Description

The medicinal properties of Eucalyptus reside in its oil, which is extracted from the fresh leaves and branch tips, as well as dried leaves. The primary active constituent in eucalyptus leaves is the volatile oil eucalyptol. For eucalyptus to provide an effective expectorant and antiseptic action, the volatile oil should contain at least 70% eucalyptol. Eucalyptus oil has been compared to menthol because it acts on receptors in the nasal mucosa, which help to alleviate nasal congestion.