{"id":14212,"date":"2024-10-14T09:43:37","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T08:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=14212"},"modified":"2025-05-31T08:42:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T07:42:58","slug":"eucalyptus","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/eucalyptus\/","title":{"rendered":"Eucalyptus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":14218,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"78b554e6-7661-42f3-b528-f8e2e374c676","beyondwords_preview_token":"97d4b474-0756-441e-a892-522a0ef64dbc","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1841],"conditions":[685,701,699,695,700],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,31,786,30],"western_action":[990,992,993,994,1132,996,997,998,1000,1002,1003,1007,1010,1011,1015,1252,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1492,1499,1487,1496,1380],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-14212","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-decongestant","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-astringent-taste","sense-cooling","sense-sharp","western_action-analgesic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antipyretic","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-antitussive","western_action-astringent","western_action-bronchodilator","western_action-carminatives","western_action-diaphoretic","western_action-expectorant","western_action-febrifuge","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-vermifuge","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-sour","energetics_action-warm","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20241014","herb_author":1910,"banner_text":"Eucalyptus is an antimicrobial, antiseptic, expectorant and decongestant","latin_name":"Eucalyptus<\/em> spp.","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Myrtaceae","herb_summary":"Eucalyptus is high in volatile oils which are antimicrobial, antiseptic, expectorant, decongestant, and invigorating. It is typically used externally or as an inhalant.","key_benefits":"Antimicrobial\r\nDecongestant\r\nRespiratory congestion\r\nRespiratory infections","how_does_it_feel":"An infusion made with the leaves is immediately aromatic as the steam rises from the tea. Made in this way the infusion should be covered with a lid while the leaves steep to prevent the volatile oils from escaping.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOn drinking the infusion, the aromatic oils reach your senses first, invoking a minty, crisp and camphoraceous smell that precedes the aromatic taste. The inhalation of the steam from sipping the tea creates an immediate uplifting and clearing sensation. The taste is mildly aromatic, sharp, sour, and astringent. These tastes all correlate to the volatile oils which stimulate digestion, expectorate the lungs, stimulate circulation, and are strongly antimicrobial. The sinuses and lungs feel clearer within minutes and a warmth spreads throughout the body as the blood is directed towards the periphery. Digestion is stimulated as the sensation moves down through the digestive tract, as well as up into the head where it brings clarity and focus.In a similar way to peppermint, the infusion leaves a cool sensation in the mouth, which is refreshing and invigorating.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA steam inhalation of the essential oil added to hot water is immediately clearing for the sinuses, being both uplifting and invigorating.\u00a0 <\/span>","hdif_image_1":14218,"hdif_image_2":14219,"hdif_image_3":14217,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,31,786,30],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_14219\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"449\"]\"Eucalyptus Eucalyptus flower and leaves (Eucalyptus globulus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nEucalyptus leaves and bark are high in essential oils with antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and expectorant properties (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus can be taken internally as an infusion or tincture of the leaf, but is more commonly used externally in the form of the essential oil (EO). An infusion of the leaves is therapeutic in the early stages of a cold\/flu to help with nasal and respiratory congestion, to support the immune system, soothe a sore throat and decongest the sinuses (2). The EO contains only the volatile oils, and is manufactured by steam distillation of large quantities of the leaf material (3). This is rarely taken internally, and needs to be diluted for both internal and external use (see dosage guidelines below).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus is one of the most powerful antiseptic herbs, which can be used whenever an antimicrobial action is required. This can be applied directly to the skin to cleanse wounds, or via steam inhalation to apply the antimicrobial action directly to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. In the case of inhalation (from steam inhalation or a balm applied to the chest) it will also have a decongestant and expectorant action to clear mucus and congestion from the respiratory tracts.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus oil can be used in a diffuser or room spray as a decongestant, to relieve mental fatigue, to clear airborne pathogens and acts as an insect repellent (2,4).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a massage oil or added to a bath, it will clear respiratory and sinus congestion, relieve tired or aching muscles, soothe skin damage and irritations, enhance circulation, aid relaxation and soothe the nervous system (4,5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nUse the EO or fresh leaves in a facial steam to cleanse the skin, clear congestion in the sinuses and lungs, and relieve cold, flu or allergy symptoms (2,4).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA eucalyptus leaf infusion or tincture can be used as a gargle, throat spray or mouth rinse for sore throat, throat infections, mouth\/gum inflammations and tooth infections (2,6).\u00a0<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"Energetically, eucalyptus is warm and dry (7,8). This suits conditions where there is dampness or stagnation in the body such as congestion due to thick mucus lining the mucous membranes, or to stimulate the circulation(8,9). The volatile oils in eucalyptus help to break down mucus and encourage expectoration, creating the decongestant action on the mucous membranes (10). Combined with the astringent action of the tannins, eucalyptus will dry up congested mucous membranes and protect them from further infection via its antimicrobial action (10).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a flower essence eucalyptus has a liberating effect, helping someone to accept life as it is (11). <\/span>Eucalyptus macrocarpa<\/span><\/i> as an essence enhances the function of the adrenal glands, increasing resilience, energy and vitality in those who have over-extended themselves into burnout (11). The essence of <\/span>Eucalyptus caesia<\/span><\/i> helps to show direction to those that feel at a crossroads in their lives and are unsure which path to take (11). <\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_14217\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Snow Snow gum tree (Eucalyptus pauciflora<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn aboriginal cultures the leaves were traditionally burned for inhalation, used as an external poultice for wounds, or taken internally for fever and infection (1,2). The sap and gum were used to treat burns, cuts and sores, and taken internally in drinks for intermittent fever (1,12). Felter reported a case of a crew of sailors in the 1850s being nearly decimated by a pernicious fever, off the coast of Australia, which resulted in a full\u00a0 recovery upon drinking a eucalyptus leaf infusion (12). Dr Ramel of Valencia is said to have introduced the remedy into Europe in 1866, when it was employed extensively as an antipyretic (fever reducing) in treating malarial conditions (12). The therapeutic action in malaria was as a febrifuge to reduce the fever, as well as also reducing the associated malaise, muscular aching, malarial neuralgia and headache (13). The roots of eucalyptus trees have a remarkable ability to absorb large quantities of water from the soil, which resulted in a gradual disappearance of mosquitos around plantations (14). In Europe it was extensively planted not only for the direct medicinal qualities of using the herb, but also to combat malaria by reducing the breeding grounds for mosquitos and subsequently their populations (11,14).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe leaves were used to make tincture (administered in doses of 10\u2014 30 drops); fluid extract (doses of 5\u2014 30 drops), syrup; or, eucalyptus oil (10\u2014 30 drops given in capsules, with glycerine or syrup) (12). The preparations were used as a tonic; gentle stimulating stomachic; in atonic dyspepsia; catarrh of the stomach; mucous catarrhal affections generally; laryngitis; asthma; chronic bronchitis; emphysema; pulmonary tuberculosis; whooping-cough; scarlet fever; chronic catarrh of the bladder; discoloured, purulent urine and increased pain (12,14). The antiseptic properties of eucalyptus gave it prominent place in the therapeutics of typhoid fever as an intestinal antiseptic, and also as a preventative to contracting the disease (13).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor topical use, both the leaves and the oil were applied locally for bronchial afflictions with expectoration of profuse, foetid mucous discharges; vaginal leucorrhoea; offensive discharges; gonorrhoeal discharges; indolent, foetid wounds or ulcers; cancerous ulceration; septicaemia, and gangrene (12,14). Externally, applications were also used to give relief from migraine and some forms of neuralgic and rheumatic pains (12). The leaves were either applied directly to the affected area or combined with other ingredients to form a poultice (12). A fluid extract was either diluted in water for external application or used in the form of a compress on lint moistened with the tincture (12). Eucalyptus oil was also an ingredient in \u201ccatheder oil\u201d which was used for sterilising and lubricating urethral catheters (14).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn throat and pulmonary maladies, a diluted tincture was inhaled in the form of spray, or the oil dropped on a cotton pad, from which the vapour was inhaled (12). The vapours of eucalyptus\u00a0were used in tonsillitis, chronic\u00a0post-nasal\u00a0and bronchial\u00a0catarrh, and in asthma combined with that of\u00a0thorn apple (<\/span>Datura stramonium<\/span><\/i>), and any condition of the lungs and bronchi where there is offensive expectoration, pus or a suggestion of gangrene (13). The leaves of eucalyptus were also made up into cigars or cigarettes and smoked to bring relief in bronchial catarrh, asthma, and other respiratory afflictions (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus gum (exudation from the bark) was used to form lozenges and pastilles, and used as an astringent to treat inflamed sore throats (15). A tincture or liquid extract of the gum was used externally as a styptic for nose bleeds and wounds, or internally for diarrhoea and dysentery (15).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus honey, gathered by bees from eucalyptus flowers, was recommended for parasitic and putrescent conditions, gonorrhoea, fevers, and catarrhal diseases, used as a sedative to the heart, actively diuretic, and to increase the elimination of uric acid (12).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_14221\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Eucalyptus Eucalyptus leaves in the rain (Eucalyptus globulus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Respiratory<\/h3>\r\nEucalyptus oil is antimicrobial, immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic, suiting it to many conditions affecting the respiratory system (16). Although the essential oil (EO) constituents vary across the eucalyptus species, all eucalyptus oils have antibacterial and antiviral activity against a broad range of organisms and strains (1,10,13). This antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus oil has been demonstrated against <\/span>Streptococcus pneumoniae<\/span><\/i>,\u00a0<\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i>, and\u00a0<\/span>Haemophilus influenzae, which are <\/span><\/i>some of the most common pathogens causing respiratory tract infections such as influenza, otitis media (ear infection), sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia (3,18). The treatment of many of these conditions with antibiotics is threatened by the development of worldwide antibiotic resistance (18). However, the complex mixture of constituents in EOs is advantageous because pathogens have difficulty in developing resistance mechanisms to the multiple constituents (19). The inhalation of eucalyptus EO via a steam inhalation delivers the constituents directly into the lungs to act on the infecting pathogens (2). Similarly, the application of the EO in a carrier oil or as a balm to the chest and back will allow the vapour oils to be inhaled as well as being absorbed through the skin (7). The combination of peppermint and eucalyptus EO for inhalation works well to loosen mucus for expectoration and dilate the airways to ease breathing (20).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus can also be taken internally as a tincture, or infusion by adding to a blend which is specific to the individual condition and the other symptoms being treated (13,21). The mucolytic, broncho-dilating, and anti-inflammatory actions suit eucalyptus as an ingredient in formulas for asthma, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and COPD (22,23,24,28). The immune stimulating properties of eucalyptus make it a powerful ingredient to add to an immune-supporting formula, combining well with <\/span>echinacea<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>astragalus<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>elderberry<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>rosehip<\/span><\/a> during the cold and flu season.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus stimulates the circulation, which enhances blood flow to the skin and promotes sweating (11). This helps to lower a fever, clear toxins from the blood and speed up the resolution of a fever in conditions such as chickenpox and measles (11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe expectorant and decongestant action of eucalyptus makes it a valuable remedy for sinus and lung congestion, damp coughs, lingering chest infections, damp asthma, and catarrh (2,7). Eucalyptus thins phlegm and mucus making it less viscous and easier for the body to expel, as well as inhibiting the secretion of more mucus via an anti-inflammatory cascade (3). The combination of the antimicrobial and decongestant actions make it effective in relieving the symptoms of colds, influenza, respiratory infections, rhinitis, and sinusitis (16). The expectorant and decongestant action is best achieved via a steam inhalation, diffuser or applied as a balm to the chest from inhalation of the vapours (7). When inhaled, the combined actions of eucalyptus clears the head and respiratory tracts, soothes the lungs, deters infection and stimulates immunity (2). It is best used at the onset of symptoms such as sore throat, aches and pains, fever and malaise (11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA eucalyptus leaf decoction can be used as a mouthwash for infected gums, gargle for sore throat or as an ingredient in throat spray which is both soothing and protective (6).<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14222\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"600\"]\"Eucalyptus Eucalyptus gum tree (Eucalyptus globulus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Skin<\/h3>\r\nEucalyptus EO has broad spectrum antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, including <\/span>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/span><\/i> and methicillin-resistant <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i> (MRSA), fungi (including Candida) and viruses (16). Topical application of the EO in a carrier oil, as an ointment or cream can be used for skin infections, wounds, cold sores, herpes sores, shingles, chicken pox, measles, and fungal infections (2,6,11,16). This has been <\/span>demonstrated in clinical research for the fungal infections tinea pedis (athlete\u2019s foot), tinea corporis (ringworm) and tinea cruris (jock itch) (25). It can also be added as an ingredient in treatments for headlice, combining well with thyme, tea tree, rosemary and lavender (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus EO has significant wound healing activity via mechanisms of angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation, epithelialization, and wound contraction at the proliferative stage (3). Combined with the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions, this makes it a valuable ingredient to add to wound-healing balms and creams. <\/span>Eucalyptus leaves can be used to make a compress, or an infusion used as a wash for burns, cuts, wounds, abscess (4,6).<\/span> Leaf decoction can be used as a douche for thrush, vaginal discharges, leukorrhea, haemorrhoids <\/span>(6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal<\/span><\/h3>\r\nDiluted oil, or EO in a balm can be applied topically for inflamed joints, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, gout and neuralgia<\/span> (6,7). When applied locally for aching muscles and arthritic conditions it combines well with rosemary, lavender or marjoram (11). Eucalyptus EO or dried leaves can be added to Epsom salts to use as a bath soak to improve circulation, reduce joint inflammation and support aching muscles and joints (4). The EO, diluted in a carrier oil can be rubbed in the temples for headaches and migraines, combining well with peppermint or rosemary EO (4,6).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_14223\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"400\"]\"Eucalyptus Eucalyptus nuts (Eucalyptus globulus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Respiratory<\/h3>\r\nThe recommendations for the use of eucalyptus for respiratory ailments are based on its traditional use, as there is insufficient evidence on its effectiveness from clinical trials (26). A review of pre-clinical data on the effects of eucalyptus oil and eucalyptol (cineole, the main constituent in eucalyptus oil) identified anti-inflammatory, expectorant, bronchodilator and analgesic effects, and concluded therapeutic utility in respiratory disorders (27). Several clinical studies have used the isolated constituent cineol, from eucalyptus oil, to provide evidence for the use of eucalyptus for respiratory disorders.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Asthma\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nJuergens et al. enrolled 32 patients with steroid-dependent bronchial asthma to be randomly assigned to receive 200 mg cineol (three times per day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. The cineol group were able to reduce their steroid use by 36% by the end of the 12 weeks, while the placebo group decreased use by only 7%. The authors concluded that the anti-inflammatory activity of cineol could be used as a steroid-saving therapy in steroid-dependent asthma (24).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA similar study of 247 patients with steroid-dependant asthma used a double blind, placebo controlled protocol to investigate cineole as a concomitant therapy (22). The patients were administered 200 mg of cineole (three times per day) or a placebo, for six months. The cineole group had a significantly greater improvement in lung function, asthma symptoms, and quality of life compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0027) (22).<\/span>\r\n

Acute bronchitis<\/h3>\r\nA placebo-controlled trial of 242 patients with acute bronchitis were administered 200 mg cineole (three times per day) for ten days (28). There was a significant improvement in bronchitis symptoms compared to the placebo group, particularly the frequency of coughing. The authors suggested that the antitussive effects of the cineole were due to the anti-inflammatory action and improved mucociliary clearance (28).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

COPD<\/h3>\r\nCineole has also shown benefits in patients with COPD by improving pulmonary function, reducing the exacerbation rate and improving quality of life (23). A placebo-controlled trial of 242 patients with COPD received either 200 mg cineol (three times per day) or a placebo as a concomitant therapy for six months. The authors concluded that concomitant therapy with cineole reduces COPD exacerbations and dyspnoea, and improves lung function and health status by controlling airway inflammation in COPD (23).<\/span>\r\n

Sinusitis\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial explored the efficacy of cineol in the patients with acute rhinosinusitis (29). Treatment group (200 mg cineole, three times per day) and the placebo group both contained 76 patients who took the treatment for seven days. The improvement in symptoms was significantly greater in the cineol group after four days and seven days. The authors concluded timely treatment with cineole is effective and safe in patients with acute non-purulent rhinosinusitis and prevents the need for antibiotics (29).<\/span>\r\n

Fungal infection\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nFifty patients with either tinea pedis (athlete\u2019s foot), tinea corporis (ringworm) or tinea cruris (jock itch) were treated with an ointment containing eucalyptus essential oil (1%) (25). The ointment was applied twice a day to all the affected areas, for three weeks. After the first week of treatment 40% of the cases had a significant improvement in symptoms of inflammation, scaling, itching, vesiculation and pustulation. By the end of the third week 60% had a complete recovery of symptoms and the remaining 40% had a significant improvement. All patients tested negative for the fungal infection from a skin sample by the end of the third week (25). No side effects or skin irritation was reported. Some caution is advised when interpreting this data as there was no placebo or control group, meaning any improvement which could have occurred without treatment is not accounted for.<\/span>","did_you_know":"The eucalyptus flower buds are covered by a round cap-like membrane called a <\/span>calyptos<\/span><\/i>, which is thrown off when the flowers expand (30). This is derived from the Greek <\/span>eucalypos<\/span><\/i>, meaning well-covered, from which the genus name <\/span>Eucalyptus<\/span><\/i> stems (14).<\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus trees grow very rapidly with one of the species, <\/span>Eucalyptus amydalin<\/span><\/i>, being the tallest known tree, growing to 480 feet (~150 metres), exceeding the Californian giant sequoia (14).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":14224},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"According to the <\/span>Royal Botanical Gardens Kew<\/span><\/i>, there are 713 accepted species of eucalyptus (32). Many of these species can be used medicinally but will vary in the concentration of the active constituents (13). The species licensed for use in commercially available herbal medicine products is <\/span>Eucalyptus globulus<\/span><\/i> (26). <\/span>\r\n\r\nEucalyptus species are evergreen and can vary from a short shrub to a tall tree (1). It has bark that ranges from blue-grey to mottled white or brown and peels off in strips to reveal yellow patches underneath (1,30). A red resin exudes through breaks in the bark, hence the tree\u2019s common name \u2014 the gum tree (30).<\/span> The younger leaves are whitish-blue, rounded, opposite and unstalked (14). The mature leaves are a grey-blue-green, lanceolate, slender and up to 20 cm long, hanging downwards in pairs from a single stalk (1). The leaves have a leathery texture and are studded with glands containing the aromatic essential oils (14). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flower buds are cone-shaped and grouped together in sets of three on short stalks, each bud has a round cap on top called the calyptus, which falls off to when the flowers expand, revealing the fluffy white or red flower stamens (14,30). The flowers resemble tassels of stamens, opening a year after the buds are formed (30). In the middle of the flower a hard, woody pod develops that opens to release seeds (30).<\/span>","common_names":"There are several eucalyptus species:\u00a0<\/span>\r\n