Eucalyptus (fevertree, gum tree, red ironbark, white ironbark)
Classes: Musculoskeletal, Herbals; Pulmonary, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Fevertree, gum tree (eucalyptus)
Oil
Arthritis: 5-20% in an oil-based formulation or 5-10% in an alcohol-based formulation
Nasal Congestion: 1 tsp in boiling water for steam inhalation; also rub on chest & around nose
Suggested uses of Fevertree, gum tree (eucalyptus)
Arthritis, nasal congestion, asthma, skin ulcers, tick repellant
Fevertree, gum tree (eucalyptus) adverse (side) effects
Allergic rxns
Severe AEs if oil is taken PO: abd pain, cyanosis, dyspnea, ataxia, hypotension, arrhythmias, multiorgan failure
Warnings
Contraindications
Acute intermittent porphyria
Cautions
Do NOT ingest oil - severe, potentially fatal toxicity
Diabetes, hypoglycemia
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid
Lactation: avoid
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Fevertree, gum tree (eucalyptus)
Mechanism of action
Elicits anti-inflammatory effect by interacting with OH- radicals; interferes with leukocyte activation