Eucalyptus oil is made from the tops of the branches and the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, which is native to Tasmania and commonly grown in the Mediterranean. The oil from this evergreen may help to prevent or treat a number of health conditions, including diabetes, the common cold, asthma and congestion. Preliminary research shows eucalyptus oil may be useful for the treatment of cancer, but you shouldn't take eucalyptus oil without first consulting your doctor as it is not safe for everyone.
Effects on Cancer
Eucalpytus oil contains a number of substances that may help to prevent or treat cancer. Resveratrol can assist in causing the death of cancer cells. But because this substance may also act similarly to estrogen, if you suffer from a hormone-sensitive cancer you should avoid foods and supplements containing resveratrol, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Another substance in eucalyptus oil, euglobal-G1, inhibited cancer activity in mouse skin cancer cells, according to an article published in July 2000 in "Cancer Letters." However, this evidence is very preliminary and more research is needed before recommendations can be made for eucalyptus in the prevention or treatment of cancer.
Side Effects and Interactions
Use of eucalyptus oil can cause side effects including upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or liver or kidney damage, especially if you take it in large amounts. It may also trigger asthma attacks in some people with asthma. Eucalyptus oil may interact with medications, including the cancer medication 5-Fluorouracil; diabetes medications; amphetamines; and pentobarbital.
Safety
Eucalyptus oil is not safe to consume unless it is diluted. It is toxic in amounts above 3.5 mL if undiluted. Toxicity symptoms include dizziness, stomach pain, muscle weakness and feelings of suffocation. Children should not consume eucalyptus oil, nor should pregnant or nursing women or people with high or low blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, bile duct inflammatory disease or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. If you have diabetes you should be monitored by a doctor if you take eucalyptus oil.
Considerations
Do not take any herbal medication without first speaking with your doctor to make sure it would be safe for you. The evidence for the use of eucalyptus oil for cancer treatment or prevention is very preliminary, so do not self-treat with eucalyptus oil or use this herbal remedy in place of the standard cancer treatment prescribed by your doctor.
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