Eucalypti aetheroleum

Essential oils (eucalyptus oil) obtained from the branches and leaves of the euclyptus tree by steam distillation. The best-known representative from which eucalyptus oils are obtained is Eucalyptus globulus, the "blue eucalyptus". Depending on the rectification (= post-distillation to reduce certain ingredients), the following ingredients are found in its oils:

• 60-85% cineole (eucalyptol)
• 25% monoterpenes, triterpenes (2-4% ursolic acid derivatives), sesquiterpenols, sesquiterpenes (e.g. eudesmol), monoterpenols, monoterpene ketones and esters.

The cineole content (see also tea tree oil) should be stated as a percentage on the container.

Eucalyptus oil is used in bee care as an active ingredient against mite infestation. It also acts as a repellent.

A 1% oil is obtained from Eucalyptus pauciflora (snow eucalyptus) with a high cineole content and proven antimycotic efficacy against tinea pedum and tinea corporis.

Quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.):

HMPC monograph: traditional - use: cough due to cold; externally for the treatment of muscle pain (sore muscles).
ESCOP monograph: (eucalyptus oil): Internally: supportive treatment of chronic respiratory complaints, bronchitis and bronchial asthma, as well as symptomatic treatment of catarrhs of the upper airways; externally for colds and rheumatic complaints
Commission E mon ograph: (eucalyptus leaves): Colds of the respiratory tract.
Commission E monograph: (eucalyptus oil): Colds of the respiratory tract (internal and external), and rheumatic complaints (external)

Only the essential eucalyptus oil and the 1,8-cineole isolated from it are used medicinally.

Eucalyptus oil is used as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antipyretic and expectorant. The dosage is 5-20 drops several times a day. Elimination also takes place via the respiratory tract.

Infants and small children under 3 years of age: glottic spasm, laryngospasm! up to respiratory arrest!

Pregnancy and lactation in the absence of examinations

A fixed combination of camphor + eucalyptus oil + purified turpentine oil consists of:

• Eucalyptus oil
• Camphor
• Terebinthinae aetheroleum rectificatum(purified turpentine oil).

It has a light antispasmodic, antiseptic, hyperemic and sputum stimulating effect. In addition, this combination has secretolytic, respiratory, bronchospasmolytic, toning effects on the patient's circulation and is used in the treatment of respiratory catarrhs and muscle and joint pain in non-inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Another fixed combination consists of

Eucalyptus oil + pine needle oil and is offered as Tumarol® children's balm.

Angocin® N ointment Precutan, Aspecton® balm, Babiforton® inhalant, Babix inhalant (external), Bronchicum® nalsam with eucalyptus oil, Bronchodurat® ointment, Dolexamed® fluid, Dolo-cyl® oil - muscle and joint oil, Menthol, cold balsam-ratiopharm®, Hustagil® cold balsam, Ilon® abscess ointment, Insprio® N solution for gargling, Kneipp® cold balsam N, Leukona® eucaline bath, Liniplant® inhaler, Lyobalsam® S Ointment, Makatussin® Balsam with Menthol, Mentholon Original® N, Monopax® N Cough Balm, Nerve Cream Fides S, Nervfluid Fides S, Palatol® Ointment N, Palatol® Distillate, Pinimenthol® Bath, Pinimenthol® S Ointment, Pinimenthol® Liquidum N, Piniol® Balm N, Repha-Os® Mouth Spray, Rheumatism ointment con ct, stas® Cold ointment, stas® Mild Cold Ointment, Tussamag® Cold Balsam N

The extracts of the different types of eucalyptus are not suitable for children < 6 years due to their ingredients.

1. Bachir RG et al. (2012) Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2: 739-742
2. Shahi SK et al. (2000) Broad spectrum herbal therapy against superficial fungal infections. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 13: 60-64
3. Slimane BB et al. (2014) Essential oils from two Eucalyptus from Tunisia and their insecticidal action on Orgyia trigotephras (Lepidotera, Lymantriidae). Biol Res 47:29
4. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/eucalyptus.php