Articles Index-Hydrolats
 
Eucalyptus Hydrolat
 
Penny Price MEd(Oxon.)
Academy Principal and Director,
Penny Price Aromatherapy Ltd
 
Eucalyptus globulus is a beautiful, tall evergreen tree stretching up to 90 metres high. The young trees have bluish-green oval leaves while the mature trees develop long, narrow, yellowish leaves, creamy-white flowers and a smooth, pale grey bark often covered in a white powder.
 
Traditionally a household remedy in Australia, the leaves and oil are especially good for respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and croup, and the dried leaves are smoked like tobacco for asthma. It is also used for feverish conditions (malaria, typhoid, cholera, ect.) and skin problems like burns, ulcers and wounds. Aqueous extracts (including hydrolats) are used for aching joints, bacterial dysentery, ringworm, tuberculosis and others. For this reason it has been employed in western and eastern medicine.
 
The main components of eucalyptus hydrolat suggest that the hydrolat is antiseptic, slightly mucolytic and decongestant, antidiabetic, anti-infectious, antioxidant and stimulating. The water is excellent internally for maintaining healthy kidneys and pancreas. The hydrolat is also useful for the respiratory system (as is the essential oil) helping with sore throats (gargles), coughs and colds.
 
Because eucalyptus hydrolat is strongly anti-oxidant it is anti-ageing, a free-radical scavenger and stimulating to mind and body. As a skin wash it can help with acne and oily skin types and repelling insects. Prolonged use as a skin tonic might help prevent the onset of small lines and aging.
 
Health drink
As the taste of eucalyptus hydrolat is not very pleasant, it is usual practice to dilute with honey and warm water. As a daily health drink, prepare as below:
1 teaspoon of honey - dissolved in 50mls of hot water. Add 50mls eucalyptus hydrolat. The blend can help to boost the immune system, slow the ageing process and also can help respiratory problems. The drink is also excellent for easing the discomfort of cystitis, improving kidney health and also for pancreatic health.
Gargle
Mix 1 teaspoon of glycerine with 20mls hot water and 20mls eucalyptus hydrolat. Blend well and allow to cool. Use to gargle for sore throats, coughs and colds. The gargle can also help soothe toothache, sore gums and abscesses. Use the gargle at least 4 times per day for beneficial action.
 
Children's bath
If children have coughs, colds, respiratory problems or are just feeling run down, use between 20ml and 50ml in a full bath. The hydrolat is also cooling and can help to maintain a comfortable temperature during illness.
 
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