Eucalyptus for Sports & Fitness

Botanical name: Eucalyptus globulus

Why do athletes use it?*

Some athletes say that eucalyptus

helps relieve muscle soreness.

What do the advocates say?*

Eucalyptus contains substances related to menthol, and has a warming effect on the skin and muscles. This could result in a pain-relieving effect on sore muscles, but research is needed to confirm this.

How much is usually taken by athletes?

Eucalyptus-based rubs have been found to warm muscles in athletes.¹ This suggests that eucalyptus may help relieve minor muscle soreness when applied topically, though studies are needed to confirm this possibility.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Side effects from the internal use of eucalyptus can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Eucalyptus oil should not be used by infants and children under the age of two, especially near the face and nose, due to the risk of airway spasm and possible cessation of breathing.² The oil may aggravate bronchial spasms in people with asthma and should not be taken internally by those with severe liver diseases and inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and kidney.³ ⁴ Whole-body application of eucalyptus oil (double-distilled, containing 80–85% cineole oil) resulted in severe nervous system toxicity in a six year old girl.⁵ Parents are advised to use topical eucalyptus oil in moderation with children.

Although there are no known reports of drug interactions, the German Commission E monograph suggests that because eucalyptus oil may activate certain enzyme systems in the liver, it may potentially weaken or shorten the action of some medications, including pentobarbital, aminopyrine, and amphetamine.⁶ ⁷ Eucalyptus should not be used in large amounts by people with low blood pressure as it may cause a further drop in blood pressure.⁸ The safety of eucalyptus oil has not been established in pregnant or nursing women.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with eucalyptus.

Parts used and where grown

Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree native to Australia but is cultivated worldwide. The plant’s leaves—and the oil that is steam-distilled from them—are used medicinally.⁹

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for eucalyptus based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on eucalyptus. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see Eucalyptus as an herbal remedy.

References
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1. Hong CZ, Shellock FG. Effects of a topically applied counter irritant (Eucalyptamint) on cutaneous blood flow and on skin and muscle temperature: A placebo controlled study. Am J Phys Med Rehab 1991;70:29–33.

2. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy, 3rd ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag, 1998, 146–7.

3. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 127–8.

4. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Institute Publishers, 1997, 46–7.

5. Darben T, Cominos B, Lee CT. Topical eucalyptus oil poisoning. Australas J Dermatol 1998;39:265–7.

6. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 127–8.

7. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Institute Publishers, 1997, 46–7.

8. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Institute Publishers, 1997, 46–7.

9. Wren RC. Potter’s New Cyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Essex, England: C.W. Daniel Co., 1988, 110–1.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.