Eucalyptus

Natural health supplements sometimes have unexpected side effects or interactions with medication that can lead to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening. The following is a list of cautions that you should be aware of before using Eucalyptus (gum tree)). These are referred to as drug/herb interactions.

Warning 1 - Contraindications: Eucalyptus should not be used on children under 2 years of age and should not be ingested by children younger than 6 years of age. The internal use of Eucalyptus is discouraged during pregnancy.

Warning 2 - Insulin: Eucalyptus may alter the effectiveness of insulin.

Warning 3 - Amphetamines: This herb decreases the effects of amphetamines.

Warning 4 - Application: Do not use eucalyptus oil full-strength either by mouth or on the skin. This oil must be diluted to avoid adverse reactions. Ingesting just 3.5 mL of undiluted oil can be fatal.

Warning 5 - Children: Eucalyptus oil NOT safe for children. It should not be taken by mouth or applied to the skin of children. Using eucalyptus oil on children can cause an allergic rash or hives.

Warning 6 - Oral Antidiabetics: Eucalyptus may alter the effectiveness of anti-diabetic medications.

Warning 7 - Diabetes: Initial research suggests that eucalyptus might lower blood sugar levels. The concern is that using eucalyptus while taking medications for diabetes might lower blood sugar too much. Monitor blood sugar levels closely. Some of the medications used for diabetes include:

Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
Glimepiride (Amaryl)
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (DiaBeta)
Glynase PresTab
Insulin
Micronase)
Pioglitazone (Actos)
Rosiglitazone (Avandia)
Tolbutamide (Orinase)
And others

Warning 8 - Surgery: Eucalyptus might affect blood sugar levels and make control of the blood sugar level difficult during and after surgery. Stop using eucalyptus at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Warning 9 - Drug/herb interactions: Ingesting eucalyptus oil along with some drugs that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of those drugs. Before ingesting eucalyptus oil, talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver. Common examples of such medications include:

Carisoprodol (Soma)
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Diazepam (Valium)
Diclofenac (Cataflam
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Ibuprofen (Motrin)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Losartan (Cozaar)
Meloxicam (Mobic)
Nelfinavir (Viracept)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Ondansetron (Zofran)
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Piroxicam (Feldene)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
and many others

Warning 10 - Herb/herb interactions: Eucalyptus can interact with other herbs and supplements. Using eucalyptus can intensify the effects of herbs that contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can damage the liver. These herbs include:

Alkanna
Boneset
Borage
Butterbur
Coltsfoot
Comfrey
Dusty miller
Forget-me-not
Golden ragwort
Gravel root
Groundsel
Hemp agrimony
Hound's tongue
Tansy ragwort.

Warning 11 - Herb/herb interaction 2: Eucalyptus oil may slow down your nervous system, decrease mental alertness, and cause drowsiness if used with Chamomile, lemon balm or other natural herbs that have a sedative effect. Avoid driving when using these combinations.

Warning 12 - Barbiturates: Eucalyptus may decrease the effectiveness of barbiturates.

Used as a natural health remedy: Diluted eucalyptus oil is used internally for the following benefits and conditions:

Arthritis pain
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-spasmodic
Antifungal
Asthma
Bladder diseases
Bleeding gums
Bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Colds
Coughs
Decongestant
Fever
Fight gum disease. Eucalyptus appears to inhibit the formation plaque. Several studies have shown that chewing gum containing Eucalyptus is more effective than a placebo in stopping plaque from forming.
Flu
Help control blood sugar (diabetes)
Liver and gallbladder problems
Loss of appetite
Reduce fever
Reducing swelling (inflammation) of the upper airway tract
Research suggests that eucalyptol, a chemical found in eucalyptus oil, might be able to break up mucous caused by asthma. Some people with severe asthma have been able to lower their dosage of steroid medications by using eucalyptol. However, do not try this without your health care provider's advice and monitoring.
Ringworm
Sinus pain
Sore throats
Stimulate appetite
Stuffy nose
Ulcers

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of eucalyptus for these uses.

Diluted eucalyptus oil is used externally for:

Acne
Antiseptic
Arthritis
Burns
Cancer (unproven)
Deodorant
Earache (when inhaled as from a vaporizer)
Genital herpes
Get rid of fleas and lice
Healing minor cuts
Herpes
Infections
Insect repellent (contains citronella)
Joint pain
Muscle aches
Nasal stuffiness
Sore muscles
Sprains
Ulcers
Vaporizer fluids
Wounds

Side Effects of Eucalyptus

The known side effects of using Eucalyptus include:

Dizziness
Abdominal cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Delirium
Trouble breathing

Other side effects may also occur when using Eucalyptus. (See form below)

Eucalyptus is known by many other names. Some of them are Blue Gum, Blue Mallee Oil, Eucalipto, Eucalypti Folium, Eucalyptol, Eucalyptol Oil, Eucalyptus blatter, Eucalyptus bicostata, Eucalyptus essential oil, Eucalyptus oil, Eucalyptus fructicetorum, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus leaf, Eucalyptus odorata, Eucalyptus oil, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus smithii, Fever Tree, Fieberbaumblatter, Gully Gum, Gully Gum Oil, Gum Tree, Red Gum, Stringy Bark Tree, Sugandhapatra, Tailapatra, and Tasmanian Blue Gum.

As with any herb, a serious allergic reaction is possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. These may include a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

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This consumer advocate website is protected by copyright © 2011-2012 Askdocweb, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This is a layman's report on Eucalyptus and is not intended to replace discussions with a health care provider. Do not use the information on this forum as a substitute for your doctor's advice. Always consult your doctor before taking any drug and follow your doctor's directions. Source material: Food and Drug Administration, Medline, Physician's Desk Reference, and the largest community of people in the world, those who are concerned about side effects and healthcare.