Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Oil is used for cough, respiratory tract inflammation and infection. When taken by mouth, it may cause nausea.
Eucalyptus Oil Overview
Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil obtained from the fresh leaves of the eucalyptus plant.
Eucalyptus oil is used most often for nasal respiratory tract infection, cough, and respiratory tract inflammation
Eucalyptus oil is thought to work by inhibiting inflammatory processes and the production of inflammatory markers in the body.
Reported side effects of eucalyptus oil include itching, nausea, and drowsiness.
Eucalyptus Oil Cautionary Labels
Uses
Eucalyptus oil is used most often for cough, respiratory tract inflammation, respiratory tract infection, nasal congestion, pain, and headache. It is also sometimes used as a disinfectant.
One animal study suggests eucalyptus oil may be effective for the treatment of diabetes.
Eucalyptus oil has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Eucalyptus oil may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
There is no evidence supporting the use of eucalyptus oil for the treatment of bladder infection, vaginal infection, gastritis, kidney disease, nerve pain, sore throat, malaria, pimples, ringworm, sinus pain, wounds, ulcers of the skin, or inflammation of the vagina.
Side Effects of Eucalyptus Oil
Side effects of eucalyptus oil, when applied to the skin, may include the following:
- Skin rash, itching, and irritation
Side effects of eucalyptus oil, when taken by mouth, may include the following:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Muscular weakness
This is not a complete list of eucalyptus oil side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Eucalyptus Oil Interactions
No drug interactions have been listed. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.
Some animal studies suggest that eucalyptus oil may induce certain liver enzymes. The effect of certain other drugs may be diminished when administered with eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus Oil Precautions
Special precautions & warnings:
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using eucalyptus oil if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant.
- Do not administer internally to patients with gastrointestinal tract inflammation, gallbladder disease, or impaired liver function.
- Eucalyptus oil is unsafe for children. Not much is known about the safety of using eucalyptus leaves in children. Eucalyptus preparations should not be applied to the face, especially the nose, of infants or young children.
- Eucalyptus oil must be diluted before taking it by mouth or applying it to the skin.
- The daily dose of eucalyptus oil should not exceed 0.6mL. Ingestion of un-diluted eucalyptus oil can cause nausea, delirium, convulsions, and death.
