ბოტანიკა / Botanica
Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus

Other names: Eucalyptus

European

Photo credit: Ian Brooker and David Kleinig

This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.

Safety information

Toxicity: Serious if essential oil ingested — do not take oil internally without supervision. | Essential oil is toxic if swallowed in quantity.

Contraindications: Do not give the essential oil to infants/small children. | None specifically reported.

Interactions: None specifically noted. | None reported.

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.

infusion · leaf

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally used (leaf) internally as a decongestant and expectorant and topically as an antimicrobial; the essential oil is used in aromatherapy and inhalations.

How to prepare (traditional): Infusion: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of leaves and infuse, covered, 10-15 minutes.

Dosage note (descriptive only): Drunk three times a day. Commission E: 4-6 g leaf daily.

Reference only — not a dosage instruction

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)
tincture · leaf

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Expectorant / antimicrobial.

How to prepare (traditional): Tincture at 1:5 in 25% alcohol.

Dosage note (descriptive only): 1 ml three times a day.

Reference only — not a dosage instruction

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)
other · leaf

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally used for sore throats.

How to prepare (traditional): Lozenges containing eucalyptus.

Dosage note (descriptive only): Taken for sore throats.

Reference only — not a dosage instruction

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)
powder · leaf

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally taken for bronchitis.

How to prepare (traditional): Capsules.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For bronchitis, the book suggests a 200 mg capsule three times a day.

Reference only — not a dosage instruction

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)
oil · leaf

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally used for colds, congestion, and as a warming chest/sinus rub.

How to prepare (traditional): Essential oil (distilled from leaves) used by inhalation (10 drops added to boiling water) or, diluted in carrier oil, as a chest or sinus rub.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For inhalation, the book suggests 10 drops in boiling water; as a rub, 5 drops diluted with 2 tsp carrier oil.

Reference only — not a dosage instruction

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Nutritional notes

Not a food.

Healing traditions

European
Sources (2)

  1. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (book, p.112) — Andrew Chevallier, English, 2016
  2. Hoffmann D., Medical Herbalism (2003) — materia medica, Eucalyptus globulus

All sources →

Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any plant or preparation.