Products
The essential oil, medicinal drug and medicines are available in pharmacies and drugstores. Eucalyptus oil is found in many cold and rheumatism remedies, for example, bronchial balms, liniments, bronchial pastilles, candies, baths, oils, inhalation preparations, and rheumatism ointments. Note on spelling: In the pharmacopoeia, the name “Eucalyptus” is also used. However, “eucalyptus” is recommended in German.
Stem plant
The parent plants are eucalyptus trees as from the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), which are native to Australia. Not all eucalyptus trees are suitable for the extraction of the oil.
Medicinal drug
The eucalyptus leaves (Eucalypti folium) are used as the medicinal raw material. They consist of the whole or cut dried foliage leaves of older branches of . The pharmacopoeia requires a minimum essential oil content.
Ingredients
Eucalyptus leaves contain an essential oil. Eucalyptus oil (Eucalypti aetheroleum PhEur) is obtained by steam distillation followed by rectification from the fresh leaves or fresh branch tips of various 1,8-cineole-rich eucalyptus species, such as , and . The main constituent is 1,8-cineole, which is also known as eucalyptol.
Effects
The preparations have antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, circulatory, expectorant and cough-irritant properties and clear the respiratory tract.
Indications
Typical indications for use include:
- Common colds, rhinitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, cough.
- Rheumatic complaints, muscle and joint pain (external).
Dosage
According to the instructions for use. For example, the oil can be put on a handkerchief and inhaled. It can also be inhaled with warm water or rubbed locally. Only a few drops are needed for this. For rubs, dilution with a fatty oil is also possible.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Infants and young children (pure essential oil, especially on the face, inhalation).
- Pregnancy
When taken internally (capsules):
- Children up to 12 years
- Inflammatory diseases in the gastrointestinal tract
- Inflammatory diseases in the biliary tract
- Severe liver disease
- Bronchial asthma, whooping cough, pseudocroup or other respiratory diseases associated with marked respiratory hypersensitivity.
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Eucalyptus oil may induce CYP450 isozymes and corresponding drug-drug interactions cannot be excluded.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include hypersensitivity reactions and local reactions, with additional rare nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested. Eucalyptus oil should not be overdosed, as this can lead to severe poisoning, coma, and death even in low doses of a few milliliters. Caution is also advised, especially for children. The oil should therefore be kept out of reach of children.
