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Eucalyptus What is it?
Written by: Whole Health MD - Rated 5.00 out of 5, 1 people have rated it. From cough cure to tension-reliever, the woody scented oil and leathery leaves of the stately eucalyptus tree have found myriad uses over the centuries. Australian aborigines relied on this native evergreen for soothing painful joints and healing skin lesions. And settlers to the continent dubbed eucalyptus the "fever tree" in recognition of its disease-fighting powers. While these early users ascribed its potency to the tree's brisk aroma, it is now known that the thirsty roots were responsible: They kept the surrounding ground relatively dry and thus free of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Once Europeans were introduced to the eucalyptus tree, they too rapidly recognized its gifts--medicinal and otherwise. In fact they began to rely so heavily on eucalyptus oil for sterilizing medical and surgical equipment that it was briefly referred to as "catheter oil." Of the 300 eucalyptus species, the most commonly used medicinally are Eucalyptus globulus and E. fructicetorum. The crucial medicinal compound called eucalyptol (also known as cineole) appears in the oil, which is specially steam-extracted from the leaves and branch tips of these species. Oils of industrial- and perfume-grade quality are typically taken from different eucalyptus species altogether. One of the most enduring medical uses for eucalyptus--and not surprisingly, one of the best substantiated--is its power to ease nasal congestion and quell cough. In fact, many commercial cough and cold remedies feature small amounts of the potent oil, as do countless chest rubs and pain-relieving lotions. Because it's so strong, the oil is typically diluted before being placed in these products. Many uses for eucalyptus have been proposed and tested over the years. One study found that a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and ethanol oils could relieve headache-related muscle tension when it was gently rubbed into the forehead and temples. Actual headache pain did not resolve, however. Other research indicates that eucalyptus oil can kill dust mites and fleas--common sources of allergic reactions. The oil is also a natural flea repellent. Specifically, eucalyptus may help to:
Clear congestion associated with colds, cough, flu, asthma, sinusitis, and croup. When inhaled, eucalyptol, the oil's key medicinal ingredient, works as an expectorant,
loosening sticky mucus and making it easier to cough up and out of the chest.
In addition, astringent substances in the oil called tannins tighten and thus
soothe mucous membrane inflammation in the mouth, nose, and throat. Lozenges containing
eucalyptol increase saliva production, prompting more frequent swallowing and
thus reducing the impulse to cough. The oil's germ-fighting actions may reduce
the risk of a secondary respiratory infection.
Control earache pain. When inhaled, a eucalyptus oil steam solution will prompt the eustachian tubes
connecting the middle ear and the throat to open. Fluids will more easily drain
from the ear as a result, relieving often painful pressure.
Treat cuts and scrapes and other minor wounds. In test tube studies, eucalyptus oil has been shown to fight infection-causing
bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This antiseptic action, as well as its anti-inflammatory
powers, helps explain the oil's popularity for treating wounds in the pre-antibiotic
era.
Ease arthritis pain and muscle aches. Rubbed into the skin, eucalyptus oil (diluted with a carrier oil) stimulates
blood flow and generates a feeling of warmth. Its most important function may
be to distract, or mask, underlying discomfort or pain, making it useful for those
suffering from arthritis or muscle aches.
Fight gum disease. Most likely because of its germ-fighting properties, eucalyptus appears to inhibit
the formation of the sticky film on teeth and gums known as plaque. If allowed
to build up over time, plaque will turn into a hard mineral shell called tartar
that wears away at gum tissue. In a 1998 Japanese study of 15 people, chewing
gum containing eucalyptus proved significantly more effective than a placebo in
stopping plaque from forming.
Note: Eucalyptus has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders.
For information on these additional ailments, see our Dosage Recommendations Chart
for Eucalyptus.
Special tips: Not all eucalyptus species provide the medically therapeutic oil; look for products
containing at least 70% to 85% eucalyptol (cineole).
Eucalyptus oil should always be diluted before applying it topically or ingesting
it; always follow package instructions.
For congestion related to colds, cough, flu, asthma, sinusitis, earache, and
other types of respiratory conditions, there are three effective treatment approaches:
Make a steam inhalation solution. Add a drop of eucalyptus oil (or two or three
leaves) to a pan of water. Bring the water to a boil and remove the pan from the
heat. Drape a towel over your head and the pan. Close your mouth and inhale the
steam deeply through both nostrils. Blow your nose as frequently as necessary.
Repeat twice daily, more frequently for earaches.
Add a drop or two of eucalyptus oil to a commercial steam inhaler. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions.
Drink two cups of eucalyptus leaf tea daily. Make the tea by pouring one cup (8 ounces) of hot (but not boiling) water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of finely crushed eucalyptus leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Alternatively, make the tea with eucalyptus tincture, adding the number of drops designated on the label (typically 30 to 45) to an 8-ounce cup of hot water. For minor wounds: Clean the wound thoroughly. Mix the diluted eucalyptus oil
with an equal quantity of an alcohol-based topical antiseptic and apply a few
drops to the affected area. Seek medical attention if signs of infection develop
(redness, localized warmth, fever).
For arthritis pain or muscle aches: Rub several drops of well-diluted eucalyptus
oil into the skin. Alternatively, soak in an herbal bath made by wrapping a handful
of eucalyptus leaves in cheesecloth and allowing the bath water to run through
the bundle.
For gum disease: Place a few drops of well-diluted eucalyptus oil onto your fingertip and massage into your gums. Alternatively, purchase a toothpaste containing eucalyptus oil. Be sure to check out our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Eucalyptus, which lists therapeutic dosages for specific ailments at a glance. Protect yourself from the oil's strong fumes by keeping your eyes shut when inhaling any eucalyptus remedy. There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with eucalyptus leaf
or oil.
In rare cases, eucalyptus can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Consult your doctor if this occurs. In the small number of people who are allergic to eucalyptus, a topical preparation containing the oil may cause an irritating but relatively harmless rash. Ingesting even small amounts of undiluted eucalyptus oil can cause serious reactions, including a drop in blood pressure, circulation problems, collapse, suffocation, and death. Commercial products that contain the oil pose this risk as well if ingested in higher-than-recommended amounts. Seek emergency medical care if you suspect an overdose. When used as recommended, eucalyptus-containing commercial preparations--including
eucalyptus tea--are very safe. Still, it's important to handle eucalyptus oil
with extreme care.
Because of its potency, don't administer any product containing eucalyptus (internal
or external) to a small child.
Eucalyptus oil products should never be applied to the face of an infant or small
child--especially on or near the nose--because they can cause cause asthma-like
reactions. Extreme cases could potentially result in death by asphyxiation.
Don't take eucalyptus if you have digestive problems, inflammation of the stomach
or intestines, a biliary duct disorder, or liver disease.
Pregnant women should not take eucalyptus.
Whole Health MD.com
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