What Is Eucalyptus ? What Is Its Health Benefits ?
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), An Overview
Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Eucalyptus is one of three similar genera that are commonly referred to as “eucalypts.” The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia and serves as the main food for koalas. The oil was used in traditional Aboriginal medicines to heal wounds and fungal infections. Teas made of eucalyptus leaves were also used to reduce fevers. Eucalyptus soon spread to other traditional medicine systems, including Chinese, Indian (Ayurvedic), and Greek and European. In the 19th century England, eucalyptus oil was used in hospitals to clean urinary catheters. Laboratory studies later showed that eucalyptus oil contains substances that kill bacteria. It also may kill some viruses and fungi. Studies in animals and test tubes also found that eucalyptus oil acts as an expectorant, meaning it loosens phlegm. Oil from the eucalyptus tree is used today in many over-the-counter cough and cold products, to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil is also found in creams and ointments used to relieve muscle and joint pain, and in some mouthwashes.
Eucalyptus – Plant Description
There are many species of eucalyptus. Some are of the size of an ornamental shrub, and some grow to be giant trees. The type of eucalyptus that is most often used as medicine is called blue gum or Australian fever tree. It can grow as high as 230 feet. Several eucalypts are among the tallest trees in the world. Its 4 to 12 inch leaves are dark green and shiny. Its blue-gray bark peels to reveal a cream-colored inner bark. Nearly all Eucalyptus are evergreen but some tropical species lose their leaves at the end of the dry season. As in other members of the myrtle family, Eucalyptus leaves are covered with oil glands. The copious oils produced are an important feature of the genus. Although mature Eucalyptus trees are usually towering and fully leafed, their shade is characteristically patchy because the leaves usually hang downwards.
Chemistry of Eucalyptus
The leaves and oil of the eucalyptus plant are used as medicine. Eucalyptus oil consists of the volatile oil made from the fresh leaves and branch tops of the eucalyptus plant. Eucalyptus leaves contain tannins, which are believed to help reduce inflammation, flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants and volatile oils. Eucalyptus oil contains eucalyptol, a medicinal compound which is used as a component for various medications including rubs, inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes. Eucalyptus oil is readily steam distilled from the leaves and can be used for cleaning and as an industrial solvent, as an antiseptic, for deodorising, and in very small quantities in food supplements, especially sweets, cough drops, toothpaste and decongestants. It has insect repellent properties, and is an active ingredient in some commercial mosquito repellents. Eucalyptus globulus is the principal source of Eucalyptus oil worldwide. The health benefits of eucalyptus oil can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal properties.
Health Benefits of Eucalyptus
Although eucalyptus oil has been used orally to treat some conditions, the oil is toxic when taken by mouth and must be diluted. You should not take eucalyptus oil by mouth unless your doctor tells you to.
Eucalyptus for Respiratory Problems
Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, running nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti inflammatory and decongestant in nature which makes it a good ingredient for many medicines for treating respiratory problems. A study published in Laryngoscope in 2004 shows its usefulness in treating non-bacterial sinusitis. Patients suffering from non-bacterial sinusitis showed faster improvement when given medicines containing eucalyptus oil. Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are effective on treating sore throat. Ointments containing eucalyptus are also applied to the nose and chest to relieve congestion. Another way to use eucalyptus herbal tea is to add fresh eucalyptus leaves into a bowl of hot water, put a towel over to cover your head and inhale the steam. The vapor containing the oil molecules and constituents will move through your nose into your lungs and bloodstream and clears your nasal passage and fight the infection. Eucalyptus oil helps loosen phlegm, so many people inhale eucalyptus steam to help treat bronchitis, coughs, and the flu. Drinking eucalyptus herbal tea may help treat respiratory infection, blocked nasal passages and loosen phlegm. It is helpful to treat the symptoms of bronchitis, the common cold, flu and sinus infection.
Eucalyptus for Fever
It is also used for treating fever and reducing the body temperature. Therefore it is also called fever oil. To use eucalyptus herb to treat or reduce fever, drink a cup of eucalyptus tea leaf and also soak several leaves or eucalyptus leaf tea bag in ice water, wet a cloth or towel in it and use it as a cold compress by placing it on your forehead. It may help lower your temperature because eucalyptus has shown to have febrifuge and antipyretic properties.
Eucalyptus for AntiMicrobial benefits
Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract is an effective antimicrobial agent. When introduced to cultured strains of E. coli, salmonella and staphylococcus as a part of a study published in 2008 in the “Research Journal of Medicinal Plant,” E. camaldulensis showed significant inhibition of bacterial growth in lab samples. In another antimicrobial study published in 2009 in the journal “Pharmaceutical Biology,” inhibition of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can lead to peptic ulcer disease and increase the risk of colorectal cancer, may indicate strong gastrointestinal benefits against this bacterial infection, which is difficult, invasive and expensive to treat with pharmaceutical antibiotics.
Eucalyptus essential oil for arthritis
Eucalyptus is one of the most effective aromatherapy oils for managing joint pains and aches. To reap these health benefits of eucalyptus essential oil, simply add 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to 20 ml of sweet almond oil or sunflower oil or any other carrier oil of your choice. Use it to massage aching joints preferably after taking a warm bath which relaxes painfully stiff joints. You can also add 5 drops of eucalyptus to a bowl of warm water and either soak your feet or hands in it depending on whether the arthritis affects your ankles or wrist joints.
Eucalyptus for Muscle Pain
During muscle and joint pains, massaging eucalyptus oil on the skin surface helps in getting relief from the pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain. The oil is massaged in circular motion on affected areas.
Eucalyptus as an antiseptic
Eucalyptus essential oil is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is topically used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also effective on insect bites and stings.
Eucalyptus for Anti-oxidant benefits
Another healthful benefit linked to the medicinal use of E. camaldulensis has to do with its antioxidant properties. In a study published in the “Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society” in 2010, researchers at Cumhuriyet University in Turkey demonstrated that the high concentrations of antioxidant flavonoids found in eucalyptus oil extract inhibited cell oxidation damage and abnormal cell growth and may combat everything from cell degeneration due to age to prevention of some forms of cancer.
Eucalyptus for Mental Exhaustion
An important reason why people like using eucalyptus oil is that it provides a cooling and refreshing effect. Normally people suffering from any disorder are down. Eucalyptus oil, which is stimulating, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It is also effective in treating stress and mental disorders.
Eucalyptus for Sauna
Many people add eucalyptus oil to baths, spas and saunas due to its refreshing and antiseptic effect. Usage of eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy is increasing gradually as it also blends well with many other essential oils including thyme essential oil, rosemary essential oil, marjoram essential oil, lavender essential oil, cedar wood essential oil, frankincense essential oil, etc.
Eucalyptus for Dental Care
Eucalyptus essential oil is very effective against cavities, dental plaques, gingivitis, other dental infections and gum disease, due to its germicidal properties. The oil is a prime ingredient in many mouthwashes and toothpastes. Eucalyptus oil is also rich in cineole, an antiseptic that kills bacteria that can cause bad breath. Eucalyptus is used in some antiseptic mouthwashes, along with other oils, and the mouthwashes have been shown to help prevent plaque and gingivitis.
Eucalyptus for Skin Care
Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections. If you mix it with a lotion base, it can be applied to the skin for various skin disorders. Typically used for rashes, burns, blisters, insect bites, and any other skin infections. It can even be applied in small doses directly when not mixed with lotion. Many people even add a drop or two to their bath water to achieve results without applying directly to the infected area. This is great for small children who have a sensitivity. Just remember, only a couple drops are needed as it is a strong oil.
Eucalyptus for Diabetes
Eucalyptus oil when taken internally controls blood sugar. Preliminary studies on mice indicate that drinking eucalyptus leaf tea may help increase insulin production and lower blood sugar level. Unless you are on medication, you can try drinking this herbal tea to manage your sugar level.
Eucalyptus for immunity
Drinking the tea may also strengthen your immune system and fight the infection since it contains quercetin which is an antioxidant.
Eucalyptus essential oil as a mosquito repellant
The aromatherapy benefits of eucalyptus include repelling insects such as mosquitoes. To create your own mosquito repellant, melt 2 teaspoons of a petroleum jelly such as Vaseline, add 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil when cool and then pour into a jar. Carry this with you when travelling to areas infested with mosquitoes and apply it on your hands, legs and any other exposed areas.
Eucalyptus as a Room Freshener
The antiseptic and deodorant nature of eucalyptus oil makes it a perfect room freshener for hospitals and sickbed atmosphere. It also kills bacteria and germs in the air and hence keeps the room environment clean.
Eucalyptus in Soaps
Eucalyptus oil has applications in soaps, detergents and household cleaners as well.
Eucalyptus for hair care
it is commonly seen in dandruff shampoos and as a scalp invigorator.
Other uses of Eucalyptus
The oil is also used in some insect repellents, and one study found that an oil of lemon eucalyptus product may also keep ticks away.
Available Forms of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is available in many products, including liquids and ointments. The leaves of the eucalyptus plant are available fresh, dried (to be used in teas), and in liquid extracts. Commercial cough drops, syrups, vaporizer fluids, liniments, toothpastes, and mouthwashes may contain eucalyptus oil or its active ingredient, cineole. Some of the familiar over-the-counter remedies that contain eucalyptus oil include Listerine, Mentholatum Cherry Chest Rub, and Vicks VapoRub.
Dosage of Eucalyptus
The appropriate dose of eucalyptus depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for eucalyptus. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Pediatric: Do not give a child eucalyptus orally (by mouth), as it is toxic. Do not give cough drops containing eucalyptus to children under 6.
For a cold, don’ t apply eucalyptus oil, salve or chest rub to the face or nose of a child under 2. Ask your doctor before using eucalyptus oil as a chest rub for your child or to inhale steam for congestion.
Adult: Do not take eucalyptus oil orally (by mouth) except under your doctor’ s supervision, as it is toxic.
Eucalyptus oil (for topical application): add ½ – 1 mL (15 – 30 drops) of oil to 1/2 cup of carrier oil (sesame, almond, olive, etc.). For inhalation, add 5 – 10 drops of oil to 2 cups boiling water. Place towel over head and inhale steam
Use of Eucalyptus – Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and that can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine. When taken in moderation, Eucalyptus is fairly safe, but at times it does seem to be quite tough to remove it from the kidneys. Those suffering from kidney or liver problems should do well not to use it and even if used should be taken in utmost moderation. Its prolonged use is not recommended in such situations.
Eucalyptus oil is generally safe when applied to the skin of adults. Don’ t apply eucalyptus oil, salve or chest rub to the face or nose of a child under 2. People with asthma, seizure disorders, liver or kidney disease, and low blood pressure should not use eucalyptus without first talking to their doctors. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use eucalyptus. Eucalyptus oil is toxic when taken by mouth. Do not take eucalyptus oil except under your doctor’ s supervision.
Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use eucalyptus without first talking to your health care provider.
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): In an animal study, using eucalyptus oil on the skin resulted in greater absorption of topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a medication used to treat cancer.
Taking eucalyptus orally may interact with several medications. You should not take eucalyptus by mouth unless under your doctor’ s supervision.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Eucalyptus oil might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking eucalyptus oil along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some of those medications. Before taking eucalyptus oil, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Eucalyptus oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Signs of eucalyptus poisoning might include stomach pain and burning, dizziness, muscle weakness, small eye pupils, feelings of suffocation, etc.
Category: HERBS
