Eucalyptus Herbal Remedies
Eucalyptus leaves or oil are often employed in steam inhalations for their expectorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and decongestant properties. A tea from the leaves has been used traditionally for aching joints, muscle stiffness, dysentery, and ringworm. Eucalyptus oil is given internally, in small doses (only 1-2 drops), most often as an ingredient in cough medicines or lozenges. The oil is also used as a natural flea repellant. Eucalyptus oil steam inhalations are often beneficial for chronic coughs and plugged sinuses. Eucalyptus has a taste of SPICY and a temperature of WARM.
Eucalyptus Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Eucalyptus Infusion | 1 cup 2 x daily |
| Eucalyptus Oil | 1-2 drops of the essential oil in tea |
Eucalyptus Reference Information
| Latin Name | Eucalyptus globulus |
| Other Names | Blue gum |
| Part Used | Leaf, oil |
| Herb Forms | Essential oil, bulk herb. |
| Affects | Respiratory system |
| Cautions | Contraindicated in inflammatory diseases of the bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract and in liver disease. Eucalyptus products should not be used on the face or nose of babies and young childen. |
| Botanical Info | A tall evergreen tree with large bands of shedding bark and bluish green and very aromatic leaves. Originally from Tasmania, the trees are commonly planted in California and other areas of the world as windbreaks. |
Supporting Research
Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Madaus, G. 1976. Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. Hildesheim: Georg Olms Verlag.
Reynolds, J., ed. 1993. Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.