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Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Photo © Steven Foster

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) in the eucalyptus family (Myrtaceae) is a tall evergreen tree with dark blue-green aromatic leaves, native to Australia, but now cultivated worldwide.1 

History and Traditional Use

In traditional medicine eucalyptus was used as an expectorant and stimulant in respiratory ailments, as well as to reduce fevers, and for its antiseptic effects.1 It was also used topically for wounds, ulcers, burns, and other skin conditions. Extracts of the leaves were used to treat joint pain, ringworm, dysentery, and pulmonary tuberculosis.1 

Modern Medicinal Use

Eucalyptus leaf and oil are approved by the German Commission E for inflammations of the respiratory tract, and eucalyptus oil is also approved for external use for rheumatic complaints.2 Eucalyptus leaf has deodorant, cooling, antiseptic, and expectorant actions.3 In addition, a compound herbal tincture containing eucalyptus has been used in the treatment of ear inflammations.4 In France, acute benign bronchial disease and nasal congestion from the common cold are both treated with eucalyptus leaf.5 Both eucalyptus oil and eucalyptol (a chemical constituent of the oil) have demonstrated strong antibacterial action against Streptococcus.1 The Indian Pharmacopoeia lists the oil as a counterirritant and mild expectorant,6 and The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China lists it as a skin irritant used in nerve pain.7 The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia suggests topical application of eucalyptus for a cold headache.8 

Modern Consumer Use

Eucalyptus oil is used as a flavoring agent and expectorant in cough drops, syrups, and other cold medications such as vapor rubs and ointments.1 In Germany, the leaf is a standard medicinal tea for inflammation of the throat and bronchitis.9 It is commonly found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and as a fragrance component in perfumes, lotions, soaps, and detergents.1 The oil and leaf are employed for their deodorant with cooling action.3 It is also used in massage oils, and alleviates tension headache when applied to the forehead.10 

References

1 Leung AY., Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley-Interscience; 1996.

2 Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS, editors. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. The Complete German Commission E Monographs3Ž4Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communication; 1998.

3 Wichtl M, ed., Brinckmann JA, Lindenmaier MP, trans. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers; 2004.

4 Shaparenko BA, Slivko AB, Bazarova OV, Vishnevetskaia EN, Selezneva GT. Use of medicinal plants for the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis (in Russian). Zh Ushn Nos Gorl Bolezn (3):48-51. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

5 Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed. Paris: Lavoisier; 1999. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

6 Indian Pharmacopoeia, Vol. 1 Delhi: Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare-Controller of Publications 1996. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

7 Tu G, editor. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (English Edition) Beijing: Guangdong Science and Technology Press; 1992. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

8 Karnick CR. Pharmacopoeial Standards of Herbal Plants. Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications; 1994. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

9 Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

10 Gobel H, Schmidt G, Soyka D. Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiologicla and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia. 1994;14(3):182;228-234. Cited in Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

Disclaimer: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.