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 Eucalyptus is native to Australia, but today can now be
found in growing in subtropical regions worldwide. One of the first
recorded medicinal uses of Eucalyptus was by the Australian
aborigines, who not only extracted valuable water from its roots,
but used its leaves to relieve fevers. In fact, early Australian
developers were successfully able to treat and cure fever using
Eucalyptus leaves.
Eucalyptus is sold as both a supplement
and is an ingredient in over-the-counter products. The supplement
has been promoted for cough/bronchitis and rheumatism. Eucalyptus as
an ingredient in over-the-counter drugs is used for temporary relief
of minor aches and pains of muscles and for temporary relief of
nasal congestion and coughs associated with a cold.
The
medicinal properties of Eucalyptus reside in its oil, which is
extracted from the fresh leaves and branch tips, and is found in the
dried leaves. Eucalyptus leaf, Eucalypti folium, is an approved
remedy of the German Government's Federal Institute for Drugs and
Medical Devices (Commission E) for catarrhs of the respiratory
tract. Eucalyptus oil, Eucalypti aetheroleum, is approved for
internal and external catarrhs of the respiratory tract and
externally for rheumatic complaints. Approval by Commission E should
not be considered the equivalent of FDA approval. The FDA has a much
higher standard and requires the establishment of absolute certainty
of safety and efficacy of any product intended to diagnose, cure,
mitigate, treat, or prevent disease and demands that such product be
classified as a drug.
Health Benefits of
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus supplements are derived from
the fresh leaves and branch tips as well as the dried leaves of the
tree known as Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus fructicetorum, and
Eucalyptus smithii. Eucalyptus grows in subtropical
regions.
The primary active constituent in eucalyptus leaves
is the volatile oil euclyptol. For eucalyptus to provide an
effective expectorant and antiseptic action, the volatile oil should
contain at least 70% eucalyptol.Eucalyptus oil has been compared to
menthol because it acts on receptors in the nasal mucosa, which help
to alleviate nasal congestion.
Cautions and Side
Effects
Eucalyptus supplementation is inadvisable
for children, adolescents, older or chronically ill people, pregnant
women or women who are breastfeeding, and anyone with low blood
pressure, kidney problems, stomach problems, intestinal or biliary
inflammation, or liver disorders. Insulin-dependent diabetics should
carefully monitor blood sugar since eucalyptus may affect blood
sugar levels.
Eucalyptus may affect the metabolism and
clearance of drugs like phenobarbital, aminopyrine, and amphetamine
by the liver. Anyone taking such medication should avoid the use of
eucalyptus.
Precautions and Side
Effects
Unlike the pharmaceutical companies, the
manufacturers of herbs and supplements do not have the same
mechanism for reporting adverse effects associated with the use of
their products. Therefore data on adverse effects is limited.
Life-threatening poisonings have been reported from overdoses of
eucalyptus oil. Initial symptoms of toxicity are epigastric pain and
vomiting, followed by central nervous system depression, and coma.
Other potential adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea.
Only a few drops of Eucalyptus oil are enough to
cause life-threatening poisoning in many children. Adults have been
poisoned with only 4 to 5 milliliters. Symptoms of overdose include
a drop in blood pressure, circulation problems, collapse, and
asphyxiation. In the event of overdose, you should seek emergency
medical treatment immediately.
Supporting
Literature
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications
and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, Ore: Eclectic Medical;
1998:69-70.
Wren RC. Potter’s New Cyclopedia of Botanical Drugs
and Preparations. Essex, England: C.W. Daniel Co., 1988,
110–111.
Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale
Press, 1991, 162–163.
Kumar A, et al. Antibacterial properties of
some Eucalyptus oils. Fitoterapia. 1988;59:141-144.
McGuffin M,
Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A. American Herbal Products Association's
Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press;
1996.
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