Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus (Eucalptus globulus)
Brief Background:
Eucalyptus oil is used commonly as a decongestant and expectorant for upper respiratory tract infections or inflammations, as well as for various musculoskeletal conditions. The oil is found in numerous over-the-counter cough and cold lozenges as well as in inhalation vapors or topical ointments.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Eucalyptus is used as a medicinal tea for bronchitis or throat inflammation, and has been approved for treating “catarrh” (mucus membrane inflammation) of the respiratory tract. The oil is also approved for topical use for rheumatic complaints. Eucalyptus is known as the “oil of respiration” in holistic aromatherapy practice, due to its suggested anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant and anti-spasmodic properties. Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), which is present in eucalyptus oil, has a long history of use in endodontics as a solvent, and to soften gutta percha (a thermoplastic root canal filling material) and various sealers.
