How To Make Eucalyptus Tea – Benefits and Side Effects

Eucalyptus tea is produced from the crushed leaves of the eucalyptus tree, which is native to Australia and is known as the “fever tree” in that region because of its medical benefits. Eucalyptus tea has been standardised in Germany and is frequently suggested as a therapy for bronchitis and sore throat. Add a cup of eucalyptus tea to your cold and flu-fighting arsenal this season. Scientific evidence supports its antimicrobial properties. If you use prescription medication, talk to your doctor before taking eucalyptus tea because certain drugs may have side effects when taken along.

There are many types of eucalyptus trees, but the blue gum tree or Australian fever tree is the one used to make eucalyptus tea and oil. Long, leathery grey-greenish leaves characterize this fast-growing tree. The volatile essential oil is found in the leaf glands.
Tea produced from crushed eucalyptus leaves, not the oil collected from the leaves, should be consumed. To avoid misunderstanding, the hot beverage is also known as eucalyptus leaves tea.

Benefits of Eucalyptus Tea

Lower Blood-Sugar

For patients with pre-diabetic or diagnosed diabetes, drinking eucalyptus tea throughout the day may assist to reduce blood sugar levels. The leaves of the eucalyptus tree, scientifically known as eucalyptus globulus, may provide a dietary complement for persons undergoing diabetic therapy, according to an animal study published in the August 1998 issue of the “Journal of Nutrition.” Consult your doctor to determine how much tea is safe for you to consume.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory

According to scientific evidence, the oil extracted from eucalyptus tree leaves contains anti-inflammatory characteristics, making it a feasible long-term treatment option for patients suffering from asthma and other steroid-sensitive conditions. Dried eucalyptus tea leaves are a gentle way to consume these beneficial compounds. According to the findings of a double-blind placebo controlled trial published in the “Respiratory Medical Journal” in March 2003, eucalyptol, a constituent of eucalyptus oil, is a beneficial mucolytic agent in upper and lower airway illnesses, able to aid in the dissolution of mucus.

Anti-Bacterial Benefits

With a calming cup of eucalyptus tea, you can fight off those pesky bacteria that infiltrate when your immune system is low. A study published in the March 2007 issue of the journal “Phytotherapy Research” found that eucalyptus leaf oil extract inhibited the growth of three potentially harmful bacteria: staphylococcus aureus, which causes strep throat; escherichia coli, also known as E. coli; and candida albicans, which causes yeast infections. Adults should drink up to three cups of tea each day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This tea also has the added benefit of killing the bacteria that cause bad breath.

How to Make Eucalyptus Tea

The tea is pale green in colour and has a strong aroma that some people describe as woody or piney. Others describe eucalyptus’ aroma as clean or fresh. Many grocery stores, health markets, and internet retailers sell eucalyptus tea bags or loose leaf tea. Follow the tea making instructions on the package.

Eucalyptus leaf tea can be easily made at home as well. Just remember that it’s crucial to make the tea with leaves and not with oil. It’s possible that using essential (volatile) oil may have negative consequences.

Eucalyptus Leaf Tea Preparation Steps

• Use a teaspoon (about one dried eucalyptus leaf) to make your tea. Add the crushed tea leaf to an eight-ounce teacup.
• Heat the water to 90-95 degrees Celsius (194-205 degrees Fahrenheit). If you don’t have a temperature-controlled teapot, bring water to a boil and then let it sit for a minute to slightly cool it down.
• Add about six ounces of water to the tea leaves.
• Allow tea leaves to steep for up to 10 minutes, depending on your preference.
• While the tea is steeping, inhale the eucalyptus vapours.
• Before drinking, strain the loose leaves from the cup.

Honey adds sweetness, calories, and sugar to your eucalyptus tea. If you’re drinking the tea to relieve a sore throat, the honey may also assist to alleviate symptoms.

To enhance the relaxing qualities of eucalyptus leaf tea, try blending it with peppermint or chamomile (manzanilla).

Side Effects

When taken in the small levels present in foods, Eucalyptus leaf is LIKELY SAFE. There isn’t enough data to say whether supplements with higher doses of eucalyptus leaves are safe to take by mouth.

When taken by mouth for up to 12 weeks, eucalyptol, a substance extracted from eucalyptus oil and used as medicine, is POSSIBLY SAFE.

When used directly to the skin without being diluted, eucalyptus oil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. When Eucalyptus oil is consumed by mouth without first being diluted, it is LIKELY UNSAFE. It is very likely to prove lethal if you consume 3.5 mL of undiluted oil. Stomach ache and burning, disorientation, muscle weakness, small eye pupils, suffocation, and other symptoms may indicate eucalyptus poisoning. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are all side effects of eucalyptus oil.

Before trying this or any other herbal remedy, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor.