Eucalyptus

The mists of daybreak seem
To paint, as with a fairy brush,
A landscape in a dream.

Inspired by visiting Californian coast I decided to praise eucalyptus. These trees and shrubs from Myrtle family grow proudly almost everywhere on sunny pacific region.  Most of them (over 500 species) indigenous to Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, and several are cultivated in other countries, such as Spain, France,  China, India, some countries of South  and North America, as well as in Africa, etc. Basically, you don’t even need to cultivate it because these fast growing trees is easily adaptable in any tropical or subtropical regions. In some areas they become extremely invasive to native species so the situation rises concern about controversy over their total impact.
 

Traditionally eucalyptus oil is used to treat respiratory infections, helping people cough up excess mucous, to help fight cold and flu, treat skin and stomach infections.

This is my recipe to ease the bronchitis: hit up some water in the pot, remove the cover and add a drop of eucalyptus oil.  Situate your face above the pot and cover your head with light blanket or towel. Inhale and exhale deeply for few minutes, put warm clothing and repeat the treat couple times a day. During flu season I spray rooms with the oil (my mother-in-law calls me witch for that!).

Please be very careful using this amazing oil! Store it in the dark place and keep away from children. Don’t use it for babies or internally because it can be toxic. If you prone to asthma 1.8 cineole can trigger constriction of airways.

                   Stay healthy!