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Eucalyptus

General Information

OTHER NAMES: Eucalyptus folium, Eucalyptus aetheroleum, Fevertree, Gum tree, and others. The strength of the supplement depends on where on the tree it is found.

Eucalyptus supplements are made from the long leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus tree.


HISTORY: Surprisingly, eucalyptus trees have existed for millions of years but were only recognized for their medicinal qualities in the 1700s.


PROPERTIES: Expectorant/mucolytic, decongestant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic.

Considered Uses

Respiratory: Helps loosen mucus and reduce infections of the throat and lungs for mucus reduction (approved by the German Commission e for this). Cough, colds, rhinosinusitis, laryngitis, flu, sinusitis, nasal congestion, bronchitis (chronic and acute), bronchial asthma and pneumonia, rhinitis (runny nose), ear infection (oil placed BEHIND the ear or diffused), and sore throat

Gastrointestinal
: Stomach ailments, liver, intestinal parasites, plaque and gingivitis, nausea

Genitourinary: Vaginitis, cystitis

Musculoskeletal: Rheumatism, arthritis, cramps, gout, helps decrease muscle pain and stiffness, reduces inflammation.

Skin: Eucalyptus has many uses for the skin. It topically helps treat skin wounds and burns, acne (Eucalyptus dives and Eucalyptus polybactea), faster healing, herpes, including shingles pain, chickenpox, insect bites, lice, and oily skin.

Glucose
: May help lower blood sugar

Neurologic: Headaches, neuralgia and neuropathy

Mental health: Increases energy, helps with relaxation

Infectious Disease
: Malaria, typhus, measles

Other
: It removes airborne bacteria (including staph) and odors via an air purifier. It can also be used as an insect (including tick) repellant.


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SIDE EFFECTS: Oils must be diluted; otherwise, you can experience severe adverse reactions. If you take it orally, it can be fatal. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, low blood sugar, arrhythmia (heart irregularity), incoordination, dyspnea (shortness of breath), skin discoloration, and seizures are signs of overdose.

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not take with certain medications as eucalyptus works on many P450 enzyme systems: 1A2 (examples: Elavil, Haldol, Zofran, Propanalol), 2C19 (Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix and others), CYP3A (for example erythromycin and some statins), 2C9, and 3A4 (examples: ibuprofen, Coumadin). It may lower blood sugar too much in those taking diabetic medication.

FORMS: Oils, washes, cough drops, gum, linaments and rubs, repellants, soaps, deodorants, creams, gels, creams, and even toothpaste. (Vicks is a combination of substances—one of which is eucalyptus). Because of its safety profile, eucalyptus should not be taken internally without speaking with your healthcare provider because of its safety profile. There is only one safe eucalyptus oil for oral use (flavoring): eucalyptol.


DOSAGES: Dosage depends on the form and the condition being treated

Reported doses - often NOT supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.


  • Arthritis: 5-20% in an oil-based or alcohol based formulation or 5-10% in an

  • Congestion: 1 teaspoon in boiling water for steam inhalation; also rub on chest and around the nose


Note: Eucalyptus has several strengths, depending on which part of the tree the oil is taken from. Some are more appropriate than others for specific conditions.


*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Eucalyptus

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*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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