What is eucalyptus and what is it for?
The eucalyptus is a tree. Its leaves and oil have been consumed, chewed, and applied to the skin for many conditions.
Eucalyptus contains many different chemicals. These chemicals can have various effects on the body. Additionally, some research suggests that eucalyptus may have activity against bacteria and fungi.
People use eucalyptus for many conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, influenza, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
It is safe?
When taken orally: People often consume eucalyptus as a flavoring in small amounts in food. It may be safe to take eucalyptol, a chemical found in eucalyptus oil, every day for up to 12 weeks.
But it is not safe to take pure eucalyptus oil orally. Taking just 3.5 ml (less than a teaspoon) of pure oil can be fatal. Eucalyptus oil can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Eucalyptus poisoning can cause stomach pain, dizziness, muscle weakness, a feeling of suffocation, drowsiness, seizures, and coma.
When applied to the skin: It may not be safe to use pure eucalyptus oil. It can cause serious problems with the nervous system. There is not enough reliable information to know if diluted eucalyptus oil is safe.
When inhaled: There is not enough reliable information to know whether eucalyptus oil is safe when inhaled as aromatherapy. Special warnings and precautions:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: People often consume eucalyptus as a flavoring in small amounts in food. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know whether eucalyptus oil is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Children: People often consume eucalyptus as a flavoring in small amounts in food. But it’s probably not safe for children to take eucalyptus oil by mouth, apply it to their skin, or inhale it. There are reports of seizures and other nervous system side effects in infants and children who were exposed to eucalyptus oil.
Cross Allergenicity: Some people who are allergic to other essential oils may also be allergic to eucalyptus oil.
Surgery: Since eucalyptus can affect blood sugar levels, there is concern that it may make it more difficult to control blood sugar during and after surgery. Stop using eucalyptus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Are there interactions with medications?
AmphetaminesInhaling eucalyptol, a chemical found in eucalyptus oil, may reduce blood levels of amphetamines. Theoretically, the effectiveness of amphetamines may be reduced in people who inhale eucalyptol.
Drugs modified by the liver (cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)Some drugs are modified and broken down by the liver. Eucalyptus may change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Drugs modified by the liver (cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)Some drugs are modified and broken down by the liver. Eucalyptus may change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Drugs modified by the liver (cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)Some drugs are modified and broken down by the liver. Eucalyptus may change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.