Juan Fernando González G.

Eucalyptus is a native Australian tree that has adapted to virtually all regions of the world. Therefore, it is not unusual to find it in a swampy or desert area. As a general cultural fact, we commented that a eucalyptus is considered small if it measures up to 10 meters in height; medium, if it is between 10 and 30 meters; and high, when they exceed this last figure. This specimen of Nature grows rapidly, requires little attention and can be harvested approximately every 10 years.

It is very likely that you remember what happened 20 years ago, approximately, when there was a great commotion due to the appearance of a fearsome plague that affected millions of eucalyptus trees in 21 entities of the Mexican Republic. On that occasion, researchers from the School of Higher Studies (FES) Cuautitlán (UNAM), created a reproduction center for the parasitoid wasp to combat the plague of eucalyptus, known as "conchuela" (Glycaspis brimblecombei).

 It was about raising the wasps, then releasing them in the affected areas and eradicating the "sucking insects that feed on the sap of plants." 
Fortunately, this and other mechanisms have been successful in saving the lives of millions of trees. Beyond this remembrance, it is interesting to know the benefits that eucalyptus generates in our body. 
Here are some facts: 

 • Simply place two drops of eucalyptus on the shower floor to create a natural “diffuser” that will give you a feeling of rest and vigor. 

• Eucalyptus is a relaxing element without equal, so it is recommended to use it before going to bed. Thus, your sleep will be truly restful. 

• Do you want to feel revitalized and in the best of spirits? It's simple: add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil to the moisturizer of your choice; We guarantee that the feeling of well-being will be immediate. 

• People living with stress and anxiety can regenerate by putting a few drops of eucalyptus in their hands, and then taking a deep breath. This simple procedure will give you the calm you seek and the strength to carry on with your responsibilities. 

• This fragrance is used very frequently in relaxing massages, since it is easily combined with creams or lotions characteristic of spas. 

• It is known that the aromatic benefits of eucalyptus are enhanced during the winter months, or on cold days, stages in which the so-called winter depression appears. 

• Eucalyptus is an unrivaled companion in the practice of yoga and meditation, activities that are performed to keep unnecessary or cluttered thoughts out of the mind. 

 Beware of fake news A year ago, in the middle of a health emergency due to covid-19, the eucalyptus leaves became a treasure for the inhabitants of Managua, Nicaragua. 

This was because it was spread, falsely, that the leaves of this tree were an effective shield against the coronavirus, so that they began to be sold everywhere: on pedestrian crossings, in bus stations, on ridges and in markets. 

The furor was so great that even “home delivery” services were established. 

Of course, eucalyptus, despite all its therapeutic benefits, does not work against the infectious agent that causes one of the most lethal health emergencies of all time. 

References 
 
 ·         Boletín UNAM-DGCS-1029. 
 https://www.dgcs.unam.mx/boletin/bdboletin/2002/2002_1029.html
 ·         Ecoagricultor. Agricultura y consumo ecológico. https://www.ecoagricultor.com/
 https://www.ecoagricultor.com/aceite-esencial-eucalipto-propiedades/
 ·         Bioenciclopedia. https://www.bioenciclopedia.com/eucalipto/
 ·         Forestalmaderero.com
 https://www.forestalmaderero.com/articulos/item/la-historia-del-eucalipto.html.
 ·         Agencia EFE. https://www.efe.com/efe/america/sociedad/el-covid-19-desata-fiebre-por-las-hojas-del-eucalipto-en-nicaragua/20000013-4250588