Therapeutic Uses
- Colds and Flu – Eucalyptol loosens phlegm in the chest so it’s easier to cough up. Eucalyptus is one of the few traditional herbal medicines approved by the FDA. Animal studies have shown that eucalyptol kills influenza A, the virus that causes the most serious form of flu. It also kills certain bacteria. Inhaling the vapors of a strong eucalyptus infusion may help prevent bacterial bronchitis, a possible complication of colds and flu.
- Wounds – The antibacterial action of eucalyptol makes it an effective treatment for minor cuts and scrapes.
- Periodontal Health – Japanese researchers gave people suffering from gum disease a chewing gum containing eucalyptus extract. After twelve weeks, those who chewed the eucalyptus gum showed significantly reduced symptoms of gum disease.
- Headaches – Researchers treated people who were prone to tension headaches with either a placebo or a combination of eucalyptus and peppermint oil applied to their foreheads and temples. The herb treatments produced more significant relief. The formula that was mostly eucalyptus oil produced the greatest muscle relaxation.
Medicinal Uses: *Allergies *Aromatherapy *Arthritis *Bronchitis *Burns *Colds *Congestion *Cuts & Wounds *Facial Care *Flu *Herbal Steam *Herbal Teas *Herpes/Cold Sores *Insect Repellent *Lice *Lupus *Nerve/Back Pain *Pain Relief *Rheumatoid arthritis *Sinus *Sore Throat
Eucalyptus Side Effects: Side effects are rare and include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, there have been reports of skin redness, rash, and a burning stomach pain. You should never apply eucalyptus oil directly to the nostrils or take it internally, especially in children who may develop laryngeal spasms. Taken internally, eucalyptus oil is highly poisonous. Since there is a remote possibility that cineole, a compound in eucalyptus, may trigger seizures in children, eucalyptus products should not be used around a child who has had seizures or any child under the age of two. It should not be used in those who have hypersensitivity to eucalyptus, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or the bile ducts, and serious liver disease. Liver problems may develop when eucalyptus is used with comfrey, borage, coltsfoot, and hound’s tooth. When using eucalyptus, it is important to follow directions carefully, as overdosing is possible.
Eucalyptus Drug Interactions: Eucalyptus oil affects liver enzymes and can weaken or shorten the effects of other drugs. Eucalyptus may lower blood sugar, so those who are already using drugs to lower blood sugar should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels. Concurrent use with barbiturates is ill advised because the herb decreases the drugs’ effectiveness.
