Niaouli aetheroleum

Niaouli aetheroleum, also known as Niaouli oil, is a drug positively monographed by the Commission E, used in herbal medicinal products for the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of the tree. The smell of the oil is fresh, eucalyptus-like.

Niaouli oil contains 35 to 60 % cineol, nerolidol, alpha-terpineol and its valeric acid esters.

Niaouli oil has antibacterial, hyperemic and also antiphlogistic effects.

Niaouli oil is used in the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper airways. It brings relief from chronic bronchitis, cough, flu and cold symptoms.

For internal use, the single dose may be 0.2 g of the essential oil. The daily dose is 0.2 to 2.0 g of essential oil.

For external use a 10 to 30% oil is used. For inhalation, add 5 to 10 drops to about 200 ml of boiling water, inhale the steam.

In rare cases nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may occur.

For internal use, the product should not be taken in case of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the bile ducts or severe liver diseases.

No external use in children and infants in the area of the face and especially the nose.

The ingredient cineol causes an induction of cytochrome P-450, which can weaken or shorten the effect of other drugs.

1. Amri I et al (2012) Chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils from three Melaleuca species grown in Tunisia. Int J Mol Sci 13:16580-16591.

2. Monti D et al (2009) Niaouli oils from different sources: analysis and influence on cutaneous permeation ofestradiol
   in vitro. Drug Deliv 16:237-242.

3. Pino JA et al (2010) Phytochemical analysis and in vitro free-radical-scavenging activities of the essential oils from leaf and fruit of Melaleuca leucadendra L. Chem Biodivers 7:2281-2288.