Eucalyptus

The Aborigines—native Australians—used the leaves of eucalyptus to help heal wounds and reduce fevers. They also knew that if they were stuck without water in the desert area of Australia known as the Outback, they could dig up some eucalyptus roots, which are filled with water, to have a drink.

Eucalyptus leaves and the oil they produce kill bacteria, and ease breathing difficulties in people with croup, asthma, and bronchitis. It is also used externally for chest congestion, to ease aches and pains, and as a deodorant. If you've ever used Vicks VapoRub, then you probably remember the cool yet burning sensation that the balm left on your skin, and the way the minty, spicy smell cleared your sinuses to help you breathe. That's how eucalyptus essential oil works.

Eucalyptus is added to perfume, soap, and some foods and drinks. Its also used as an insect repellent and is added to wax candles and insect sprays. If you have dust mite allergies, you might want to consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your washer the next time you do laundry. Recent research suggests that this greatly reduces the numbers of dust mites, and that will help you breathe easier.

If you have cockroaches in your home, try putting a couple drops of eucalyptus essential oil on a few rags and leaving them overnight in your cupboards (be careful not to let the rags touch food or dishes). But remember that eucalyptus oil is highly toxic to humans and should be used with care. If you have children, make sure you store essential oils well out of their reach.

Plant Description

Eucalyptus is native to Australia, where it is the primary food in the diet of koala bears. Today it is grown all over the world, including the United States. There are many species of eucalyptus. Some are the size of an ornamental shrub, and some grow to be giant trees. The type of eucalyptus that is most often used medicinally is called blue gum or Australian fever tree. It can grow as high as 230 feet. Its 4- to 12-inch leaves are dark green and shiny. Its blue-gray bark peels, and under it is a cream-colored bark.

What's It Made Of?

Eucalypus extracts and teas are made from soaking leaf material in an alcohol solution that draws out active components. Some of these active components are called tannins and flavonoids. Leaf essential oil, prepared from steam distillation, is mostly made up of an active component called cineole. It also contains other plant chemicals.

Available Forms

Eucalyptus is available as liquid essential oil, essential oil in ointment form, leaf tincture (solution made from herb and alcohol, or herb, alcohol, and water), crude leaf, and tea. Commercial cough drops, syrups, vaporizer fluid, liniments, toothpaste, and mouthwash may contain eucalyptus oil or its main ingredient, cineole.

How to Take It

Eucalyptus is used to treat inflammation of the chest, lungs, nose, and throat. It can kill a number of strains of bacteria, as well as some types of fungus. When applied to your skin, it can help to relieve rheumatic pain. Before using the following or any dosages, talk to your health care provider and follow his/her instructions.

• Eucalyptus leaf as infusion (tea): 1 to 2 g per cup three times a day
• Eucalyptus leaf tincture (for congestion): 1/2 to 1 ml a day
• Oil for topical application (sore joints or chest rub for congestion): 30 ml oil to 500 ml lukewarm water
• Eucalyptol: 0.05 to 0.2 ml (1 to 2 drops per cup boiling water) daily
• Eucalyptus oil (for topical application): add 1/2 to 1 ml (15 to 30 drops) of oil to 1/2 cup of carrier oil (sesame, olive, etc.). For inhalation, add 5 to 10 drops of oil to 2 cups boiling water; place towel over head and inhale steam.

Precautions

Do not use eucalyptus if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Eucalyptus oil is not toxic when used outside of the body. It should not be taken internally.

The American Herbal Products Association gives eucalyptus leaf a class 2d safety rating. Class 2d means that there are restrictions to an herb's use. In the case of eucalyptus leaf extracts, people with inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract or bile duct inflammatory disease should not use eucalyptus leaf extract. You also shouldn't use it if you have liver disease. Ask your health care provider if either of these conditions apply to you. You also should avoid taking too much leaf extract. The tannins in it could cause stomachaches or damage your liver or kidneys if taken in large amounts.

Never apply eucalyptus oil to the face or nose of a child under age 2.

Possible Interactions

No harmful drug interactions have been reported.

Supporting Research

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