Eucalyptol
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Jessie Tanner
Posted on: January 23, 2002

I think that it is great that I can write to you with a questions. This is so nice.

My questions are: What is Eucalyptol and what is it used for?

Any information you can give me would be great.

Eucalyptol is a component of the oil from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. The leaves contain 70-80% eucalyptol, which is what gives the leaves their characteristic strong medicinal scent.

The essential oil of eucalyptus is widely used in cough drops and other internal and external medicines. The oil is a potent antiseptic, insecticide and insect repellent. The leaves are antibiotic and are used for a variety of conditions caused by bacteria.

Some people are sensitive to eucalyptus and may develop rashes while handling the plant or oil. In large doses eucalptus oil can be hazardous, causing gastric irritation and even cause death at very large doses (4-25 mL). At smaller doses eucalyptus oil is a valuable medicine.

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