Eucalyptus oil comes from the leaves of eucalypt trees--also the food of the Koala.
Eucalyptus oil is both an aid and a danger to kids' safety, depending on how it is used. A strong oil, eucalyptus helps with providing antibacterial and antifungal treatments on cuts and scrapes but can be dangerous if ingested. For use with children, extreme caution is recommended so that the benefits of the oil are harnessed, without inviting in any of the dangers.
Types
Eucalyptus oil is used to make many different types of products--from the straight oil that can be purchased by the bottle, to eucalyptus oil rubs, lotions and creams and cough drops and candies. Eucalyptus oil also can be extracted from the fresh or dried leaves in tea and is found in mouthwashes, toothpastes and vaporizer fluids.
History
Eucalyptus has been utilized for thousands of years by the Aborigines of Australia, where eucalyptus trees come from. As a potent antibacterial agent, eucalyptus poultices help stop infections in wounds and were used by Aborigines in tea form to reduce fever. According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, by the 19th century eucalyptus was in wide use in England, especially in hospitals as a cleaning and disinfectant agent.
Composition
Eucalyptus oil is composed of tannins, flavinoids, cineole and volatile oils. Cineole is sometimes called eucalyptol, and can be found in many over-the-counter remedies, including Vicks VapoRub and Listerine mouthwash.
Benefits
Child safety from infections, fungal growth and even the common cold and flu are enhanced with the use of eucalyptus oil. Anti-inflammatory properties and antiseptic properties make it suitable for use in cleaning cuts and grazes and also help to soothe a throat infection--although children younger than 6 are not recommended to take throat lozenges containing eucalyptus oil.
Precautions
Although eucalyptus oil can be used to help enhance the health and safety of children, it also contains volatile oil, which can be toxic if ingested in high doses. Because of its potent nature, eucalyptus oil can also induce allergic reactions in some people--adults and children alike.
Ingesting eucalyptus oil, especially in children, has also been found to cause severe reactions, varying from vomiting and diarrhea as mild symptoms, to delirium and convulsions. Children under 6 are not recommended to have eucalyptus oil placed in vaporizers, bathtubs or on any cuts or scrapes near hands or face in case of accidental ingestion.
Tags: children also, cuts scrapes