Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil, eucalyptol, eucalypti folium
Efficacy
- Indications with possible efficacy:
None - Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy:
None - Other indications with no proof of efficacy:
Acne - topical use
Asthma
Dyspepsia
Expectorant / cough (common use)
Fever
Oral health - topical use
Respiratory tract infection (bronchitis, sinusitis, cold, etc.)
Rheumatism
Safety
- Risk of Drug Interactions: Moderate
- Adverse Effects: Low
Description
Parts of the plant used: leaves and oil
Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia and consists of 600 different species. They grow in warm climates. Eucalyptus oil, which is made by extracting the oil from the leaves of the tree, contains 60% to 90% eucalyptol, a compound that appears to have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. This essential oil is used in many day to day health and beauty care products.
Directions for use
Eucalyptus has not been proven effective for any indication. Usual doses however, have been established for certain common uses.
- Inflammationespiratory tract infections
Doses used:
Infusion - 2 to 3 grams of dried leaves in 150 mL of boiling water, 2 times a day.
Essential oil - 2 to 6 drops, 2 to 3 times a day.
Inhalation - Put 4 to 6 drops of essential oil in 150 mL of boiling water. Inhale 3 times a day.
External route - Put 15 to 20 drops of essential oil in 25 mL of oil. Rub 3 times a day. - Rheumatic pain
Doses used:
External route - Put 15 to 20 drops of essential oil in 25 mL of oil. Rub 3 times a day.
Precautions
- Adverse effects
There are few adverse effects associated with usual doses of eucalyptus. The following symptoms however, have been reported: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. High doses can be toxic and cause the following symptoms: central nervous system depression, shallow breathing, seizures, rapid heartbeat. The risk of toxicity is higher in children. - Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with diabetes since eucalyptus may lower blood sugar. Avoid use in young children. Anyone with stomach, intestinal, biliary or kidney inflammation or any other liver disorder should avoid using eucalyptus. - Interactions
Eucalyptus may increase the effect of oral hypoglycemics and insulin and decrease the elimination of various medications. Before using eucalyptus, speak to your pharmacist to see whether it is compatible with the drugs you are presently taking. - Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The use of eucalyptus is not advised since there is no reliable information about its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Warning
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
References
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
- Passeportsanté.net. Eucalyptus. www.passeportsante.net
- Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
[UNIPRIX] © Copyright Vigilance Santé
The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.