Features
The Eucalyptus herb and its exceptional benefits to our teeth… The role it plays today in toothpaste and dentistry
Ever wondered what Eucalyptus is all about? I am sure a considerable number of Ghanaians
might have seen it, chewed it, gargled it or experienced its unique benefits in one way or the
other. Well, the benefits of the eucalyptus herb are enormous to the skin, to our health and
even in maintaining good oral health care.
Now, let’s take a keen look at what the herb does in totality and how it’s one of the best
ingredients to look out for in a toothpaste.
Eucalyptus trees are commonly known as Gum trees, 30 feet tall, fast growing evergreen
tree with some of about 100 feet tall.
The history of eucalyptus dates to ancient history in the year 1642, when Abel Janszoon
Tasman explored Tasmania, an island off Australia and discovered this amazing tree. After
its discovery, the use and cultivation of the tree grew, for which many used the wood as
timber since its strong and flexible. It is also believed that eucalyptus is a strong push back
against the deadliest malaria.
In the 18 th and 19 th centuries in Australia, eucalyptus is also used as an antiseptic and for
wound healing.
Now, let’s explore some of its new discoveries and how best it is utilized in the world we find
ourselves in today looking at eucalyptus leaves, eucalyptus oil and eucalyptol.
Eucalyptus leaves
A pretty leaf at a first glance it is, smells wonderful, can be
used as an aromatherapy, helps in relaxation, it repels bugs
and others. The dried leaves are usually grounded up to
make a healthy eucalyptus tea.
Most importantly eucalyptus leaves help to keep your teeth
healthy. It contains high amounts of ethanol and macrocarpal
C — a type of polyphenol. These compounds are associated
with lower levels of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.
A study in 97 people found that those who chewed gum with eucalyptus leaf extract 5 times
per day for at least 5 minutes had a significant decrease in plaque buildup, gum bleeding,
and gum inflammation, while the other controlled group experienced no improvements.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus globulus, a specific specie of
the eucalyptus tree. The oil is medicinal and used in variety of ways; it can be inhaled to
relieve coughing and for easy breathing, helps to control blood sugar, eases joint pain, used
for cleaning and as a disinfectant and bug repellent as well.
Eucalyptus oil is best used for dental care. It helps in fighting plaque, bad breath, or cavity
problems and most predominantly found in mouthwash and toothpastes.
A team of experienced dentists found out that the eucalyptus oil is effective in fighting
cavities, dental plaque, gingivitis as well as preventing other oral infections. Eucalyptus oil
fights germicidal properties in the mouth and also keeps your breath pleasant.
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol found in eucalyptus is used as an ingredient in products like mouthwash and
lotion.
Now, I believe we have a better view of why various products on the market add a touch of
eucalyptus herb as an ingredient in their products.
In this same line, Closeup Complete Fresh Protection has been formulated to give our
consumers a herbal touch with eucalyptus mint as a core ingredient. We have realized that
our discerning consumers are increasingly seeking after and purchasing products made or
infused with herbal or natural ingredients. Further, eucalyptus mint, as I have outlined, has
proven to do wonders when it comes to dentistry and oral health care.
However, what our consumers will realize is that Closeup Complete Fresh Protection is not
only a herbal product but it offers holistic complete freshness by offering benefits such as
deep cleaning, fresh breath, cavity protection, strong teeth, and fighting germs.
At Unilever, our sole aim is to always offer customers the best of our brands. We achieve
this objective by providing them with the kind of products they look forward to while focusing
on our vision of expanding our portfolio through innovation every so often. I can say we have
honoured this promise with this new product.
For dental care, always seek out for toothpastes with a touch of eucalyptus herb like the
Closeup Complete Fresh protection variant uniquely formulated to help you in deep
cleaning, to offer fresh breath, protecting against cavities, helping to maintain strong teeth,
and helping to fights germs.
By Joel Boateng
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
