Eucalyptus essential oil is an amazing oil. It’s best known for it’s ability to help with the respiratory system and rightfully so. It is a powerhouse against congestion caused by colds, coughs, and seasonal threats. But eucalyptus oil has many more benefits and uses than just those pertaining to the respiratory system.
Did you know that it is also effective for fevers, wounds, muscle aches, parasites. It’s also a great air purifier. You can massage diluted eucalyptus oil topically along the spine and neck to reduce fevers. And you can also relieve muscle pain with a massage of diluted eucalyptus oil. Applying eucalyptus oil to wounds help them heal more quickly, and applying to shampoo can help get rid of lice!
Eucalyptus essential oil can be used safely and effectively if you do some research.
You need to study up to make sure eucalyptus essential oil is used safely. There are some great, unbiased online herbal colleges that offer classes on essential oils. Don’t just trust what one company or a brand representative says. While they may not intend to mislead you, they are often repeating what they have heard from that company and that company is set up to make a profit. (I’m not against making a profit.) No, not all company’s are alike and many do have great information, but do your research.
There are three main species of eucalyptus- Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Eucalyptus Smithee. While E. Smithee is the safest it is also the hardest to find. I’ve actually never seen it sold. E. Globulus is the most common and also has the most research on, but it is not as safe as E. Radiata. E. Globulus is the eucalyptus oil you will find in most health food stores or local department stores that sell oils, therefore this oil is one that should be bought from a higher end source.
Thankfully, many of the well known oil companies do sell E. Radiata and it usually isn’t one that will break the bank. Even though E. Radiata is considered a safer species of eucalyptus, care should still be taken when using eucalyptus around young children. Unless diffusing in an open area like a large room with good air flow, it shouldn’t be diffused around children under seven.
I’ve created a video with more information on eucalyptus essential oil you can watch here:
Some precautions of Eucalyptus essential oil.
Children under seven, especially infants, should never be allowed to directly breathe in eucalyptus. And care should be given to even using it topically at this age. It should always be diluted and only used on the soles of the feet as they approach the upper end of this age range. After age seven, it can be diluted and used on the soles of the feet and, if properly diluted, it can be used occasional on the chest or back.
Another precaution of Eucalyptus essential oil is that it can cause other medicines, even homeopathic medicines, to be rendered less effective. This is only true of internal use of eucalyptus oil, but if you are already taking something, keep this in mind.
One last precaution is that eucalyptus essential oil is not recommended for people who have epilepsy, hypertension or other seizure disorders. This goes for aromatic, topical or internal use. And it should also be avoided when pregnant, unless under the care of an aromatic medicine professional.
If you still want more information on how to effectively and safely use eucalyptus essential oil or essential oils in general, then check out my course, Essential Oils 101. You can also join in the conversation in our Facebook group, Essentially Herbal. You can ask questions, get answers, recipes and share your tips too. Come join us!
Until next time,
Thanks for sharing! I haven’t done too much research yet on essential oils, my husband is more into them than me, but I didn’t realize they were so complex! (and amazing, of course.)
Thanks Mallory! Yes, they can be very complex, but don’t let that intimidate you. Once some basic knowledge and precautions are gained, they open up a world of possibilities, fun, and health-giving options.
Good ol faithful eucalyptus. My grandmother used to always rub it on my chest and the back of my neck whenever I was congested.