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| Actions: Anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient (flowers), laxative (berries and bark). |
| Uses: Today we mainly use elder flowers as a soothing anticatarrhal and diaphoretic remedy, although they are also topically anti-inflammatory and emollient and make a very effective hand cream. Elder flower water (made by distilling the flowers) was a favorite in the 18th century for whitening the skin and removing freckles. Elder flowers also appear to strengthen the mucous membranes so can increase resistance to irritant allergens. Drinking elder flower tea early spring can help reduce hay fever symptoms later in the year. A hot infused oil of elder leaves also makes a useful green ointment for bruises and minor injuries. |
| Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) |
| The majority of eucalyptus species originated in Australia where the plant was widely used in Aboriginal medicine to treat fevers, dysentery, and sores. In the 19th century, the plant was brought to Europe, and cultivation of the tree spread in Southern Europe and North America. |
| Parts used: Leaves, essential oil. |
| Actions: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, expectorant, febrifuge, lowers blood sugar levels, stimulant. |
| Uses: Eucalyptus oil (extracted by steam distillation) is ideal for home use and is mainly used externally in rubs for muscle aches and steam inhalations for catarrh and colds. For rubs use up to 5 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of a vegetable or almond oil base; add 5 drops to a basin of boiling water for use in steam inhalations. The lemon-scented eucalyptus (E. citriodora) is antifungal and can be effective externally for athlete's foot and other fungal infections. |
| Caution: Excess use may cause headache and delirium. Do not take eucalyptus oil internally. |
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