Benefits of Eucalyptus Tea What Is Eucalyptus Tea? Eucalyptus tea is made from the leaves of a Eucalyptus plant species native to Australia and known in that region as the fever tree due to its medicinal properties. (typically Eucalyptus globulus.) There are variations of this tea, however. The most common form consists of water and a few Eucalyptus leaves, which are brewed. What Is Eucalyptus? When we think of Eucalyptus, most of us associate this plant with Koalas in Australia nestled within a Eucalyptus tree nibbling away at the leaves. These leaves are the main staple of a Koala’s diet. Or perhaps you associate this plant with a common floral filler for wreaths and flower arrangements. You’ll find dried Eucalyptus in the dried flower section of most any craft store because of its popularity in floral arrangements. There are hundreds upon hundreds of different Eucalyptus species growing all around the world. According...
Sarsaparilla: Benefits, Risks, and Side Effects What is sarsaparilla? Sarsaparilla is a tropical plant from the genus Smilax. The climbing, woody vine grows deep in the canopy of the rainforest. It’s native to South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, and the West Indies. Many species of Smilax fall into the category of sarsaparilla, including: S. officinalis S. japicanga S. febrifuga S. regelii S. aristolochiaefolia S. ornata S. glabra History For centuries, indigenous people around the world used the root of the sarsaparilla plant for treating joint problems like arthritis, and for healing skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. The root was also thought to cure Hansen’s disease (leprosy) due to its “blood-purifying” properties. Sarsaparilla was later introduced into European medicine and eventually registered as an herb in the United States Pharmacopoeias to treat syphilis. Other names for sarsaparilla Sarsaparilla goes by many different nam...