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Essential Oil Monoterpenes

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Introduction

Essential oil monoterpenes are a set combination of essential oils. They are eucalyptus oil with two other oils. Essential oil monoterpenes have been used to ease cold and flu-like symptoms. They can be taken by mouth, diffused, or applied to the skin.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for essential oil monoterpenes.

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

Acute Bronchitis—may ease coughing A1-A3

Not Enough Data to Assess

Mediterranean fever B1
Sinus InfectionsC1, C2

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to use essential oil monoterpenes on the skin and to take them orally in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References►

A. Bronchitis

A1. Meister R, Wittig T, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of myrtol standardized in long-term treatment of chronic bronchitis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Study Group Investigators. Arzneimittelforschung.1999;49(4):351-358.

A2. Matthys H, de Mey C, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of myrtol standardized in acute bronchitis. A multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group trial vs. cefuroxime and ambroxol. Arzneimittelforschung. 2000;50(8):700-711.

A3. Gillissen A, Wittig T, et al. A multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy and tolerability of GeloMyrtol® forte in acute bronchitis. Drug Res (Stuttg). 2013 Jan;63(1):19-27.

B. Mediterranean Fever

B1. Costa MF, Durço AO, et al. Effects of Carvacrol, Thymol and essential oils containing such monoterpenes on wound healing: a systematic review. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2019 Feb;71(2):141-155.

C. Sinus infection

C1. Federspil P, Wulkow R, et al. [Effects of standardized Myrtol in therapy of acute sinusitis—results of a double-blind, randomized, multicenter study compared with placebo]. Laryngorhinootologie. 1997;76(1):23-27.

C2. Guo R, Canter PH, et al. Herbal medicines for the treatment of rhinosinusitis: a systematic review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 Oct;135(4):496-506.

Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 5/6/2020

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