Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus globulus
Leaves of the eucalyptus tree, taken as tea or inhaled in steam, and recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for cough with a cold.
What is Eucalyptus?
- Plant family
- Myrtaceae, the myrtle family
- Parts used
- The leaves
- Genus
- Eucalyptus
- Species
- globulus
Also called
Eucalyptus Leaf
Traditionally used for
- Cough
- Colds
- Steam inhalation
- Tea
Traditionally described as
- May help loosen mucus (traditional)
Health topics
Where Eucalyptus appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Colds and Nasal Congestion
Used as a tea or steam inhalation for cough with a cold. Never use it in children under 2½.
- Cough
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for cough with a cold.
Traditions that use it
European Folk Medicine
Recognized in Europe as a traditional herbal medicine for cough with a cold.
Natural compounds
Safety
Who should avoid it
Never use eucalyptus leaf in children under 30 months (2½ years): products containing cineole, like other essential oils, can cause a sudden tightening of the vocal cords (laryngospasm).[1]
Side effects
No side effects have been reported when used as directed.[2]
How much to use
Leaf teas and inhalations aren't recommended under 12, and tinctures are for adults only because of their alcohol. See a doctor if symptoms last more than a week, or if you get shortness of breath, fever or colored phlegm.[1]
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Based on long-standing use, the European Medicines Agency recognizes eucalyptus leaf as a traditional herbal medicine to relieve cough with a cold. It is taken as a tea or breathed in with steam from hot water.[2]
Research in people
Lab tests and studies in patients looked at 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), a compound in eucalyptus leaf. They suggest it might have an effect in airway diseases, but the leaf itself hasn't been proven in trials.[2]
In short
Never use it in children under 30 months: it can cause a dangerous tightening of the vocal cords.
Sources
- [1] Community herbal monograph on Eucalyptus globulus Labill., folium (EMA/HMPC/892618/2011) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
- [2] Eucalyptus leaf (Eucalyptus globulus Labill., folium): summary of the HMPC conclusions (EMA/HMPC/300235/2013) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.