Eucalyptus Oil: Uses, Benefits and How to Use It Safely
What eucalyptus essential oil is, how to use it in diffusers, showers and the home, how globulus and radiata differ, and safety tips for pets and children.
In this guide
Eucalyptus oil is a crisp, camphor-like essential oil steam-distilled from eucalyptus leaves. The classic type, Eucalyptus globulus, is the one most people mean, and it is mainly used for its fresh, clearing scent in diffusers, shower steam and homemade cleaning blends. This guide covers how to use it, how the different eucalyptus oils compare and how to use it safely.
Key takeaways
- Most eucalyptus oil is Eucalyptus globulus: strong, fresh and camphoraceous. Eucalyptus radiata is generally considered gentler.
- Easy ways to use it: a few drops in a diffuser, a few drops on the shower floor for steam, and in homemade cleaning blends.
- On skin, always dilute. About 6 drops in 30ml of carrier oil gives 1%, a common level for adults.
- Do not use it on or near the faces of babies and young children, keep it away from pets, and never swallow it.
- Choose a pure, batch-tested oil with the botanical name on the label.
What is eucalyptus oil?
Eucalyptus oil is the essential oil steam-distilled from the leaves of eucalyptus trees, most often Eucalyptus globulus, also called Tasmanian blue gum. Its clearing, camphor-like scent comes mainly from a compound called 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol.
Our Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil is steam-distilled Eucalyptus globulus, bottled in the UK and GC/MS tested. It smells crisp, camphoraceous and clearing, and it is available from 10ml to 1 litre.
Eucalyptus globulus, radiata and other types
| Type | Character | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| Eucalyptus globulus | Strong, fresh and camphoraceous | Diffusers, shower steam, cleaning blends |
| Eucalyptus radiata | Softer and gentler | Blends where a milder eucalyptus is wanted |
| Lemon eucalyptus (citriodora) | Lemony and citronella-like | Natural insect-repellent blends |
How to use eucalyptus oil
| Use | How | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Diffuser | Add to water in an ultrasonic diffuser, alone or in a blend | 3 to 5 drops |
| Shower steam | Drop onto the shower floor or a cloth, away from the direct water stream | 2 to 4 drops |
| Chest or shoulder rub (adults) | Mix into a carrier oil or unscented balm | About 6 drops in 30ml (1%) |
| Around the home | In a homemade cleaning blend | See our cleaning guide |
For recipes, see our guides to essential oils for cleaning and to a DIY Breathe Easy essential oil blend.
What blends well with eucalyptus?
- Peppermint for a cool, bright, clearing blend.
- Lavender to soften the sharpness.
- Tea tree for a clean, medicinal note.
- Rosemary, lemon and pine for a fresh, woody home scent.
- Short on time? Our ready-made Breathe Easy Essential Oil Blend already has eucalyptus in it.
How to use eucalyptus oil safely
Safety notes
- Never use it neat on skin. Dilute it, and patch test for 24 hours first.
- Do not use eucalyptus oil on or near the face of babies and young children. Oils high in 1,8-cineole are generally avoided around young children, so ask a qualified aromatherapist for guidance.
- Take care if you have asthma or epilepsy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask a qualified professional first.
- Keep it away from pets, especially cats. Ask your vet before diffusing around animals.
- Never swallow essential oil. Store it cool and dark with the cap tightly closed.
How to choose a good eucalyptus oil
- Look for the botanical name on the label, such as Eucalyptus globulus.
- Choose a 100% pure oil with nothing added, steam-distilled from the leaves.
- Ask for batch testing. A GC/MS report shows what is in the bottle.
- Buy the size you will use: a small bottle for occasional diffusing, a larger one if you use it for cleaning.
FAQs
What is eucalyptus oil used for?
Mostly for its fresh, clearing scent: in diffusers, shower steam, chest rubs for adults and homemade cleaning blends.
Is eucalyptus oil safe to diffuse around pets?
Eucalyptus oil can be harmful to some pets, cats in particular. Ask your vet first, diffuse only in a ventilated room and let animals leave the room.
Can you put eucalyptus oil on your skin?
Only when it is diluted. About 6 drops in 30ml of carrier oil gives 1% for adults. Patch test first, and never use it on babies or young children.
What is the difference between eucalyptus globulus and radiata?
Globulus is the classic, stronger, more camphoraceous type. Radiata is generally considered gentler, which is why it is often chosen for milder blends.
Can I use eucalyptus oil in the shower?
Yes. Put 2 to 4 drops on the shower floor or a cloth, away from the direct stream of water, so the steam carries the scent.
Where can I buy eucalyptus essential oil in the UK?
Our Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil is available at ecodrop.co.uk in 10ml, 50ml, 100ml, 500ml and 1 litre sizes, with UK delivery and free delivery on orders over £40.
The bottom line
Eucalyptus is one of the most useful oils to keep at home: fresh in a diffuser, welcome in the shower and handy in cleaning blends. Choose a pure, batch-tested oil, dilute it for skin and respect the safety notes for children and pets.
Shop the oils from this guide: Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Breathe Easy Essential Oil Blend and Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, or browse our full range of essential oils.
