Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus).Plant Part Used: Leaf, essential oil.Dominican Medicinal Uses: Leaf: infusion or decoction, orally or inhaled vapor, for asthma, common cold, flu-like symptoms, congestion, cough and pulmonary infection.Safety: Leaves considered safe for internal and external use if administered appropriately; essential oil is highly toxic if taken internally and may cause allergic reaction when administered topically; vapor inhalation may transmit fungal spores.Contraindications: Young children and infants (inhalation or topical administration my lead to respiratory disorders); gastro-intestinal inflammatory conditions (internal use may irritate mucosa), history of allergy or hypersensitivity to eugenol (essential oil constituent).Drug Interactions: Antidiabetic drugs (may potentiate effect), barbiturates (may decrease effect), pyrrolizidine-containing herbs (may exacerbate hepatotoxic effects).Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: anti-inflammatory, bronchitis treatment (essential oil).In vitro: antibacterial, antioxidant (essential oil)* See entry for Eucalipto in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.
Health Encyclopedia