Eucalyptus oil side effects

Information on Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a certain type of plant which grows mostly in the regions of Australia. It is used for the production of eucalyptus oil which is commonly used for numerous medicinal purposes. There are more than 500 different types of eucalyptus oil known to man.

The oil is obtained from the plant by utilizing a process known as steam distillation. Eucalyptus oil is an important ingredient of numerous different sorts of health care products. It can be used for the healing of wounds and the treatment of various different sorts of medical conditions which commonly affect the respiratory system.

Eucalyptus oil is known for having numerous different sorts of health benefits but it is known for certain side effects which may occur in certain cases when the oil gets used inappropriately. Those who have a sensitive skin may not tolerate eucalyptus oil at all. Side effects may or may not occur, it all depends on the person and her or his individual health.

One of the most common types of side effects associated with the use of eucalyptus oil is skin rash. Even though the oil is commonly used for the treatment of eczema, acne and various other skin related medical conditions, it may still be associated with swelling, irritation, burning sensations and painful sensations. Excessive topical application of eucalyptus oil may be related with the formation on blisters on the affected areas.

Eucalyptus oil poisoning is rare in adults but is not that uncommon in children. The common side effects in children include depression in the level of consciousness, ataxia, seizures, and vomiting. Unlike in children, seizures are unusual in adult patients with eucalyptus oil poisoning.

Two adult Indian men who unintentionally consumed eucalyptus oil presented to the emergency room of our institution with seizures. In both patients, arterial blood gas analysis showed the presence of severe metabolic acidosis.
Both the patients were managed in the intensive care unit and received standard supportive care. Metabolic acidosis was corrected with intravenous bicarbonate infusion. They were successfully discharged on the fourth day.
Eucalyptus oil is used as an over-the-counter medication in most countries, in addition to its myriad use in pharmaceutical, flavoring, pesticide, perfumery, and industrial uses. Its permissible limit is often unregulated, however.
The use of camphor is similar. Most people, even physicians, are not aware of the toxic potential of these seemingly innocuous substances.

✓ Fact confirmed: Eucalyptus oil poisoning: two case reports Abraham M. Ittyachen, Georgie Rajan George, Meera Radhakrishnan & Yetin Joy; 04 November 2019

Those who intend to use eucalyptus oil orally need to be very careful with the dosage, in order to avoid toxicity or other unwanted, adverse reactions. Internal usage of eucalyptus oil may be associated with side effects such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. If a person suffers from eucalyptus overdose it may also be manifested by certain severe side effects which may or may not include coma, different heart problems, internal bleeding and seizures. Eucalyptus oil is commonly contained in various infection related medicaments and mouth washes.

One needs to be extra careful with such products because they may be related with certain side effects such as low blood pressure, drowsiness, slurred speech, excessive muscle weakness, trouble walking and even difficulty inbreathing. Among the most worrisome eucalyptus side effects are abnormal heart rhythms, multiple organ failure and sometimes even heart attack. Eucalyptus oil should not be ingested in its concentrated form. Pregnant women and those who suffer from serious medical conditions need to steer clear of eucalyptus oil.