Eucalyptus Oil
Aliases：Ān Yè Yóu (Eucalyptus Leaf Oil), Lán Ān Yè Yóu (Blue Gum Leaf Oil), Yóu Jiā Lì Yóu (Eucalyptus Oil), Ān Shù Yóu (Eucalyptus Tree Oil), Níng Méng Ān Yóu (Lemon Eucalyptus Oil), Yù Shù Yóu (Jade Tree Oil), Bái Shù Yóu (White Tree Oil).
Ān Yóu (Eucalyptus Oil) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the volatile oil obtained by steam distillation from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (family Myrtaceae), Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Sieb. (family Lauraceae), or other plants from the same two families. The product is a colorless or slightly yellow clear liquid with a distinctive aromatic odor, slightly resembling camphor, and a pungent, cool taste. Its color may darken slightly upon prolonged storage. It is readily soluble in 70% ethanol.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind and relieves pain; disperses wind-heat; removes dampness and detoxifies. It is also recorded as having the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, resolving phlegm, and relieving cough.
Indications
Indicated for skin itching and neuralgia. It may also be used for common cold, influenza, enteritis, diarrhea, burns, joint swelling, lower back and knee pain, numbness of the limbs, lung-heat cough, sore throat, damp-heat jaundice, wind-cold cough, and wheezing with profuse phlegm. For external use, it can repel mosquitoes and insects.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that eucalyptus oil possesses multiple pharmacological activities. Its active component, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), exhibits various pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. In addition, cineole also has analgesic and neuroprotective effects. Research has shown that 1,8-cineole has certain protective effects on the respiratory, nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems.
Ingredients
The main component of eucalyptus oil is cineole (1,8-cineole, C₁₀H₁₈O), which must constitute no less than 70.0% (g/g). It also contains α-pinene, camphene, phellandrene, terpinene, terpineol, geranyl acetate, isovaleraldehyde, citronellal, piperitone, and others. Blue gum oil does not contain safrole. Other chemical constituents include 3,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-2-ene, α,α,4-trimethyl, and others.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g. For external use: apply an appropriate amount to the affected area. It may also be decocted in water for washing sores and boils.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in those allergic to this product. Eucalyptus oil is irritating to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal inflammation or ulcers. When used as an external preparation, it should not be taken orally. Avoid spicy and irritating foods. Patients with diabetes should avoid use (for preparations such as peppermint and eucalyptus oil lozenges).
Selected Formulas
Peppermint and Eucalyptus Oil Lozenges: Dissolve in the mouth. Used for throat discomfort. Eucalyptus Green Oil: For external use. Used for insect bites and stings. Novel Menthol and Eucalyptus Oil Antitussive Spray: Formulated with menthol 3 g, eucalyptus oil 1 mL, refined sesame oil 9 mL, and others.
Daily Consumption
Oral administration: Decoct in water and take as prescribed by a physician, usual dosage 9–15 g. External use: Apply to the affected area, 1–3 times daily. Nebulized inhalation: The ethanol solution of eucalyptus oil may be inhaled via a nebulizer into the respiratory tract to help dilute sputum.
Medicinal Parts
Volatile oil.
Selection & Storage
Protect from light, keep sealed, and store in a cool place.
