Eucalyptus Tea

            The statuesque and aromatic eucalyptus tree, which sometimes reaches heights of 375 feet, is native to Australia and Tasmania. Now grown in many parts of the world, it is valued for its usefulness in reclaiming malarial areas and lands that are plagued by drought. And of course the eucalyptus has long had the distinction of its leaves being the sole diet of those wonderful koala bears. Though the long ovate leaves are reported to contain high amounts of hydrogen cyanide, their oil has long been recognized for its antiseptic qualities. The oil or crushed leaves can be applied to any surface skin wound with good results.

            Tea made from the crushed leaves has an unusual bitter taste; it is said to be good for the digestion and useful for bronchial disorders. The vapors of the tea can also be inhaled in cases of asthma and chest congestion.

Comfrey

            Knitbone, boneset, healing herb – these popular names for comfrey are indicative of its extraordinary medicinal qualities. It is particularly well known for its ability to speed the healing of fractured and broken bones; either the roots or the leaves are pounded into a mucilaginous mass and applied as a poultice to the injured area, and the tea is taken internally. Comfrey poultices have been said to effect wondrous cures of malignant ulcers; again tea from either root or leaf is taken conjointly, internally. Comfrey tea is also useful in the treatment of chest disorders and tuberculosis, internal ulcers, and diarrhea. To prepare the tea, steep 1 teaspoon leaves or root in 1 cup boiling water for 30 minutes.

           

            Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) grows wild in many parts of the world, including North America. It is also easily cultivated as a garden plant.