| Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in cough remedies, | | | | using it for this purpose. |
| but it has other uses. It also has a few drawbacks | | | | The eucalyptus tree is sometimes planted in boggy |
| that are not widely known. Here is some information | | | | areas because it absorbs so much water. They may |
| to help you decide if it is right for you and your | | | | also reduce the salt content of some soil. Poor areas |
| family. | | | | grow them for sale as timber, because they grow |
| Pros: A distillation of the leaves makes a remedy for | | | | fairly quickly and quite tall. |
| coughs, colds and sore throats. It is readily available in | | | | Cons: Eucalyptus oil cannot be used around children |
| lozenges and cough drops at many supermarkets and | | | | under two years of age. Children under six should not |
| pharmacies. The leaves contain tannins which may | | | | be given any product with eucalyptus in it, as it can |
| reduce inflammation and are considered antioxidants. | | | | cause serious problems. When buying cough drops or |
| Many vapor rubs contain eucalyptus oil, which may | | | | vapor rubs for young children, make sure this |
| help relieve congestion. Health care providers often | | | | ingredient is not in it. |
| recommend it for conditions like bronchitis and the flu | | | | If you have inflammation of the kidneys, |
| to help clear the chest of phlegm. | | | | gastrointestinal tract or bile duct, don't take this |
| Like capsaicin, eucalyptus oil may be useful topically | | | | product. Avoid it if you have liver disease or any sort |
| for arthritis and sores. Rubbed on the skin, it is a | | | | of blood pressure problem. The tannins found in it can |
| good insect repellent (though it may also be a | | | | make these problems worse. If you are pregnant or |
| "people repellent.") Some natural flea repellents for | | | | breastfeeding, don't use it. If you have asthma, use |
| pets use eucalyptus rather than harsher chemicals. | | | | caution as it could cause an asthma attack. |
| The oil may be antifungal, especially when dealing | | | | There are several drug interactions with eucalyptus, |
| with nail fungus on the fingers and hands. | | | | so it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist before |
| Traditional use suggests it may be useful in treating | | | | taking a product containing it. Also, bear in mind that |
| diabetes. Preliminary studies concur, there may be | | | | the oil is nontoxic when used on the skin, but it is |
| some scientific merit to this use. However, more | | | | toxic when ingested. |
| studies need to be done before it is safe to suggest | | | | |