Medicinal Uses of Eucalyptus
Medical Uses of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.)
Eucalyptus is a tree. The dried leaves and their oil are used in medicine. There are more than 400 different species of Eucalyptus. In Greece, we find the species Eucalyptus globulus. Eucalyptus leaves are used to treat infections, fever, stomach upset, and cough relief. The leaves are also used to treat respiratory infections, whooping cough, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, osteoarthritis, joint pain (rheumatism), acne, skin wounds, incomplete ulcer healing, burns, bacterial dysentery, skin fungal infections, liver and gallbladder diseases, lack of appetite and cancer.
Eucalyptus oil should NOT be taken orally or applied to the skin, before first being diluted. Diluted Eucalyptus Oil is taken orally for pain, cough, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections. It is also used as an expectorant and for cough relief, as an antiseptic, and antipyretic. Other uses include treating skin wounds, burns, ulcers, and cancer.
Diluted eucalyptus oil is applied directly to the skin for pain and swelling of the respiratory tract mucous membranes, joint pain, genital herpes, and nasal congestion. It is also used as an insect repellent.
In dentistry, eucalyptus oil is used in various products.
In the food industry, dried eucalyptus leaves are used as a flavoring agent.
Other uses for eucalyptus oil include using it as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics, as well as in mouthwashes, antiseptics, ointments and creams, toothpaste, and cough lozenges.
Eucalyptus leaves contain substances that can help control blood sugar. They also contain chemicals that can be active against bacteria and fungi. Eucalyptus oil contains chemicals that can help with pain and inflammation. It can also block the chemicals that cause asthma.
Studies show that eucalyptol, a chemical found in eucalyptus oil, can dissolve mucus. Some people with severe asthma have been able to lower their dosage of steroid medications if they take eucalyptol.
Are there any security concerns?
Eucalyptus leaves are safe when consumed in small quantities found in some foods. There is not enough information if supplements containing larger amounts of eucalyptus leaves are safe.
Eucalyptus oil is NOT safe when taken orally or when applied directly to the skin without first being diluted. Taking 3.5 ml of undiluted eucalyptus oil can be fatal. Signs of eucalyptus oil poisoning may include stomach pain and burning, dizziness, muscle weakness, puffiness, choking and more. Eucalyptus oil can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Eucalyptol, a component of eucalyptus oil, appears to be safe when taken orally for up to 12 weeks.
Special precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Eucalyptus seems to be safe for pregnant and lactating women when used in small amounts in food. DO NOT use eucalyptus oil. There is not enough evidence for safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Children: Eucalyptus oil is NOT safe for children. It should not be taken orally or applied to the skin. There is not enough evidence for the safety of using eucalyptus leaves in children. It is best to avoid using it in larger quantities than those found in food.
Diabetes: Research shows that eucalyptus leaves can lower blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels should be monitored closely when eucalyptus is used concomitantly with antidiabetic drugs.
Surgery: Given the fact that Eucalyptus can affect blood sugar levels, it can be difficult to control your blood sugar during and after surgery. Stop using eucalyptus at least 2 weeks before your scheduled surgery.
Are there any drug interactions?
Some drugs are metabolized by the liver. Eucalyptus oil can reduce how quickly the liver breaks down certain drugs. Thus, eucalyptus oil intake along with some drugs can increase their action and side effects. Before taking eucalyptus oil, talk to your doctor if you are taking any medicines that are metabolized by the liver.
Cytochrome substrates P450 1A2 (CYP1A2): Amitriptyline, haloperidol, propranolol, theophylline, verapamil, and others.
Cytochrome substrates P450 2C19 (CYP2C19): Omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, diazepam, nelfinavir and others.
Cytochrome substrates P450 2C9 (CYP2C9): Diclofenac, ibuprofen, meloxicam, piroxicam, celecoxib, amitriptyline, warfarin, glipizide, losartan, and others.
Cytochrome substrates P450 3A4 (CYP3A4): Lovastatin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fexofenadine, triazolam and others.
Drugs for diabetes (antidiabetic drugs): Eucalyptus leaf extract can lower blood sugar. Taking eucalyptus leaf extract along with antidiabetic drugs can cause a big drop in your blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar carefully. The dose of the antidiabetic medicine may need to be changed.
Some of the antidiabetic drugs are: Glimepiride, glyburide, insulin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, chlorpropamide, glipizide, tolbutamide and others.
Are there any interactions with herbs and supplements?
Herbs containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Eucalyptus may increase the toxicity of herbs containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Herbs that contain these alkaloids are Alkanna sp., Eupatorium sp., Borago sp., Petasites sp., Tussilago sp., Symphytum sp., Myosotis sp., Cynoglossum sp. as well as species belonging to the genus Senecio.
Are there any interactions with food?
There are not any known interactions with food.
What is the recommended dosage?
The proper dose of eucalyptus depends on various factors such as age, health status, and several other conditions. To date, there is not enough scientific evidence to determine the exact dosage for Eucalyptus. Remember that natural products are not always safe to use and dosage can be important. Follow the instructions on the product labels and consult your pharmacist or doctor or other healthcare professional before the use.
Relevant tests
- Blood sugar
- Insulin levels
- Glycosylated Hemoglobin
- Liver Function Tests
