High in Antioxidants
You cannot eat fresh and whole eucalyptus leaves. But, the leaves can be made into tea. It is important to not mistake this tea for eucalyptus oil, which can have severe side effects if taken. Pick a tea that is labeled “eucalyptus leaves tea” and don’t add eucalyptus essential oil to your tea. Studies show that eucalyptus tea has antioxidant [5] properties, especially flavonoids which protect your body from oxidative stress and free radical change. The major flavonoids in eucalyptus are luteolin, phloretin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and quercetin. Diets that contain high levels of these compounds may offer protection against heart disease [6], dementia [7], and cancer. For example, a study on 38,180 men and 60,289 women showed that a diet that contains high levels of flavonoids was responsible for an 18% lower risk of fatal heart disease.
Eucalyptus tea contains high levels of these antioxidants and is safe for adults. However, children who take eucalyptus are more susceptible to certain side effects and should contact a doctor for peripheral guidance when taking the tea.