Eucalyptus Leaf Oil Dangers To Epileptics

Eucalyptus leaves produce a pungent oil that is traditionally used to alleviate colds and congestion. You'll find it in chest rubs, steam-inhalation preparations and cough drops. It's approved by Commission E, Germany's regulatory body for herbs, to treat bronchitis and coughs. However, the National Institutes of Health in the United States does not give the oil its stamp of approval for any use. In addition, eucalyptus oil can cause several side effects, including seizures. That makes avoiding it important if you have epilepsy. Always consult a doctor before using eucalyptus oil.

Significance

Eucalyptus, also known as the gum tree, is native to Australia and New Zealand. The essential oil comes from the tree's leaves. This oil is an active ingredient in inhalants as well as expectorants. It's also rubbed on the skin to ease arthritis pain. The toxic dose of eucalyptus oil is 3.5 ml, according to the National Institutes of Health. Overdose can cause seizures and death. Death is the result of depression of your central nervous system as well as respiratory arrest, says Carol Turkington and Deborah Mitchell, authors of "The Encyclopedia of Poisons and Antidotes." Less serious side effects can include dizziness, nausea, confusion and appetite loss.

Expert Insight

A seizure occurs when your brain cells send out abnormal signals. If you have seizures that recur, it's considered epilepsy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The symptoms of a seizure can vary from staring blankly for a couple of seconds to full-fledged convulsions, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Identification

You need to avoid eucalyptus essential oil if you have epilepsy because of its potential to induce or worsen seizures, according to Orrin Devinsky, lead author of the book, "Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy." Other essential oils that you need to avoid if you have a seizure disorder include rosemary, sage, fennel, hyssop, pennyroyal, tansy, wormwood and thuja, according to the UMMC.

Considerations

If you avoid eucalyptus oil because you have epilepsy you might not be missing out on much. According to the National Institutes of Health, despite the fact that the oil is used medicinally for a variety of purposes not enough scientific evidence exists to rate it as effective for any of them.

Warning

Eucalyptus oil is unsafe for children. The oil can be absorbed via the skin, so should not be used topically or ingested, notes Zorina Flaman, lead author for a review published in Pediatrics and Child Health. Children can suffer seizures or death due to eucalyptus use. According to the National Institutes of Health, you should never take eucalyptus by mouth or apply it to your skin at full strength. The oil has to be diluted for safety before it is put on your skin.