Eucalyptus Health Article

Precautions

Children or infants should not be treated with eucalyptus. Of special note, eucalyptus oil should not be applied to the facial areas (especially the nose or eyes) of small children or infants. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use eucalyptus.

People with digestive problems, stomach or intestinal inflammations, biliary duct disorders, or liver disease should not take eucalyptus.

Undiluted eucalyptus oil should never be ingested. Small amounts of undiluted oil (even in amounts as little as one teaspoon) are toxic and may cause circulatory problems, collapse, suffocation, or death. Eucalyptus oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, grape-seed, or other vegetable oil before applying to the skin.

Side effects

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur in rare cases. Applying eucalyptus to the skin may cause a rash in those who are sensitive or allergic to eucalyptus.

Interactions

Eucalyptus works to detoxify the body. If it is used simultaneously with other drugs, the effects of those drugs may be weakened.

BOOKS

Fischer-Rizzi, Susanne. Medicine of the Earth. Rudra Press 1996.

Prevention. The Complete Book of Natural and Medicinal Cures. Rodale Press, Inc., 1994.

PERIODICALS

"One Answer to MRSA May be Growing on Trees: Eucalyptus Leaves Show Power over Pathogen." Hospital Infection Control 29, no. 1 (January 2002):11.

Jennifer Wurges

Teresa G. Odle