Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• 1,8-cineole, aerial eucalyptus, Australian fever tree leaf, blauer gommibaum, blue gum, cajuputol [C10H18O], camphor oil, catheter oil, cider gum, cineole [C10H18O], crown gall, cypellocarpa C., E. camaldulensis (red gum), E. citriodora (lemon-scented gum), E. coccifera (Tasmanian snow gum), E. dalrympleana (mountain gum), E. ficifolia (red flowering gum), E. fructicetorum F. Von Mueller, E. globulus Labillardiere, E. gunnii (cider gum), E. johnstonii (yellow gum), E. leucoxylon (white ironbark), E. maculate, E. occidentalis, E. parvifolia, E. pauciflora subsp. niphophila (snow gum), E. perriniana (spinning gum), E. saligna, E. sideroxylon (red ironbark), E. smithii R.T. Baker, E. urnigera (urn gum), E. viminalis Labill (euvimals), essence of eucalyptus rectifiee, essencia de eucalipto, eucalypti aetheroleum, eucalypti folium, eucalytpo setma ag, eucalyptol [C10H18O], Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus cladocalyx, eucalyptus dried leaves, eucalyptus essential oil, eucalyptus flower, eucalyptus globules tree, Eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus leaf extract , eucalyptus pollen, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus robusta, Eucalyptus spp., fevertree, gommier bleu, gum tree, kafur ag, lemon eucalyptus extract, lemon-scented gum, macrocarpal A, macrocarpal B, malee, mountain gum, Myrtaceae (family), oil of Eucalyptus citriodora, oleum eucalypti, red flowering gum, red gum, red ironbark, schonmutz, snow gum, southern blue gum, spinning gum, stringy bark tree, Tasmanian blue gum, Tasmanian snow gum, urn gum, verbenone, white ironbark, yellow gum.
• Combination product examples: Citriodiol®, Eucalymine®, Eucalyptamint® (eucalyptus oil, lanolin, and menthol), Listerine® (eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate), Meijer® (eucalyptus oil, camphor, menthol), Nicobrevin® (quinine, menthyl valerate, camphor, and eucalyptus oil), Olbas® drops (eucalyptus oil, juniper oil, and cajeput oil).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Eucalyptus oil is commonly used as a decongestant and expectorant to treat upper respiratory tract infections or inflammation, as well as for various musculoskeletal conditions. The oil is found in numerous over-the-counter cough and cold lozenges, as well as in inhalation vapors or topical ointments. Veterinarians use the oil topically for its reported antimicrobial activity, which is supported by in vitro and in vivo research. Numerous applications are suggested in the sparse literature on this topic; however, there is not sufficient controlled support for any human indication at this time.
• Eucalyptus oil contains 70-85% 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), which is also present in other plant oils. Eucalyptol is used as an ingredient in some mouthwash and dental preparations, as an endodontic solvent. Listerine® mouth rinse is a combination of essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate), which has been shown to be efficacious for the reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis. Eucalyptus has also been used as an aromatic in soaps or perfumes and as a flavoring in food or beverages.
• Topical use or inhalation use of eucalyptus oil at low concentrations may be safe, although significant and potentially lethal toxicity has been consistently reported with oral use, and may occur with inhalation as well. All routes of administration should be avoided in children.
• An herbal survey in asthmatic patients found that 12% of asthmatic patients were using eucalyptus. Ironically, eucalyptus may cause allergic reactions and exacerbation of asthma (1;​2;​3;​4).

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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