Lately, news has been circulating talking about the benefits of eating eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus leaf can be used in packages in the bathroom, serving as a flavoring, improving your bathing experience. The science behind this trend lies in the interaction of the bath steam with the leaves, which release eucalyptus oil, which can be breathed and relieves symptoms of stress, pain and even sinusitis. It is important that the bath is at least warm, as the humidity generated would be similar to the tropical environments where these plants grow.
eucalyptus leaves
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Eucalyptus oil, compound responsible for the benefits in the bath, is used for several other purposes. It serves as a mosquito repellent, reduces pain from arthritis, is a natural tranquilizer and even kills lice.
Origin in Chinese Medicine
This oil is not a new discovery, in fact, it has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. They were also used as cleaning products by the British in the 19th century.
Is it safe to eat eucalyptus leaves?
Although they are part of the koala's diet, you should be careful before eating their leaves. Eucalyptus and its oil can have many benefits, but it is important to note that they are not suitable as food. Its use must be topical or inhaled, as eating the leaves can be harmful.
According to researchers, eucalyptus leaves have a high content of eucalyptol, an oil that is toxic for consumption, and just 3.5 mL of this oil can be fatal. Also, ingesting eucalyptus leaves can cause harm to the body such as seizures, muscle weakness and vomiting.
For these reasons, it is quite unusual to find eucalyptus leaves being used in food, although some countries use them. In Portugal, some fishermen have the custom of using eucalyptus leaves to grill fish, in addition to being used in cakes and purées.
However, it is worth noting that the dose of eucalyptol found in these recipes is very low, less than 0.5 mL. A drink containing eucalyptus may also contain a small diluted amount. But all these recipes should be avoided in excess and especially for children, who should not eat the leaves or food based on eucalyptol.
