Welcome to the letter E post in my #AtoZChallenge on aromatherapy. Today I will share what I know about eucalyptus essential oil.
Let me start by saying that my use of the singular word “oil” when referring to eucalyptus, is incorrect. There are several types of essential oils derived from different species of eucalyptus. These various types of eucalyptus essential oil are similar, but still each have their own somewhat different uses. The most common types of eucalyptus used in aromatherapy are eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus radiata, lemon eucalyptus and peppermint eucalyptus (eucalyptus dives). I only own eucalyptus globulus.
Eucalyptus oils that contain large amounts of cineole should not be used on children under age ten. These include eucalyptus globulus and eucalyptus radiata. Lemon eucalyptus and eucalyptus dives can be used on children age two and up.
According to Valerie Ann Worwood, in her book The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, eucalyptus radiata is the safest essential oil out of the various eucalyptus species to be used by people with chronic health conditions.
Eucalyptus is perhaps best known for its effectiveness in relieving common cold symptoms such as a stuffy nose. However, it also has antiviral and other antimicrobial properties. It also works as a natural pain reliever, particularly for arthritis.
According to Worwood, eucalyptus helps relief sunburn and cools the body in summer. By contrast, in winter, eucalyptus warms the body and keeps infection at bay.
Eucalyptus has a fresh, somewhat sharp scent. The aroma of eucalyptus globulus, the one I own, is described as herbaceous, menthol and camphorous with woodsy undertones. Personally, I never thought of it as a camphorous scent (that reminds me of cinnamon, but I might be wrong). It has deodorizing properties.
Eucalyptus, particularly the lemon variety, can be used as an insect repellant. Eucalyptus essential oil is energizing and helps with focus and concentration.
Eucalyptus essential oil blends well with lemon and other citrus oils, rosemary, peppermint and tea tree essential oil. If you want to sleep peacefully and breathe easily at the same time, blend eucalyptus essential oil with lavender. It also blends well with woodsy essential oils such as cedarwood or sandalwood.
Do you like the scent of eucalyptus?
A Multitude of Musings 
I like the smell of eucalptyus, and it’s really nice to inhale to loosen up phlegm.
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I agree about the benefits of eucalyptus essential oil. I like the smell too when I’m having a cold. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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I LOVE the scent of eucalyptus. I put eucalyptus oil in my hand soap sometimes. Either that or sandalwood. They both make the bathroom smell great.
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Thank you for sharing. I’ve never used sandalwood essential oil, as it’s very expensive here.
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We do kind of like the scent of Eucalyptus, it’s very unique…but the cats don’t like it.
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That makes sense, since it’s a very strong scent. Thank you for sharing.
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Eucalyptus reminds me of my great-grandmother. She always had throat lozenges on hand when I was a kid that contained eucalyptus (Halls, but the blue-green ones) so whenever I smell it now I think of her. 🙂
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Ah, that’s a sweet story and it must be a cherished memory to you.
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I’ve never used eucalyptus oil, and I have always associated the plant with koalas…
I am glad I’ve learned about the essential oil here.
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Yes, that association with koalas makes sense. I’m glad I could teach you something.
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This is very helpful for me as I learn more about each oil. Thank you for sharing this. I like that you can use it instead of bug repellant spray.
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Yes, true! I’m not sure it works as well as commercial bug repellants, but it’s definitely friendlier for the environment. When I was young, we used citronella oil to repel mosquitoes or sometimes we’d just used a few leaves of the plant itself.
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I love the scent of Eucalyptus, it’s remind me when I was young, it was a cure against colds.
Quilting Patchwork & Appliqué
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Yes, that makes sense. While eucalyptus won’t cure a cold, it may well relieve its symptoms.
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I love eucalyptus – probably because I’m Aussie. We use eucalyptus for all sorts of things in Australia (no idea if it is used as widely elsewhere). We have inhalations of the oil in steam for stuffy noses, used for cleaning, deterrent for cats and dogs etc.
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I doubt it’s used as widely here, as of course eucalyptus doesn’t grow here. Thanks for sharing your ideas though.
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