How to Use Eucalyptus Oil Safely and Beneficially

Eucalyptus oil is distilled from leaves of select species of eucalyptus trees (most commonly Eucalyptus globulus), which are native to Australia. The fragrance of the trees — and the oil — is described variously as bright, woody, coniferous, camphoraceous, crisp and refreshing. Some say a whiff of eucalyptus oil has a medicinal scent. The oil’s biological properties are wide-ranging, according to the National Institutes of Health, from antimicrobial and antiseptic to insecticidal. It is lethal to mites, repels insects and even removes grease, the NIH says.

For all its good properties and uses, remember that eucalyptus oil is very potent. “It is important to note that Eucalyptus globulus should be used with caution in young children due to the potential for central nervous system and breathing problems,” says Blaire Morriss, a nurse practitioner and certified aromatherapist. The National Institutes of Health lists several warnings: Eucalyptol, a chemical found in the oil, is “possibly unsafe applied directly to skin without being diluted, and can cause serious problems with the nervous system." Ingesting the oil could have severe consequences. Signs of eucalyptus poisoning might include stomach pain and burning, dizziness, muscle weakness, small eye pupils and feelings of suffocation. "Eucalyptus oil can also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” the NIH warns.

“When you say eucalyptus, the first thing you think of is a decongestant,” says Cary Caster, a clinically certified aromatherapist who teaches aromatherapy courses through the Osher Center for Integrative Management at the University of Miami. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in cough drops, chest rubs and other over-the-counter products that claim to reduce coughing and nasal congestion due to colds. The science behind it is complex; it’s the oil’s naturally occurring components – 1,8-cineole and menthone – that give eucalyptus its punch. “With its antimicrobial properties, that makes it wonderful as a chest rub and decongestant, as well as being great for inhaling,” Caster says. A note of caution: “Always dilute, dilute, dilute!” Caster warns. Eucalyptus oil is very potent, and a tiny bit, diluted with a carrier substance, goes a long, long way. “I always use organic jojoba for my carrier. It’s the most like our skin’s sebum so it’s nourishing to the skin, and since it’s actually a liquid wax – not a true oil – it extends the shelf life of the essentials oils.” A dilution of 1-3% essential oil to 97-99% carrier is safe to apply to skin, she says.

While many people are familiar with the term "aromatherapy" as something with a pleasant scent, the therapeutic effects of essential oils make aromatherapy much more than that, says Blaire Morriss, a nurse practitioner, certified aromatherapist and owner of The Oil Jar in Nashville. “Aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, is the intentional use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes,” Morriss explains. “I tend to use eucalyptus oil for all things respiratory, particularly when there is congestion, coughing and feeling run down. I will also use it at times for muscular tension, mixed with lavender oil and peppermint. And it’s a great oil for clearing the atmosphere and mind and helps to give a sense of being refreshed.”