Eucalyptus oil

Eucalypti aetheroleum, eucalyptus oil.  

Eucalyptus oil consists of the volatile oil from various cineol-rich species of Eucalyptus , such as Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere, E.  fructicetorum F.  Von Mueller (syn.   E.  polybractea R.T.  Baker) and/or E.  smithii R.T.  Baker [Fam.  Myrtaceae], as well as their preparations in effective dosage.  The oil is obtained by steam distillation, followed by rectification of the fresh leaves and branch tops, and contains at least 70 percent (w/w) 1,8-cineol.  

Uses

Internal and external:

• for catarrhs of the respiratory tract.  

External:

• for rheumatic complaints.  

Contraindications

Internal:

• Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, severe liver diseases.  

External:

• For infants and young children, eucalyptus preparations should not be applied to areas of the face, especially the nose.  

Side Effects

In rare cases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur after ingestion of eucalyptus preparations.  

Eucalyptus oil induces the enzyme system of the liver involved in the detoxification process.  Therefore, the effects of other drugs can be weakened and/or shortened.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Internal:
Average daily dosage:

• 0.3 - 0.6 g eucalyptus oil;
• equivalent preparations.  

External:

• 5 - 20 percent in oil and semi-solid preparations;
• 5 - 10 percent in aqueous-alcoholic preparations;

Essential oil:

• several drops rubbed into the skin.  

Essential oil and other galenical preparations for internal and external application.  

Secretomotory
Expectorant
Mildly antispasmodic
Mild local hyperemic