Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus traditionally grows in Australia, but now the leading countries producing it are China, Spain and Southern Africa.  It belongs to the Myrtaceae botanical family and is important to Aboriginal people who collected water from its roots, used its wood and bark to craft tools and utensils, shields, spear throwers and bowls; they would even eat edible grubs and insects that are attracted to the plant.

The Eucalyptus plant is medium-sized evergreen woodland tree with deep roots and a single trunk leading into many branches.  The lower bark is rough, gray or brownish, while the upper bark is smooth, pale, and often with a bluish tinge.  The leaves are dark glossy green and firm and bears fragrant white flowers as it matures.

It is utilized for its counter-irritant and expectorating activity in India and for its ability to relieve nerve pain in China.  People have used it as a topical application for headaches, reduce congestion and open sinuses.

Cautions of Eucalyptus

  • Do not put near the nostrils of infants due to risk of spasm of the glottis, due to the cooling effect on the respiratory system.
  • Keep essential oils out of reach of children. 
  • Do not ingest!  Ingestion of the oil is toxic and can affect the central nervous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems.

The mucolytic monoterpene 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), the major constituent of eucalyptus species, is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, bronchodilatory, antiviral and antimicrobial effects. The main protective antiviral, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic mechanisms of 1,8-cineole are the induction of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), the control of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) along with decreasing mucin genes (MUC2, MUC19). In normal human monocytes direct inhibition was shown of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mucus hypersecretion and of steroid resistence inducing superoxides (O2·-) and pro-inflammatory hydrogen peroxides (H2O2) with partial control of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which enzymatically metabolizes O2·- into H2O2. By inhibition of NF-κB, 1,8-cineole, at relevant plasma concentrations (1.5 µg/ml), strongly and significantly inhibited in normal human monocyte lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cytokines relevant for exacerbation (tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β and systemic inflammation (IL-6, IL-8). Infectious agents and environmental noxa have access via TNFα and IL-1β to the immune system with induction of bronchitis complaints and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and asthma-COPD overlap. In lymphocytes from healthy human donors 1,8-cineole inhibited TNFα, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-5 and demonstrated for the first time control of Th1/2-type inflammation. 1,8-Cineole at relevant plasma levels increased additively in vitro the efficacy of inhaled guideline medications of budesonide (BUD) and budesonide + formoterol ,and preliminary data also showed increased efficacy of long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist (LAMA)-mediated cytokine inhibition in vitro. On the basis of the preclinical data, earlier randomised controlled studies with adjunctive therapy of 1,8-cineole (3 × 200 mg/day) for 6 months showed improvement of uncontrolled asthma by significant improvement of lung function, nocturnal asthma and quality of life scores and in COPD decrease of exacerbations (- 38.5%) (during wintertime). This review reports an update with reference to the literature of 1,8-cineole, also as adjunctive therapy, as a therapeutic agent for the protection and control of inflammatory airway diseases. –Source

1,8-cineole is a natural monoterpene, also known as eucalyptol. It is a major compound of many plant essential oils, mainly extracted from Eucalyptus globulus oil. As an isolated compound, 1,8-cineole is known for its mucolytic and spasmolytic action on the respiratory tract, with proven clinical efficacy. 1,8-cineole has also shown therapeutic benefits in inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This clinical evidence refers to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant mode of action, which has been proven in numerous pre-clinical studies. In vitro studies found strong evidence that 1,8-cineole controls inflammatory processes and mediator production of infection- or inflammation-induced mucus hypersecretion by its action as anti-inflammatory modifier rather than a simple mucolytic agent. The aim of this review is to present these preclinical studies performed with the pure monoterpene, and to summarize the current knowledge on the mode of action of 1,8-cineole. The actual understanding of the pure 1,8-cineole compared to mixtures of natural volatile oils containing 1,8-cineole as a major compound and to mixtures of natural terpenes, known as essential oils, will be discussed. Based on the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, recent clinical trials with 1,8-cineole have shown first evidence for the beneficial use of 1,8-cineole as long-term therapy in the prevention of COPD-exacerbations and to improve asthma control. –Source

Eucalyptol, also known as 1,8-cineole, is a monoterpene traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders due to its secretolytic properties. In addition to its myorelaxant effects, it also has anti-inflammatory actions in vitro. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of acute treatment with 1,8-cineole on reducing airway inflammatory parameters. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized guinea pigs were submitted to antigenic challenge (OVA) with or without pre-treatment with a single dose of 1,8-cineole administered by inhalation. Airway inflammatory parameters were reduced or absent in 1,8-cineole-treated animals as compared with untreated guinea pigs. Acute treatment with 1,8-cineole impaired the development of airway hyperresponsiveness to carbachol in isolated tracheal rings. Levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β was lower in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 1,8-cineol-treated guinea pigs than in untreated animals. 1,8-Cineole impaired the OVA-induced increase of the myeloperoxidase activity in BALF. 1,8-Cineole also prevented the reduction of the mucociliary clearance induced by the antigen presentation. The present investigation provides evidence that inhaled 1,8-cineole prevents hyperresponsiveness and inhibits inflammation in airways of ovalbumin-challenged guinea pigs. –Source

Patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and neurological diseases have been shown to benefit from treatments such as aromatherapy in addition to medication. Most chronic diseases are caused by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as well as harmful factors. Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), a terpenoid oxide isolated from Eucalyptus species, is a promising compound for treating such conditions as it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various diseases, including respiratory disease, pancreatitis, colon damage, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Eucalyptol suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory cytokine production through the action of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, and reduces oxidative stress through the regulation of signaling pathways and radical scavenging. The effects of eucalyptol have been studied in several cell and animal models as well as in patients with chronic diseases. Furthermore, eucalyptol can pass the blood-brain barrier and hence can be used as a carrier to deliver drugs to the brain via a microemulsion system. In summary, the various biological activities of eucalyptol such as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its physicochemical characteristics, make this compound a potentially important drug for the treatment of chronic diseases. –Source

Background and purpose: Gout arthritis, which is provoked by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal accumulation in the joint and periarticular tissues, induces severe pain and affects quality of life of the patients. Eucalyptol (1,8-cineol), the principal component in the essential oils of eucalyptus leaves, is known to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. We aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of eucalyptol on gout arthritis and related mechanisms.

Experimental approach: A mouse model of gout arthritis was established via MSU injection into the ankle joint. Ankle oedema, mechanical allodynia, neutrophil infiltration, oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome, and TRPV1 expression were examined.

Key results: Eucalyptol attenuated MSU-induced mechanical allodynia and ankle oedema in dose-dependently, with effectiveness similar to indomethacin. Eucalyptol reduced inflammatory cell infiltrations in ankle tissues. Eucalyptol inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production induced by MSU in ankle tissues in vivo. Eucalyptol reduced oxidative stress induced by MSU in RAW264.7 cells in vitro as well as in ankle tissues in vivo, indicated by an increase in activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduction of ROS. Eucalyptol attenuated MSU-induced up-regulation of TRPV1 expression in ankle tissues and dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating the ankle. The in vivo effects of eucalyptol on ankle oedema, mechanical allodynia, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β, and TRPV1 expression were mimicked by treating MSU-injected mice with antioxidants.

Conclusion and implications: Eucalyptol alleviates MSU-induced pain and inflammation via mechanisms possibly involving anti-oxidative effect. Eucalyptol and other antioxidants may represent promising therapeutic options for gout arthritis. –Source

  • Scalp Massage

Scalp Massage

November 6th, 2024|

Scalp Massage Massage Tip Have you ever wanted to just lay back and enjoy the bliss of someone massaging your scalp? The sensation of feeling someone’s hands slide through your hair [...]

Therapeutic Massage

October 29th, 2024|

Therapeutic Massage Welcome to Jennifer Brand Spa, your sanctuary of tranquility and rejuvenation. In today's fast-paced world, finding a moment to breathe and care for oneself can be a challenge. That's where we [...]

Hot Stone Massage Class

October 28th, 2024|

Hot Stone Massage Class Massage Class A hot stone massage is an exquisite pleasure. Feeling the hot stone slide against our skin is akin to a divine journey of majestic delight. It [...]

Sharp Superficial Pain

October 28th, 2024|

Sharp Superficial Pain Massage Tip Today we are going to talk about how to treat sharp superficial pain. In the adventure of being human we are offered the opportunity to experience a cornucopia [...]

Communicate

October 26th, 2024|

Communicate Massage Tip: Communicate Massage is a great way to bond with our special someone because it opens the doorway for us to cherish each other, learn new ways to communicate, and [...]

Patience

October 25th, 2024|

Patience Massage Tip When performing a massage, it is important to have patience, to take your time and be gentle. In the application of your pressure, whether it is soft or firm [...]

Pain – How to Massage it Away

October 25th, 2024|

Pain Massage Tips When massaging someone experiencing pain, we should aim to provide them with a pleasurable day. Unfortunately, we have been trained to believe we should alleviate pain with pain. [...]

Knots

October 24th, 2024|

Knots Massage Tips When performing a massage on someone you are going to feel all sorts of bumps, hard spots, and interesting textures. You may be quick to tell them their muscles [...]

Corrective Massage

October 23rd, 2024|

Corrective Massage Corrective Massage is for people who are searching for targeted relief. In this session your massage therapist will focus on one or two areas to help alleviate pain and discomfort related to [...]