or a piece of the dried bark and drink the water. I tried it, and after drinking a milk potion for about three to five days, the cold in my head began to loosen and I would spit it out. After then, it was goodbye to chronic head colds; and as for the mild forms of the common cold, I don’t even get that, because I live in the countryside and get abundant supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially fruits with Vitamin C, such as oranges, cherries, tamarind, guavas and passion fruit,” she said, with an air of contentment.
She recalled that at first try, she used about three leaves. Each leaf was about 8 to 10 inches long. After that, she would recommend the eucalyptus to her children, other family members, and friends.
Madhumattie has been such a passionate advocate of the use of eucalyptus that, as it’s turned out, she now works at the West Demerara Secondary School, where two huge eucalyptus trees tower on either side of the gate, and her station is snugly located under one of the trees.
But so tall are the trees that it is difficult at this time to access the leaves. And so there is a particular young man who would climb the trees and pick leaves for those interested. If he’s not available, people would also take bark off the trees and boil a small potion.
“Many people come to get it and take it back and make a tea. It is very good for the common cold, but don’t use the leaves when they are green. Try to dry out the sap first.
“As for the bark, the layers are thin and they are almost always dry,” she concluded.

Eucalyptus Oil
In Guyana, domestic use of the eucalyptus has largely been confined to the leaves and bark, and not the eucalyptus oil, known to have many medicinal properties.
Eucalyptus oil is sourced only in drug stores and pharmacies locally, and are sold with specific instructions coming from pharmacists.
In Australia, eucalyptus has been used in the past as an antiseptic to kill germs, and the oil was used in traditional aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections.

Maryland Medical Centre
Information coming out of the University of Maryland Medical Centre (UMMC) credits eucalyptus with being effective for the following:

Cough and cold
Many medicines to treat coughs and the common cold contain eucalyptus. It’s found in many lozenges, cough syrups, rubs, and vapor baths throughout the United States and Europe.
Herbalists often recommend using fresh leaves in teas and gargles to soothe sore throats and treat bronchitis and sinusitis.
Eucalyptus ointments are also used on the nose and chest to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil helps loosen phlegm, so many people breathe in eucalyptus steam to help treat bronchitis, coughs, and the flu. It is used today in many over-the-counter cough and cold products to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil is also used in creams and ointments to relieve muscle and joint pain, and in some mouthwashes.

Plaque and gum disease
Eucalyptus oil is rich in cineole, an antiseptic that kills bacteria that can cause bad breath. Some antiseptic mouthwashes use eucalyptus, along with other oils, and have been shown to help prevent plaque and gingivitis.
“It’s been used in the past as an antiseptic to kill germs, and the oil was used in traditional aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections.
Teas made of eucalyptus leaves were also used to reduce fevers, and eucalyptus was soon used in other traditional medicine systems, including Chinese, Indian (Ayurvedic), and Greek and European,” the advisory says.
Eucalyptus oil is also credited with having substances that are able to kill bacteria, some viruses and fungi; and it is said that the oil also acts as an expectorant, meaning it helps coughs by loosening phlegm.

Other uses
On the skin, eucalyptus oil has been used to treat arthritis, boils, sores and wounds. The oil is also used in some insect repellents, and one study found that an oil of lemon eucalyptus product may also keep ticks away.

Medicinal uses and indications
The UMMC however cautions: For Pediatric cases: Do not give a child eucalyptus orally (by mouth), because it is toxic. Do not give cough drops with eucalyptus to children under 6.
For a cold, don’t put eucalyptus oil, salve or chest rub on the face or nose of a child under two years old. Ask your doctor before using eucalyptus oil as a chest rub for your child or to inhale steam for congestion.
For Adults: Do not take eucalyptus oil orally (by mouth) except under your doctor’s supervision.

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