CHRISTMAS POSTPONED.. fLU

[NightOwl]

Larry, the Warfarin warning is especially helpful since so many people are taking blood thinners these days and arent informed of all the dangerous interactions which exist between prescribed medications and many common OTC's and other supplements.

 I'd like to add something about the  risk of taking anything herbal.  Many  feel that if something is "natural" or "an herb" it's safe to take  as a supplement internally or to use  topically.  A case in point is EUCALYPTUS which can be dangerous (even LIFE-THREATENING) in any form if you are sensitive to it--and many people ARE allergic to it without realizing it.  (It can  be dangerous even if you dont have allergies or are using it "as directed.")  Dont take my word for it--read the following passages (abbreviated to meet the posting size  limits of the board) or go to Google and search.

And as mentioned earlier in this thread, always check with a genuine professionally trained health care provider like a DOCTOR, NURSE,  NURSE PRACTITIONER, or PHARMACIST before you make use of  herbal supplements or other "neutriceuticals."

taken FROM:

//www.personalhealthzone.com/herbal_medicine/ side_effects/eucalyptus_side_effects.html -


Eucalyptus Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings

Survey of the literature shows essential oils of 11 plants to be powerful convulsants (eucalyptus, fennel, hyssop, pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, savin, tansy, thuja, turpentine, and wormwood) due to their content of highly reactive monoterpene ketones, such as camphor, pinocamphone, thujone, cineole, pulegone, sabinylacetate, and fenchone. Three cases strongly support the concept of plant-related toxic seizure. Nowadays the wide use of these compounds in certain unconventional medicines makes this severe complication again possible.
- J Neurol 1999 Aug;246(:667-70 -- Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem.

Eucalyptus oil is well documented as being extremely toxic if ingested. We report a case of systemic eucalyptus oil toxicity from TOPICAL APPLICATION. A 6-year-old girl presented with slurred speech, ataxia and muscle weakness progressing to unconsciousness following the widespread application of a home remedy for urticaria containing eucalyptus oil. Six hours following removal of the topical preparation her symptoms had resolved, with no long term sequelae.
- Australas J Dermatol 1998 Nov;39(4):265-7 -- Topical eucalyptus oil poisoning.

Can cause seizures.
- Pediatr Emerg Care 1996 Aug;12(4):298-300 -- Unusual cause of seizure. -- Gouin S, Patel H.

Not recommended for children. Can cause depression of conscious state, drowsiness, unconsciousness, vomiting or ataxia. Ingestion of eucalyptus oil caused significant morbidity in infants and young children. Significant depression of conscious state should be anticipated after ingestion of 5 mL or more of 100% oil. Minor depression of consciousness may occur after 2-3 mL.
- Med J Aust 1995 Aug 21;163(4):177-80 -- Clinical effects and management of eucalyptus oil ingestion in infants and young children.

Contact allergy to eucalyptus oil.
- Clin Exp Dermatol 1995 Mar;20(2):143-5 -- Allergic airborne contact dermatitis from essential oils used in AROMATHERAPY.

Accidental ingestion of eucalyptus oil by a 3-year-old boy caused profound central nervous system depression within 30 minutes, but he recovered rapidly after gastric lavage. The extreme toxicity of eucalyptus oil is emphasised.
- Arch Dis Child 1980 May;55(5):405-6 -- Eucalyptus oil poisoning.



and here is additional information   FROM:  

 //www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/ 8513/31402/346449.html?d=dmtContent

 
Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus)


Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain eucalyptus.  Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their  health care providers before starting.


Eucalyptus oil has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories...these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening.


Potential Dangers

Allergies

There are several reports of allergic skin reactions occurring in people using eucalyptus oil products on their skin.People with asthma or other allergies may be more likely to have a reaction to eucalyptus.


Side Effects

Eucalyptus should not be taken by mouth unless under the careful supervision of a licensed health care professional. There have been numerous cases of toxicity with oral use, including vomiting, stomach pains, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, bleeding, coma and death.

In animals, eucalyptus oil has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. It is not clear if these effects occur in humans.


When used on the skin, rashes and burning have been reported.


When used in baths or as aromatherapy, prolonged use has caused difficulty breathing, drowsiness and dizziness.

Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding

All forms of eucalyptus oil should be avoided by pregnant or breast-feeding women because of its known toxicity.



Interactions

Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements.


Interactions With Drugs


Eucalyptus oil taken by mouth, applied to the skin or used as aromatherapy may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan); barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; narcotics, such as codeine; and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. There is evidence that eucalyptus may interfere with the way the liver breaks down certain drugs. As a result, eucalyptus may cause the levels of these drugs in the body to be too high, leading to serious side effects.


 Caution is advised if you are also taking drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while taking eucalyptus oil.  Use of aromatherapy for long periods of time may also cause this reaction. The drug 5-fluorouracil may be more absorbed through the skin when applied with eucalyptus oil. If you are taking 5-fluorouracil, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before you also use eucalyptus oil.





Eucalyptus oil taken by mouth, applied to the skin or used as aromatherapy may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements, such as valerian. Caution is advised while driving or operating heavy machinery.  Oral use or use as aromatherapy for long periods of time should be avoided in people taking other agents that lower blood sugar levels In theory, eucalyptus oil may increase the blood levels of herbs broken down by the liver, such as chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). Eucalyptus oil may increase the effects of plants that contain chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, such as comfrey (Symphytum officinale).



Dosing

Eucalyptus should not be taken by mouth, except under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. Fatal reactions have been reported.

Children (Younger Than 18)


Eucalyptus oil should not be given to young children or infants in any form (including aromatherapy) because of reports of severe reactions. For older children, use should only be under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.



Summary


Eucalyptus oil has been suggested for many conditions, but NO USE is SUPPORTED BY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.  Aromatherapy, baths or inhalation may be safe for short periods of time, but lengthy therapy should be avoided because of the risk of serious reactions. On the skin, you should only use eucalyptus oil products with a low concentration  All eucalyptus oil products should be avoided by pregnant or breast-feeding women, infants and children. Consult your health care provider immediately if you experience side effects.


The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.

Natural Standard reviewed more than 250 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.

[brainpause]

Larry,
Why not? My dad is on Coumadin and his numbers were way off over the holidays (when I was visiting). He couldn't figure it out and now I'm wondering what he ate/drank and if this had any affect.
Diane

Long story short, EVERYTHING affects Coumadin. Maybe he ate too many leafy green vegetables? Possibly so, if his numbers were too "low" (i.e., his blood clots too WELL). It is difficult to say what affects Coumadin so many times. I firmly believe that if you take too deep a breath, your Coumadin levels change!  :J

The warning above about Coumadin and ginger and other herbals is because these are known to increase bleeding times. An increased bleeding time might go unnoticed for a month. Dangerous for people susceptible to falling, accidents, or any number of things.

Generally speaking, I keep patients and family members away from herbals, as their concentrations are not standardized, nor are they tested in well-controlled clinical models.

Larry

[DiW]

Thanks Larry for the info. I was a bit relieved to see my dad in a wheelchair this visit. Too many falls in the past that screamed danger. Finally got him past his adversion to being seen as disabled. Basically, I gave him he!! in the past about his attitude. After all, my son has been in and out of wheelchairs through the years and I told him he needs to get over it to set a good example. Well, he did and even got himself an electric wheelchair and went with us for a "walk" around the block. We had a tough time keeping up with him as he went past us (on speed 5), grinning like a little kid winning a race. My kids had fun taking turns and my son remembered how at 5, all he wanted for Christmas was a wheelchair just like PopPops. That made my dad feel good.
Diane