Eucalyptus: A natural remedy for dental and respiratory problems
How great it is to have healthy teeth and gums, free from dental caries and toothaches! A fresh breath is essential for social comfort and health.
By Peter Wasongola
How great it is to have healthy teeth and gums, free from dental caries and toothaches! A fresh breath is essential for social comfort and health.
Conventional toothpaste has for long promised to meet such demands but all in vain. The ever-increasing complaints about toothache, bleeding gums and offensive smell of the oral cavity are enough to scorn commercial tooth paste.
In his speech during an oral health planning conference in Nairobi, Kenya in 2004, James Apple Yard said dental problems are the major reason for attending outpatients at a regional hospital in Kabale district.
Yard said incidences of oral cancer had increased in Denmark and central eastern Europe, where cigarette-smoking is most common.
Dental pain is amongst the most severe aches. It can last for years and interfere with eating, sleeping and has a reciprocal effect with overall body health.
According to Karla Purkh Singhkhalsa of the Council of the American Herbalist Guild, the common bacteria that builds on our teeth can trigger blood clots, obstruct arteries and cause heart problems.
Eucalyptus remedy
Traditionally, many people have used natural toothbrushes made from healing plants.
In her 1992 book, The Herbs of Life, herbalist Lesley Tierra said plant twigs from trees like bay, eucalyptus, oak, fir and funniper contain volatile oils which stimulate blood circulation and tanmis that tighten and cleanse gum tissues. The trees also have other essential substances such as Vitamin C which maintain healthy gums.
The eucalyptus tree, commonly known as Kalittunsi, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. There are over 500 different species in Uganda and all have blue-green, narrow long and tough leaves. Flowers are creamy-white and the bark is papery and peels off on the sides of the trunk.
Medicinal properties
Eucalyptus Globulus, also known as the Australian Blue Gum tree, is the most important of the medicinal species. Its leaves emit a smell of camphor when crushed. It has traditionally been used to treat cough, asthma, bronchitis and dental problems. It is also used as an insect repellent. In the US, eucalyptus Globulus, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a cold and flu remedy.
The essential oil distilled from its leaves is used in making drugs. Many cough and cold remedies feature small amounts of eucalyptol (the main ingredient of eucalyptus oil) as do countless chest robs and pain-relieving lotions.
Britannia Allied Industries Limited Uganda, uses eucalyptus oil as an ingredient in the making of sweet pepsi, which is consumed by people as a deodourant.
Wonder drug
Many therapeutic uses of eucalyptus have been tested over the years.
One study found out that a blend of eucalyptus peppermint and ethanol oils could relieve headache related to muscle tension when rubbed into the forehead and temples. Other research indicate that eucalyptus oil may clear nasal congestion associated with colds, flu, asthma, simisitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Eucalyptus works as an expectorant, loosening sticky mucus and making it easier to cough up and out of the chest. It is also a powerful antiseptic, hence used in treating wounds and septisemia. In addition, astringent substances in the oil, called tannis strengthens teeth in gum sockets, soothes mucous membranes inflammation in the mouth, nose and throat. Lozenges containing eucalyptus increase saliva production prompting more frequent swallowing and thus, reducing the impulse to cough.
The antibacterial properties in eucalyptus may reduce the risk of a secondary respiratory infection against tuberculosis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The oil is also beneficial for ear ache, arthritis, rheumatism and muscle cramps due to its antispasmodic properties.
Eucalyptus helps to fight gum diseases because it inhibits the formation of the sticky film on teeth and gum known as plaque which, if allowed to build up, can turn into a hard mineral shell called tar that wears away gum tissue.
Make your own toothpaste
In their book, Natural Medicine in the Tropics, Dr Martin Hirt and Bindanda give a recipe for making eucalyptus tooth powder: Harvest eucalyptus leaves from a clean environment, wash and dry them in moderate sunlight, pound the leaves in a mortar. Heat table salt strongly in a saucepan and mix one unit of the pounded leaves with 0.5 unit of salt when still hot. Sieve the powder and store it in air-tight containers. Put a little on your toothbrush daily. The powder should have a fairly salty taste and not sweet. It should not foam like the commercial toothpaste. The powder is also much more effective than the commercial tooth paste in combating dental problems.
The writer is in the department of Botany, Makerere University.
Wasongs2000@yahoo.com
078642481
How great it is to have healthy teeth and gums, free from dental caries and toothaches! A fresh breath is essential for social comfort and health.
Conventional toothpaste has for long promised to meet such demands but all in vain. The ever-increasing complaints about toothache, bleeding gums and offensive smell of the oral cavity are enough to scorn commercial tooth paste.
In his speech during an oral health planning conference in Nairobi, Kenya in 2004, James Apple Yard said dental problems are the major reason for attending outpatients at a regional hospital in Kabale district.
Yard said incidences of oral cancer had increased in Denmark and central eastern Europe, where cigarette-smoking is most common.
Dental pain is amongst the most severe aches. It can last for years and interfere with eating, sleeping and has a reciprocal effect with overall body health.
According to Karla Purkh Singhkhalsa of the Council of the American Herbalist Guild, the common bacteria that builds on our teeth can trigger blood clots, obstruct arteries and cause heart problems.
Eucalyptus remedy
Traditionally, many people have used natural toothbrushes made from healing plants.
In her 1992 book, The Herbs of Life, herbalist Lesley Tierra said plant twigs from trees like bay, eucalyptus, oak, fir and funniper contain volatile oils which stimulate blood circulation and tanmis that tighten and cleanse gum tissues. The trees also have other essential substances such as Vitamin C which maintain healthy gums.
The eucalyptus tree, commonly known as Kalittunsi, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. There are over 500 different species in Uganda and all have blue-green, narrow long and tough leaves. Flowers are creamy-white and the bark is papery and peels off on the sides of the trunk.
Medicinal properties
Eucalyptus Globulus, also known as the Australian Blue Gum tree, is the most important of the medicinal species. Its leaves emit a smell of camphor when crushed. It has traditionally been used to treat cough, asthma, bronchitis and dental problems. It is also used as an insect repellent. In the US, eucalyptus Globulus, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a cold and flu remedy.
The essential oil distilled from its leaves is used in making drugs. Many cough and cold remedies feature small amounts of eucalyptol (the main ingredient of eucalyptus oil) as do countless chest robs and pain-relieving lotions.
Britannia Allied Industries Limited Uganda, uses eucalyptus oil as an ingredient in the making of sweet pepsi, which is consumed by people as a deodourant.
Wonder drug
Many therapeutic uses of eucalyptus have been tested over the years.
One study found out that a blend of eucalyptus peppermint and ethanol oils could relieve headache related to muscle tension when rubbed into the forehead and temples. Other research indicate that eucalyptus oil may clear nasal congestion associated with colds, flu, asthma, simisitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Eucalyptus works as an expectorant, loosening sticky mucus and making it easier to cough up and out of the chest. It is also a powerful antiseptic, hence used in treating wounds and septisemia. In addition, astringent substances in the oil, called tannis strengthens teeth in gum sockets, soothes mucous membranes inflammation in the mouth, nose and throat. Lozenges containing eucalyptus increase saliva production prompting more frequent swallowing and thus, reducing the impulse to cough.
The antibacterial properties in eucalyptus may reduce the risk of a secondary respiratory infection against tuberculosis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The oil is also beneficial for ear ache, arthritis, rheumatism and muscle cramps due to its antispasmodic properties.
Eucalyptus helps to fight gum diseases because it inhibits the formation of the sticky film on teeth and gum known as plaque which, if allowed to build up, can turn into a hard mineral shell called tar that wears away gum tissue.
Make your own toothpaste
In their book, Natural Medicine in the Tropics, Dr Martin Hirt and Bindanda give a recipe for making eucalyptus tooth powder: Harvest eucalyptus leaves from a clean environment, wash and dry them in moderate sunlight, pound the leaves in a mortar. Heat table salt strongly in a saucepan and mix one unit of the pounded leaves with 0.5 unit of salt when still hot. Sieve the powder and store it in air-tight containers. Put a little on your toothbrush daily. The powder should have a fairly salty taste and not sweet. It should not foam like the commercial toothpaste. The powder is also much more effective than the commercial tooth paste in combating dental problems.
The writer is in the department of Botany, Makerere University.
Wasongs2000@yahoo.com
078642481