Eucalyptus pros and cons

Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in cough remedies, but it has other uses. It also has some drawbacks that are not well known. Here’s some information to help you decide if it’s right for you and your family.

Advantage: A distillation of the leaves is a remedy for coughs, colds, and sore throats. It is readily available in lozenges and cough drops at many supermarkets and pharmacies. The leaves contain tannins that can reduce inflammation and are considered antioxidants.

Many vaporizers contain eucalyptus oil, which can help relieve congestion. Health care providers often recommend it for conditions like bronchitis and the flu to help clear phlegm from the chest.

Like capsaicin, eucalyptus oil can be useful topically for arthritis and sores. Rubbed on the skin, it is a good insect repellant (although it can also be a “people repellant”). Some natural pet flea repellents use eucalyptus instead of more harsh chemicals. The oil can be antifungal, especially when it comes to finger and hand nail fungus.

Traditional use suggests that it may be useful in the treatment of diabetes. Preliminary studies agree, there may be some scientific merit to this use. However, more study is needed before it is safe to suggest its use for this purpose.

The eucalyptus tree is sometimes planted in swampy areas because it absorbs a lot of water. They can also reduce the salt content of some soils. Poor areas grow them for sale as lumber, because they grow quite fast and are quite tall.

cons: Eucalyptus oil cannot be used in children under two years of age. Children under the age of six should not be given any product containing eucalyptus, as it can cause serious problems. When buying cough drops or vaporizers for toddlers, make sure they don’t contain this ingredient.

If you have inflammation of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, or biliary tract, do not take this product. Avoid if you have liver disease or any type of blood pressure problem. The tannins it contains can make these problems worse. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not use. If you have asthma, be careful as it could cause an asthma attack.

There are several drug interactions with eucalyptus, so it’s best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking a product that contains it. Also, keep in mind that the oil is not toxic when used on the skin, but it is toxic when ingested.