Eucalyptus essential oil: effects, uses and tips for homemade recipes

BREATHING – REFRESHMENT

Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Myrtaceae family) is an evergreen, deciduous tree native to Australia and Tasmania, growing to a height of approximately 65 m. Today it is planted in the Mediterranean region.

The essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree has a herbal aroma, camphor-menthol, fresh, intense. The main component is eucalyptol, which makes up to 90% of the essential oil. It is known by many synonyms: e.g. 1,8-cineole, cineole, etc.
The essential oil has an antiseptic and repellent effect. In pharmacy, it is a component of Tesař's ointment - a nasal ointment with an anti-inflammatory, soothing effect, intended for the nasal mucosa, to facilitate breathing during a cold.

The fresh, invigorating scent can be used to relieve fatigue and exhaustion.

In aromatherapy it is used for:

• relaxation of the respiratory tract during rhinitis and colds.

It is used in the form of indirect inhalation (aroma lamp/aroma diffuser) or by inhaling the vapors of hot water, chamomile or mint tea, to which about 5 drops of essential oil are added.

Warning:essential oil is not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to possible respiratory irritation.

Tip for relief from respiratory diseases or to freshen the air – use in an aroma lamp/aroma diffuser

Use:

• 4 drops eucalyptus oil

• 2 drops lavender oil

• 2 drops of lemon oil

A tip for a simple balm

You need

• 50 g shea butter

• 10 drops of eucalyptus oil

• 3–5 drops of lavender oil

Procedure

Heat the shea butter in a water bath (a bowl placed in a pot of hot, not boiling, water), remove from the water bath, stir for a while, and when it cools, add the essential oils and mix. Pour into a glass and let it solidify at room temperature. You can use the balm for at least 1 month, or until the color and smell of the mixture change.

Usage: for colds and rhinitis, rub a small amount between the shoulder blades or on the chest, 2-3 times a day.
Not intended for children under 3 years of age.

For children from 3 years of age, it is possible to use a similar mixture, but with a lower concentration of essential oils; the procedure and use are identical.
Do not use around the nose.

• 50 g shea butter

• 4 drops eucalyptus oil

• 2 drops lavender oil

Essential oils are used exclusively externally; they must always be diluted on the skin, e.g. in olive, sunflower, jojoba or other oil.

You can learn more about essential oils in our article: Using Essential Oils in Everyday Life

Are you interested in phytotherapy, the use of herbs and their extracts? Want to know more? Write to us at info@nefertitis.cz , on IG or FB. A master of pharmacy will answer your questions.

We wrote the article for you on June 7, 2025.

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