Eucalyptus is one of the best-known essential oils. Its fresh, crisp scent is often chosen when you need to breathe more freely, want to freshen up your home or need to sharpen your focus. On this page, you can read about eucalyptus oil is, how to use it and what to bear in mind to ensure safe and enjoyable use.
At De Groene Linde, we love pure, natural aromatherapy that you can easily incorporate into your daily life. Eucalyptus fits in perfectly with this: it has a powerful scent, is versatile in its uses and is lovely in a diffuser, steam bath or bath ritual.
What is eucalyptus used for in aromatherapy?
Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. In aromatherapy, this oil is particularly prized for its fresh, camphor-like and pure-smelling scent. Many people immediately associate eucalyptus with easier breathing, greater mental clarity and a clean, fresh atmosphere in the home.
There are many varieties of eucalyptus. In practice, you’ll mainly come across names such as Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus radiata. These varieties have a similar fresh character, but may differ slightly in terms of aroma and intensity.
What are the effects of eucalyptus oil?
In aromatherapy, eucalyptus is generally experienced as refreshing, invigorating and liberating. The scent is often used at times when you want to feel more at ease, improve your focus or boost your energy. That is why eucalyptus is popular during the colder months, during a wellness session or when a room feels heavy or stuffy.
Many users choose eucalyptus aromatherapy for the following purposes:
- promotes a fresh and open sensation when breathing
- a fresh, clean scent in your home or workplace
- greater alertness and concentration
- an invigorating effect whilst bathing or taking a steam bath
The energetic properties of eucalyptus are often described as clarifying and purifying. The scent can help you let go of any heaviness and feel a little more space and clarity again. This is why eucalyptus is also popular in rituals centred on focus, moments of recovery and conscious relaxation.
How does eucalyptus affect your airways?
In aromatherapy, eucalyptus is often chosen when you’re looking for a fresh, invigorating scent experience that focuses on the respiratory system. Particularly when used in a diffuser or during a steam treatment, eucalyptus has an immediately noticeable effect: the air feels fresher and, for many people, the scent makes breathing more pleasant.
That is precisely why eucalyptus oil is so popular in a diffuser. The scent spreads quickly, creates a fresh atmosphere and is often used in the living room, bedroom or treatment room. Please regard eucalyptus as a means of enhancing comfort and well-being, not as a substitute for medical care.
How to use eucalyptus in aromatherapy
Diffusing in a diffuser
This is the easiest way to use eucalyptus. Add a few drops to one of our electric diffusers following the instructions on the device. If you want to be sure of the correct dosage, note down how many drops you use in the diffuser.
Eucalyptus blends well with other essential oils, such as:
- lavender for greater calm and balance
- peppermint for extra freshness
- citrus oils for a light, sparkling fragrance
- pine or other woody oils for a woody effect
Steaming
A eucalyptus steam bath is a classic aromatherapy experience. Use hot water in a bowl and add just a tiny amount of oil. Breathe in the rising vapour calmly with your eyes closed. Always start with a low dose, as eucalyptus can be potent and intense. For targeted aroma inhalation, inhalers a practical tool.
In the bath or in the shower
Eucalyptus is ideal for a warming bath ritual, especially if you’re looking to relax and enjoy a refreshing scent. Essential oil should not be added undiluted to bath water, but should always be diluted in a suitable carrier oil or in a ready-made bath oil. De Groene Linde also stocks aromatherapy products containing eucalyptus for occasions such as these.
On the skin
Do not apply eucalyptus oil undiluted to the skin; it should always be diluted in a carrier oil. This makes it gentler on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to opt for a mild, low concentration and test it on a small patch of skin first.
Which eucalyptus should you choose?
Anyone who looks into eucalyptus aromatherapy will soon come across various types. For everyday use, it is particularly useful to be aware of this simple distinction:
| Type | Scent experience | Overall impression |
|---|---|---|
| Eucalyptus globulus | Powerful, fresh, more pronounced | Classic eucalyptus scent |
| Eucalyptus radiata | Smoother, rounder, more accessible | Often chosen by people who prefer a milder fragrance |
If you’re unsure which type to choose, focus on your scent preferences and when you intend to use the oil. For a distinctly refreshing experience, people often globulus chosen. For a gentler fragrance experience, radiata which many people find more pleasant. For more on this, see also the monounsaturated oils D–K.
Safe use of eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus is a potent essential oil. That is precisely why it is important to follow the guidelines for Safety when using essential oils to follow.
- Do not apply eucalyptus oil undiluted to the skin.
- Always use a low dose, especially if you’re just starting out.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
- Do not use eucalyptus on young children under the age of six.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have any medical conditions or are particularly sensitive, it is not advisable to use eucalyptus.
- Essential oil is not intended for internal use.
FAQ
What are the energetic properties of eucalyptus?
Energetically, eucalyptus is often experienced as clarifying, purifying and refreshing. The scent can help to lighten a heavy or oppressive atmosphere and supports moments of focus and conscious breathing.
Which essential oil should you use during pregnancy?
Not all essential oils are suitable for use during pregnancy. As this depends on the oil, the dosage and when it is used, it is important to take extra care. Do not use eucalyptus during pregnancy.
What is the difference between using eucalyptus in a diffuser and in the bath?
When used in a diffuser, eucalyptus is mainly used to create a pleasant scent in the room: fresh, crisp and invigorating. In the bath, it’s more about creating a complete wellness experience where warmth, scent and relaxation come together. Eucalyptus must always be well diluted when used in the bath.
Can I combine eucalyptus with other oils?
Yes, eucalyptus blends well with, amongst other things, lavender, peppermint, citrus and pine-like oils. You can use these to make the scent softer, fresher or, conversely, more relaxing, depending on what you’re looking for at that moment.
If you’d like to experience eucalyptus for yourself, you can choose pure eucalyptus oil or an aromatherapy product containing eucalyptus, such as a room spray, blend or bath oil. Electric diffusers are also handy for use at home, and if you’d like to experiment with different combinations, you can find inspiration in diffuser recipes or read up on how many drops to use in a diffuser. This makes it easy to choose the format that suits your routine and daily self-care.
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