A year ago, I gathered my wits about me to embark upon writing an article on the uses of eucalyptus leaves in Caribbean bush medicine.  As part of the exercise, I scheduled a weekend trip through dangerous terrain, encountering just as dangerous natives, all in a bid to rustle me up some eucalyptus leaves.  There were many perils along the way; hostile-shouting natives and all. But, I managed to survive the perilous journey and returned with a nice little bundle of leaves, procured from the very tall tree. Well, honestly, I just took a trip to the local market and picked me up a neatly tied bundle of leaves.

At the time, I was very excited with my weekend find. I was just a few weeks into my “Talking Bush” column and the eucalyptus tree had long been a favourite of mine (love the sharp, menthol scent and mint taste!).  I first gained knowledge of the tree while at high school when, like typical teenagers, we girls got to talking about bush medicine and then seeking out a eucalyptus tree.

So…there I was last year, years after my first eucalyptus introduction, clutching my leaves and planning to share my bounty with those in the office who cared to live healthily. On the following Monday, I showed up with my stash and an announcement that there was “bush” in the office for tea-making purposes. A certain male co-worker was joyous and rushed off quite immediately to make himself a cup of eucalyptus tea.

He showed up some minutes later, rather triumphantly, with a cup of steaming tea, and if I remember correctly, pinky finger raised, like the delicate flower that he was.  He took one sip of his concoction and then made a face like you wouldn’t believe. Yes, you guessed it, the abundance of leaves and his enthusiasm had tricked him into using too many of the leaves.

Now, eucalyptus tea- made with one or two fresh or dried leaves per cup is said to be a master at providing relief from coughs, fevers and colds. (I’ve imbibed more than my fair share of eucalyptus tea to thwart a persistent cough or… just because I liked the taste.)  Some people also take to making a poultice of some sort by crushing the leaves and then applying to the chest or neck to do battle with a bout of influenza.  Have a bit (or a lot) of a sore throat?  Then, you can have a drink of some eucalyptus tea or gargle your throat with the same (sans sugar). Gargling of the same is also recommended for treating bronchitis and declaring war against bad breath.

Maybe, it’s congestion that’s your problem. Then, you must know that ole people, who have seen things and know far more than you or me, have advised that inhalation of the vapour (towel over pan and head style) from boiled eucalyptus leaves should do the trick. And, they also suggest this same remedy be used for treating asthma.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELLE WOULD!)