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Eucalyptus Essential Oil
The Crisp Mountain Air of the Blue Gum
Eucalyptus essential oil is a sharp, camphoraceous and invigorating oil steam-distilled from the leaves of the blue gum tree, loved for its cool, clean scent in diffusers, shower steam and fresh home blends.
Botanical name: Eucalyptus globulus
Aroma: Sharp, camphoraceous, cooling and fresh
Note: Top
Main growing region: Native to Australia (this oil is sourced from the Mediterranean)
Typically extracted: Steam-distilled from the leaves
Blends well with: Peppermint, Lemon, Rosemary, Lavender and Tea Tree
Top 3 benefits:
- Fresh breathing feel: its cool, camphoraceous scent is traditionally enjoyed when the air feels heavy or stuffy.
- Mental refresh: a sharp, wake-up aroma that many people find clearing during long hours of work.
- Cooling massage: well diluted, it gives a refreshing, cooling feel to a shoulder and neck rub.
Safety first: eucalyptus is rich in 1,8-cineole, so never use it on or near the face of babies and children, keep skin use to 1.5% or less, and keep it away from pets. Read the full safety information.
What Is Eucalyptus Essential Oil?
Eucalyptus essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus, the tall evergreen known as blue gum, which is native to southeastern Australia. This oil is sourced from the Mediterranean, where the tree has been widely grown for many years.
Its sharp, cooling scent comes mainly from 1,8-cineole (also called eucalyptol), supported by alpha-pinene and limonene. Cineole is a powerful aromatic compound, which is why eucalyptus is used by the drop and why it needs particular care around children and pets.
Benefits and Traditional Uses
The science: eucalyptus is one of the best-known oils for a clean, open, camphoraceous scent, and is traditionally associated with a feeling of clear breathing. Research on aromatherapy is limited, so enjoy it as a pleasant scent rather than a treatment, and speak to a healthcare professional about any breathing difficulty.
How to use (the fresh air diffuser): diffuse 3 drops of eucalyptus with 2 drops of Lemon in a ventilated room for 30 to 60 minutes, away from babies, young children and pets.
The science: the sharp, piercing aroma of eucalyptus is traditionally used to wake up the senses. Many people find it clearing during long working days, though individual responses vary and research is limited.
How to use (the morning shower): put 2 drops on the floor of the shower, away from the direct stream, and breathe in the rising steam as you wake up. Skip this if you have asthma or a sensitive chest.
The science: eucalyptus has a naturally cooling, tingling character on the skin when well diluted, which is why it features in many traditional rubs. This is a sensory effect rather than a treatment for any condition.
How to use (the desk-day rub): mix 3 drops of eucalyptus with 10ml of carrier oil (a 1.5% dilution) and massage into the shoulders and neck. Patch test first and avoid the face.
How to Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil
| Method | Instructions | VivaForte tip |
|---|---|---|
| Diffusion | 3 to 5 drops in an ultrasonic diffuser, in short sessions in a well-ventilated room. | Blends well with peppermint and lemon. Keep pets and babies out of the room. |
| Inhalation | 1 drop on a tissue or cotton ball, inhaled gently. | Keep it away from children’s faces. |
| Topical | Maximum 1.5% dilution (3 drops per 10ml, or about 4 to 5 drops per 15ml of carrier oil). | Patch test first and avoid the face and broken skin. |
| Home and surfaces | 10 drops in 100ml of distilled water with a tablespoon of witch hazel (about 0.5%). | Shake before each use and test a hidden area first. Do not spray near pets. |
| Blending | 1 to 2 drops added to a diffuser blend as a cooling top note. | Pair with peppermint, rosemary or lavender. |
Eucalyptus Safety Information
- Dilute and patch test. Use no more than 1.5% on the skin (3 drops per 10ml of carrier oil). Eucalyptus may cause an allergic skin reaction, so patch test first and stop using it if irritation occurs. Avoid sensitive or damaged skin.
- External and aromatic use only. Do not swallow essential oils. Eucalyptus oil can be very toxic if swallowed.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and health conditions. Speak to a healthcare professional before use, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have asthma or epilepsy, or take medication. Strong, cineole-rich vapours can irritate sensitive airways.
- Children. Do not use eucalyptus on or near the face of babies and children under 10, as the high cineole content can affect their breathing. Keep it out of reach of children.
- Pets. Eucalyptus oil can be harmful to pets, especially cats and dogs. Ventilate the room, let animals leave when diffusing, and do not apply it to them.
- Chemical profile. High in 1,8-cineole, with alpha-pinene and limonene.
For general guidance on dilution, patch testing and sun safety, read our Essential Oil Safety guide.
History and Heritage
The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia, where the leaves of various species have long been used by Aboriginal peoples in traditional medicine. Eucalyptus globulus is called the blue gum for the bluish colour of its young leaves.
In the 19th century the tree was carried to Europe and other parts of the world, where it grew quickly. It was planted widely around the Mediterranean, partly in the belief that it would help dry marshy land and freshen the air.
Today eucalyptus is one of the most familiar scents in the world, found in everything from steam rubs to cleaning products and fresh-smelling home blends.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil FAQs
Is eucalyptus essential oil safe to use on the skin?
Only when diluted and used with care. Keep skin use to 1.5% or less (3 drops per 10ml of carrier oil), patch test first, avoid the face and broken skin, and never use it on babies or young children.
Is eucalyptus oil safe around pets?
Take care. Eucalyptus oil can be harmful to cats and dogs. Diffuse in a ventilated room, let animals leave freely, never apply it to their skin or fur, and keep the bottle out of reach.
Can I use eucalyptus oil with children?
Avoid it on or near the face of children under 10, because the high cineole content can affect their breathing. Do not diffuse it in a room where a baby is sleeping, and speak to a professional first.
What does eucalyptus smell like and what blends with it?
It smells sharp, camphoraceous, cooling and fresh. It blends well with Peppermint, Lemon, Rosemary and Lavender.
How do I use eucalyptus oil in the shower?
Put 2 drops on the shower floor, away from the direct stream, so the steam carries the scent. Keep it away from children and skip it if you have asthma or find strong scents irritating.
Continue Exploring
- Peppermint: a cool, minty partner for fresh diffuser blends.
- Rosemary: another clear, herbal oil that works well for study spaces.
- Ravintsara: a gentler, cineole-rich oil with a similar fresh character.
- Essential Oil Safety: dilution, patch testing and sun safety explained.
- All Single Essential Oils: browse the full VivaForte botanical range.