Eucalyptus arthritis

by Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR

Nathan Wei is a nationally known board-certified rheumatologist and author of the Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit. It's available exclusively at this website... not available in stores.

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This plant, often associated with remedies for upper respiratory problems, also has usefulness in chronic pain when used topically. Studies suggest effectiveness in inflammation of respiratory tract mucous membranes, rheumatic complaints and nasal stuffiness.

The oil contains 40-85 percent eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) which, by stimulating saliva production, will activate the swallowing reflex and suppress an impending cough.

As a topical, it works as a mild counterirritant and may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Potential adverse effects/interactions with oral use include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

The ingestion of 3.5ml of the oil alone can be fatal (delirium, convulsions). Inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2/2C19/2C9/3A4 may increase drug levels but this has not been reported yet in humans.

Its oral use is contraindicated in gastrointestinal and bile duct inflammation, severe liver disease, kidney inflammation and hypotension.

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