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 diarrhea. 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
*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: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.