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Eucalyptus | | |
The leaf of the native Australian evergreen contains a volatile oil that
is powerful and immediately recognizable. Commonly used in cough and cold
lozenges, the expectorant properties of eucalyptus make it useful for
conditions related to the respiratory tract and sinuses. Eucalyptus added
to a stem bath is a wonderful way to clear out the breathing passages.
Additionally, eucalyptus has anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties
that translate into effective internal and external cleansing. Applied
topically, eucalyptus eases joint pain and muscle aches, making it no
surprise why many vapor rubs on the market have a strong eucalyptus
component present.
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| Common Name | | | Eucalyptus
| | | Parts Used | | | Leaves
| | | Other Names | | | Blue Gum, Stringy Bark Tree, Tasmanian Blue Gum, Eucalypti folium.
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| | | Description | | | The Eucalyptus tree is a tall evergreen tree native to Australia and Tasmania but is cultivated elsewhere. The trunk, which can grow to over 100 m, is covered with peeling, papery bark. The leaves on the young plant, up to five years old, are opposite, sessile, soft, oblong, pointed and a hoary blue colour. The mature leaves are alternate, petioled, leathery and shaped like a scimitar. The flowers are solitary, axillary and white, with no petals and a woody calyx. The fruit is a hard, four-celled, many-seeded capsule enclosed in the calyx cup.
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| | | Traditional Internal Uses | | | Eucalyptus was first used by Australian aborigines, who not only chewed
the roots for water in the dry outback but used the leaves as a remedy for
fevers. In the 1800s, crew members of an Australian freighter developed
high fevers, but were able to successfully cure their condition using
eucalyptus tea. Thus, eucalyptus became well known throughout Europe and
the Mediterranean as the Australian fever tree. Early 19th century
Eclectic physicians in the United States not only used eucalyptus oil to
sterilize instruments and wounds, but recommended a steam inhalation of
the vapor of its oil to help treat asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and
emphysema.2
A cold extract made from the leaves of eucalyptus is
helpful for indigestion and for intermittent fever. In Sicily, eucalyptus
is being extensively planted to combat malaria, on account of its property
of absorbing large quantities of water from the soil. Recent
investigations have shown that Sicilian Eucalyptus oil obtained from
leaves during the flowering period can compete favourably with the
Australian oil in regard to its industrial and therapeutic applications.
Oil has also been distilled in Spain from the leaves of E. globulus, grown
there.
The medicinal eucalyptus oil is probably the most powerful
antiseptic of its class, especially when it is old, as ozone is formed in
it on exposure to the air. It has decided disinfectant action, destroying
the lower forms of life. Internally, it has the typical actions of a
volatile oil in a marked degree. Eucalyptus oil is often used as a
stimulant and antiseptic gargle. An emulsion made by shaking up equal
parts of the oil and powdered gum-arabic with water has been used as a
urethral injection, and has also been given internally in drachm doses in
pulmonary tuberculosis and other microbic diseases of the lungs and
bronchitis. In croup and spasmodic throat troubles, eucalyptus oil may be
freely applied externally. The oil is also an ingredient of 'catheder
oil,' used for sterilizing and lubricating urethral catheters.
For
some years Eucalyptus-chloroform was employed as one of the remedies in
the tropics for hookworm, but it has now been almost universally abandoned
as an inefficient anthelmintic. Chenopodium oil has now become the
recognized remedy. However, in veterinary practice, eucalyptus oil is
administered to horses in influenza, to dogs in distemper, to all animals
in septicaemia. It is also used for parasitic skin affections.
Today, the German E Commission cites eucalyptus leaf as an effective
remedy for Catarrhs of the respiratory tract.
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| | | Traditional Topical Uses | | | Eucalyptus oil is a strong antiseptic and lozenges made from it are useful
for lung diseases, colds and sore throats. Its expectorant properties are
useful in bronchitis. It can also be used as a vapour bath or chest rub
for asthma and other respiratory complaints. It is said to be useful for
pyorrhoea and for burns, where it prevents infection, and it also
eradicates lice and fleas.
Externally, its antiseptic and
deodorant qualities make it suitable for use on purulent wounds and
ulcers. Diluted in sunflower oil, it can be applied to cold sores or used
as a massage oil for painful joints. In a double-blind trial, a
eucalyptus-based rub was found helpful for warming muscles in athletes.
Locally applied, eucalyptus oil impairs sensibility and increases cardiac
action.
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| | | Indications | | | Primary Indications: Respiratory Problems, Sinusitis / Sinus Infection, Bronchitis, Lung Health, Asthma
Secondary Indications: Back Pain, Arthritis
Other Indications: Infections, Herpes (Genital), Insect Bites and Bee Stings, Burns, Parasites / Parasitic Infections, Flu / Influenza, Distemper
Primary Indications: Coughing, Catarrh
Secondary Indications: Muscle Ache, Joint Pain
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| | | Actions | | | Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anticatarrh, Antiparasitic, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Expectorant, Insecticidal
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| | | Constituents / Nutrients | | | Flavonoids: Eucalyptrin, hyperoside, quercetin, quercitrin
and rutin.
Volatile Oils: 0.5-3.5%. Eucalyptol
(cineole) 70-85%. Others include monoterpenes (e.g. alpha-pinene,
beta-pinene, d-limonene, p-cymene, alpha-phellandrene, camphene,
?-terpinene) and sesquiterpenes (e.g. aromadendrene, alloaromadendrene,
globulol, epiglobulol, ledol, viridiflorol), aldehydes (e.g. myrtenal) and
ketones (e.g. carvone, pinocarvone).
Other
Constituents: Tannins and associated acids (e.g. gallic acid,
protocatechuic acid), caffeic acid, ferulic acids, gentisic acid, resins
and waxes
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| | | Pharmacological Summary | | | Eucalyptus is characterised by its volatile oil components. Antiseptic and
expectorant properties have been attributed to the oil, in particular to
the principal component eucalyptol. It is due to these active properties
that eucalyptus is widely used for conditions of the respiratory tract.
Test tube studies have demonstrated the antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory actions of eucalyptus, while clinical trials suggest
benefits in areas of snoring, and muscle aches and tension headaches. The
undiluted oil is toxic if taken internally. Essential oils should not be
applied to the skin unless they are diluted with a carrier vegetable oil
or water.
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| | | Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions | | | In Vitro and Animal Studies
The major constituent in
eucalyptus leaves is a volatile oil known as eucalyptol (1,8-cineol). In
order to provide an effective expectorant and antiseptic action, the leaf
oil should contain approximately 70-85% eucalyptol.3 Eucalyptus oil is
said to function in a fashion similar to that of menthol by acting on
receptors in the nasal mucosa, leading to a reduction in symptoms such as
nasal congestion.4 In test tube studies, eucalyptus species have been
shown to possess antibacterial actions against such organisms as Bacillus
subtilis,5 as well as several strains of Streptococcus.6 These actions
have not been researched in human clinical trials.
In vitro
antiviral activity against influenza type A has been documented for
quercitrin and hyperoside.
Clinical
Studies
Peppermint (10 grams) and eucalyptus oil (5 grams) in
combination, applied topically to the forehead and temples for three
minutes with a small sponge, have been shown to be helpful as a muscle
relaxant (but not for pain relief) in people with tension headaches.7 A
eucalyptus oil extract containing 50% p-methane-3,8-diol (PMD) as the
active ingredient has been shown to be effective in protecting human
volunteers from various types of biting insects.8 On human forearms, it
was determined that the eucalyptus extract was nearly as effective as a
20% solution of diethyltoluamine (used in many insect repellents) in
repelling bites of the Anopheles mosquito (the insect that spreads
malaria) for up to five hours. The eucalyptus extract was also effective
at repelling flies (94%) and midges (100%) for up to six hours.
A
preliminary study suggests the combination of eucalyptus and menthol as a
nasal inhalant is helpful in cases of mild to moderate snoring.9 Also, in
a double-blind trial, a eucalyptus-based rub was found helpful for warming
muscles in athletes.10 This further suggests eucalyptus may help relieve
minor muscle soreness when applied topically, though studies are needed to
confirm this possibility.
Eucalyptus oil oil has been taken orally
for catarrh, used as an inhalation and applied as a rubefacient. A plant
preparation containing tinctures of various herbs including eucalyptus has
been used successfully in the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis.(11)
The efficacy of the preparation was attributed to the antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory actions of the herbs included.
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| | | Research | | | "Eucalyptus Oil Relieves Sinusitis"
"Herbs For Winter Woes?"
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| | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | Eucalyptus may interfere with existing hypoglycaemic therapy. Eucalyptus
oil should be diluted before internal or external
use.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Eucalyptus oil
should not be taken internally during pregnancy.
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| | | Interaction with Medications | | | Although there are no known reports of drug interactions, the German
Commission E monograph suggests that because eucalyptus oil may activate
certain enzyme systems in the liver, it may potentially weaken or shorten
the action of some medications, including pentobarbital, aminopyrine, and
amphetamine.17 18 Eucalyptus should not be used in large amounts by people
with low blood pressure as it may cause a further drop in blood
pressure.19 The safety of eucalyptus oil has not been established in
pregnant or nursing women.
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| | | Possible Side Effects | | | Externally, eucalyptus oil is stated to be generally non-toxic,
non-sensitizing and non-phototoxic. Undiluted eucalyptus oil is toxic and
should not be taken internally. A dose of 3.5 mL has proved fatal.
Symptoms of poisoning with eucalyptus oil include epigastric burning,
nausea and vomiting, dizziness, muscular weakness, miosis, a feeling of
suffocation, cyanosis, delirium and convulsions. In large doses,
eucalyptus acts as an irritant to the kidneys, by which it is largely
excreted, and as a marked nervous depressant ultimately arresting
respiration by its action on the medullary centre.
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| | | Dosage | | | Average Daily Dosage: 4 - 6 g of leaf; equivalent
preparations.
Dried Extract: Eucalyptus capsules are
generally available in strengths that range from 200 to 600 mg. Within
herbal blends, quantities of eucalyptus are significantly smaller.
Typically, a capsule strength of 300 to 500 mg is recommended to be taken
3 times daily.
Tincture: Daily dosage 3 - 9 g.
Not
all eucalyptus species provide the medically therapeutic oil; look for
products containing at least 70% to 85% eucalyptol
(cineole).
Eucalyptus oil should always be diluted before applying
it topically or ingesting it; always follow package
instructions.
For congestion related to colds, cough, flu, asthma,
sinusitis, earache, and other types of respiratory conditions, there are
three effective treatment approaches:
Make a steam inhalation
solution. Add a drop of eucalyptus oil (or two or three leaves) to a pan
of water. Bring the water to a boil and remove the pan from the heat.
Drape a towel over your head and the pan. Close your mouth and inhale the
steam deeply through both nostrils. Blow your nose as frequently as
necessary. Repeat twice daily, more frequently for earaches.
Add a
drop or two of eucalyptus oil to a commercial steam inhaler. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions.
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| | | Usage | | | For minor wounds: Clean the wound thoroughly. Mix the diluted
eucalyptus oil with an equal quantity of an alcohol-based topical
antiseptic and apply a few drops to the affected area. Seek medical
attention if signs of infection develop (redness, localized warmth,
fever).
For arthritis pain or muscle aches: Rub several
drops of well-diluted eucalyptus oil into the skin. Alternatively, soak in
an herbal bath made by wrapping a handful of eucalyptus leaves in
cheesecloth and allowing the bath water to run through the
bundle.
For gum disease: Place a few drops of well-diluted
eucalyptus oil onto your fingertip and massage into your gums.
Alternatively, purchase a toothpaste containing eucalyptus oil.
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| | | Preparation | | | Drink two cups of eucalyptus leaf tea daily. Make the tea by pouring one
cup (8 ounces) of hot (but not boiling) water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of
finely crushed eucalyptus leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
Alternatively, make the tea with eucalyptus tincture, adding the number of
drops designated on the label (typically 30 to 45) to an 8-ounce cup of
hot water.
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| | | References | | | 1. Wren RC. Potter's New Cyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations.
Essex, England: C.W. Daniel Co., 1988, 110-1.
2. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1991,
162-3.
3. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of
Phytomedicines. New York: Haworth Press, 1999, 123.
4. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy, 3rd ed. Berlin,
Germany: Springer-Verlag, 1998, 146-7.
5. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in
Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996,
232-3.
6. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for
Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996,
108.
7. Gobel H, Schmidt G, Dowarski M, et al. Essential plant oils and
headache mechanisms. Phytomed 1995;2:93-102.
8. Trigg JK, Hill N. Laboratory evaluation of a eucalyptus-based insect
repellent against four biting arthropods. Phytother Res 1996;10:313-6.
Reviewed by Yarnell E. Selected herbal research summaries QRNM
1997;116.
9. Ishizuka Y, Imamura Y, Tereshima K, et al. Effects of nasal inhalation
capsule. Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Tokyo 1997;40:9-13.
10. Hong CZ, Shellock FG. Effects of a topically applied counter irritant
(Eucalyptamint) on cutaneous blood flow and on skin and muscle
temperature: A placebo controlled study. Am J Phys Med Rehab
1991;70:29-33.
11. Shaparenko BA et al. On use of medicinal plants for treatment of
patients with chronic suppurative otitis. Zh Ushn Gorl Bolezn 1979; 39:
48-51.
Our thanks to the following information resources:
WholehealthMD.com, Botanical.com, MedicinesComplete.com, Vitacost.com,
American Botanical Council (Herbalgram.org), and Purplesage.org.
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| | 3 total products | | | Eucalyptus (Read all about Eucalyptus.)
Plant Part: Leaves | |
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Eucalyptus - Health - Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil
0.50 oz / 14 g
5.25 US
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Eucalyptus - Health - Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil
1.70 oz / 48 g
7.39 US
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Eucalyptus - Health - Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil
3.40 oz / 96 g
9.85 US
More Info
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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