Aromatherapists, herbalists and practitioners of traditional medicines use a variety of natural substances, oils and herbs to heal physical and mental conditions. Eucalyptus is a plant that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Although some healers suggest that eucalyptus may be useful for pain, clinical studies regarding its effectiveness have been limited.
About Eucalyptus
The eucalyptus is an evergreen tree native to Tasmania and Australia, although it is currently cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and other tropical areas. The leaves and twigs are used to produce essential oil. According to aromatherapists and co-founders of the International Aromatherapy and Herb Association David and Carol Schiller in their book, "The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia," native Aboriginal people used eucalyptus as a remedy for physical ailments such as colds, congestion and pain. The active ingredient in eucalyptus is called eucalyptol, also known as cineole.
Uses for Pain
According to the Community Medical Center, eucalyptus oil is used for alleviating the pain of arthritis and congestion and is a prominent ingredient in over-the-counter rubs and creams for muscle aches and pains. Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory; anti-rheumatic; and analgesic, or pain-relieving, properties. When diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond or olive oil, eucalyptus oil is used to alleviate joint and muscle pain, although there is not enough evidence to support the claim that it works, states MedlinePlus.
Clinical Evidence
Most of the evidence supporting the claim that eucalyptus is effective for alleviating pain is anecdotal. However, a few clinical studies validate some of its benefits for pain. A study published in the June 1994 issue of an international headache journal, "Cephalalgia," examined the effects of peppermint and eucalyptus oils on healthy patients. The results showed that a combination of ethanol with peppermint and eucalyptus oils had a muscle-relaxing and mentally relaxing effect, although it had little effect on pain sensitivity. Another study published in the December 2003 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" showed that eucalyptus oil extracts had an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect on laboratory rats. Additionally, a study published in the April 2004 issue of the journal "Laryngoscope" showed that cineole, the active component in eucalyptus oil, alleviated headache pain and other symptoms in patients suffering from rhinosinusitis.
Considerations
While some studies support the claim that eucalyptus is effective for certain types of pain, more research is needed to fully evaluate the potential benefits. Use caution when using eucalyptus oil. According to MedlinePlus, never use undiluted eucalyptus oil. Additionally, children should avoid using eucalyptus oil. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar levels very closely when using eucalyptus. If you have a medical condition or are concerned about potential side effects, consult your doctor before using eucalyptus.
References
- "The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia: A Concise Guide to Over 385 Plant Oils"; Carol Schiller and David Schiller; 2008
- Community Medical Center: Eucalyptus
- MedlinePlus: Eucalyptus
- "Cephalalgia"; Effect of Peppermint and Eucalyptus Oil...; H. Göbel, et al.; June 1994
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects...; J. Silva, et al.; December 2003
- "Laryngoscope"; Therapy for Acute Nonpurulent Rhinosinusitis With Cineole; W. Kehrl, et al.; April 2004
Member Comments