The use of complementary or alternative medicine is more and more popular in the United States to treat everything from congestion and the common cold to chronic conditions. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, in 2007 approximately 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children in the United States used some form of complementary medicine. One such form is the use of eucalyptus oil for the treatment of congestion and respiratory infections. Before using eucalyptus oil, you should consult your physician or alternative healthcare provider as it can be dangerous if not used correctly.
Complementary Medicine
Complementary medicine uses natural products and practices that are different than conventional medicine. This includes the use of plants and herbs such as eucalyptus oil or ginger, deep breathing exercises, massage therapy, meditation, acupuncture, diet changes, hypnosis and various homeopathic treatments.
Eucalyptus Oil
The dried leaves and oil from the eucalyptus tree have many uses in a variety of medical treatments. According to Medline Plus, it has been used to treat infections, fever, and respiratory conditions such as cough, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis and chest and nasal congestion. It has been used to treat inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis. However, Medline Plus says there is not enough scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of eucalyptus for these conditions. Eucalyptus oil should never be taken full strength and must be diluted before being taken orally or applied to the skin. Ingesting as little as 3.5 milliliters of undiluted eucalyptus oil can be fatal. Eucalyptus is in a variety of over-the-counter lozenges, cough syrups and vapor rubs to treat colds and congestion.
Congestion
Congestion of the sinuses or chest is caused by an increase and thickness of mucus or an inflammation of the tissues that line the nasal cavity. Congestion can occur because of a variety of conditions including the common cold, flu, a sinus infection, hay fever or other allergies and respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. Reducing the level of mucus of the inflammation in the tissues is necessary to alleviate symptoms and this is where the use of eucalyptus may be beneficial.
Dangers of Eucalyptus Oil
In over-the-counter cold medications, the eucalyptus oil is diluted and should be safe. However, using non-diluted eucalyptus oil can be fatal. Signs of eucalyptus poisoning include stomach pain, dizziness, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use eucalyptus oil without first consulting your physician, especially if you are pregnant or have diabetes. Do not give eucalyptus oil to children under the age of two in any form without first consulting your physician. Eucalyptus oil can interact with a variety of medications so make your physician aware of all medications you take, including supplements.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States; December 2008
- MedlinePlus; Eucalyptus; November 18, 2010
- MedlinePlus; Nasal Congestion; November 2, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Eucalyptus; August 26, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Nasal Congestion -- Overview; November 2, 2009
- MedlinePlus; Pneumonia; May 1, 2011
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