There are some amazing articles on the internet about eucalyptus. This one will give a quick overview of what it is, but most important how athletes could use the benefits of the plant. We see eucalyptus as an ingredient in many products. It is very wellknown for its delightful smelling oil. It smells like a mix of camphor, wood, and citrus.
In Australia, Europe, and Asia, eucalyptus has long been used as an antiseptic and fever reducer. It can reduce symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion. When added to substances it can offer benefits such as soothing skin rashes.
It also features in creams and ointments aimed at relieving muscle and joint pain. When applying it will have a cooling effect. This oil has especially been used as an antiseptic, and has been used as a treatment for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and other skin rashes.
The leaves also contain flavonoids and tannins; flavonoids are plant-based antioxidants, and tannins may help to reduce inflammation. It is said, that eucalyptus oil may have antibacterial effects on pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract.
It is recommended to use it in cream, smelling or/and breathing in essential oils, in toothpaste or in chewing gum.
Watch out!
Eucalyptus oil is toxic and should not be consumed — except in very small doses. It is not safe to take eucalyptus oil orally because it is poisonous. Eucalyptus can produce irritation and a burning sensation. It should not be used too close to the eyes. Just 2-3 milliliters can trigger dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of muscle control. Five milliliters or more can lead to nervous system shutdown and even coma. Symptoms show up between 30 minutes to 4 hours after exposure
Did you know?
The University of Maryland Medical Center in Australia found that traditional Aboriginal medicines used eucalyptus to treat fungal infections and skin wounds.
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Sore muscles could benefit form eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has been reported effective in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. Research indicates that the oil may have analgesic properties. In a studyTrusted Source published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, scientists applied Eucalyptamint on the anterior forearm skin of 10 people.
In a randomized clinical trial, people who inhaled eucalyptus oil as an aromatherapy treatment experienced reduced pain and blood pressure after knee replacement surgery.
Eucalyptamint, an OTC preparation with the generic name methyl salicylate topical, is used to treat muscle and joint pain linked to strains and sprains, arthritis, bruising, and backache. The scientists concluded that “Eucalyptamint, produced significant physiologic responses that may be beneficial for pain relief and/or useful to athletes as a passive form of warm-up.”
Findings suggest, that eucalyptus oil may stimulate an immune system response. This is published in BMC Immunology. The oil could enhance the immune system’s phagocytic response. Phagocytosis is a process where the immune system consumes and destroys foreign particles.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266580#precautions_side_effects
https://www.webmd.com/diet/eucalyptus-is-it-good-for-you
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15189289/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27771935/