The eucalyptus tree originated in Australia and Tasmania, but has now been spread to all other inhabited continents. There are many different varieties of eucalyptus, with somewhat differing constituents. The most common type used medicinally is eucalyptus globules. Its
essential oil
contains eucalyptol (cineol or cineole).
Eucalyptus oil has long history of use as a topical antiseptic. It has also been used as a lozenge or inhalation therapy for asthma, cough, sore throat, and other respiratory conditions.
What is Eucalyptus Used for Today?
A standardized combination of cineol from eucalyptus, d-limonene from citrus fruit, and alpha-pinene from pine has been studied for effectiveness in a variety of respiratory conditions. These oils are all in a chemical family called monoterpenes, and for this reason the combined treatment is called “
essential oil monoterpenes
.” This combination is discussed in a separate article of that name. Other combination therapies containing eucalyptus oil are discussed in the article titled
Aromatherapy
.
Eucalyptus oil or its constituents taken alone have undergone only limited study. It appears to be most promising as a treatment for the common cold. However, concerns about
safety
have limited its use.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 152 people, use of cineol at a dose of 200 mg three times daily markedly improved symptoms of the
common cold
.
1
Benefits were seen in such symptoms as nasal congestion, headache, and overall malaise. Because the participants in this study suffered, in particular, from sinus symptoms, this study has been used to indicate that cineol may be helpful for viral
sinusitis
. Few significant side effects were seen in this study, but the product used was of pharmaceutical grade, and not all dietary supplements of eucalyptus oil may be equally safe.
A second placebo-controlled study involving 150 subjects also demonstrated favorable results of cineol compared to a combination of five other herbal products.6
In another study, 32 people on steroids to control severe
asthma
(steroid-dependent asthma) were given either placebo or cineole (200 mg three times daily) for 12 weeks.
2
The results showed that people using cineole were able to gradually reduce their steroid dosage to a greater extent than those taking placebo. NOTE: Reduction of steroid dosage should be done only under the supervision of a physician.
Cineole or eucalyptus oil applied topically has also shown some potential value for repelling
mosquito bites
.
3
Dosage
The studied dosage of cineole is 200 mg three times daily for adults. Internal use of cineole or eucalyptus oil should be avoided in children.
For use as an insect repellent, 25–50 ml of the oil is added to 500 ml of water. Do not use in children under age 12.
As an inhalant, a few drops of eucalyptus oil are added to a vaporizer.
Safety Issues
Internal use of eucalyptus oil at appropriate doses by healthy people can cause nausea, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash.
1
Excessive dosages can be fatal, especially to children. Inhalation of the oil can exacerbate asthma in some people. Application of cineole to the entire body resulted in severe nervous system poisoning in a 6-year-old child.
4
In general, eucalyptus oil should not be used by young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease.
Although no drug interactions of eucalyptus are firmly documented, there are theoretical reasons to believe it could interact with a number of medications, either raising or lowering their levels.
5
Therefore, people taking any oral or injected medication that is critical to their health or well-being should avoid internal use of eucalyptus until more is known.
References
1:
Kehrl W, Sonnemann U, Dethlefsen U. Therapy for acute nonpurulent rhinosinusitis with cineole: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Laryngoscope
. 2004;114:738–742.
2:
Juergens UR, Dethlefsen U, Steinkamp G, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of a 1.8-cineol (eucalyptol) in bronchial asthma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Respir Med
. 2003;97:250–256.
3:
Traboulsi AF, El-Haj S, Tueni M, et al. Repellency and toxicity of aromatic plant extracts against the mosquito
Culex pipiens molestus
(Diptera: Culicidae).
Pest Manag Sci
. 2005;61:597–604.
5:
Kim NH, Hyun SH, Jin CH, et al. Pretreatment with 1,8-cineole potentiates thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity and immunosuppression.
Arch Pharm Res
. 2004;27:781-789.
6:
Tesche S, Metternich F, Sonnemann U, et al. The value of herbal medicines in the treatment of acute non-purulent rhinosinusitis : Results of a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 Apr 25.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
