Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Generic Name: eucalyptus
Drug Class: Musculoskeletal, Herbals; Pulmonary, Herbals

What Is Eucalyptus and How Does It Work?

Eucalyptus is a tree that is native to Australia. Eucalpytus oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree. Eucalyptus oil is available as an essential oil that is used as a medicine to treat a variety of common diseases and conditions including nasal congestion, asthma, and as a tick repellant. Diluted eucalyptus oil may also be applied to the skin as a remedy for health problems such as arthritis and skin ulcers. Eucalyptus oil is also used to ease cold symptoms and provide respiratory health benefits. Eucalyptol, which is often used in mouthwashes and cold remedies, is derived from Eucalyptus globulus. Eucalyptus is often used as an essential oil with a diffuser for aromatherapy health benefits.

Eucalyptus is available under the following different brand and other names: fevertree, gum tree, red ironbark, and white ironbark.
Dosages of Eucalyptus Oil

Available as an oil.

Note: Eucalyptus oil must be diluted and should not be ingested at its full strength.
Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

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

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

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Eucalyptus?

Common side effects of eucalyptus include:

allergic reactions

Severe allergic reactions if oil is taken orally, including:
Abdominal pain
Blue discoloration of skin
Shortness of breath
Problems with coordination
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)
Multi-organ failure

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

What Other Drugs Interact with Eucalyptus?

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication for diabetes, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

Severe Interactions of Eucalyptus include:

none

Serious Interactions of eucalyptus include:

astemizole
cisapride
dihydroergotamine
dihydroergotamine intranasal
dronedarone
ergotamine
erythromycin base
erythromycin ethylsuccinate
erythromycin lactobionate
erythromycin stearate
everolimus
lovastatin
ranolazine
sertindole
silodosin
simvastatin
sirolimus
terfenadine
tolvaptan

Eucalyptus has moderate interactions with at least 100 different drugs.

Eucalyptus has mild interactions with at least 301 different drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

What Are Warnings and Precautions for Eucalyptus?

Warnings

This medication contains eucalyptus. Do not take fevertree, gum tree, red ironbark, or white ironbark if you are allergic to eucalyptus or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Contraindications

Acute intermittent porphyria.
Effects of Drug Abuse

No information provided.
Short-Term Effects

See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Eucalyptus?"
Long-Term Effects

See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Eucalyptus?"
Cautions

Do NOT ingest oil - severe, potentially fatal toxicity

Diabetes, hypoglycemia
Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid use of eucalyptus during pregnancy or while breastfeeding