How to Use Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is one of the most versatile essential oils that every household needs to own. From treating health issues to green cleaning, find out how to use eucalyptus oil to make your life more beautiful everyday!

What Is Eucalyptus Oil?

Eucalyptus oil, scientifically known as Eucalyptus globulus is native to Australia and cultivated in many parts of the world.

It is one of the best all round oils to have in your household, along with tea tree, lavender and lemon.

Eucalyptus oil is used in a wide variety of areas from industrial use, to fragrance, flavoring and pharmaceutical use.

Properties of Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil contains unique compounds and potent properties that make it highly antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, stimulant, anti-inflammatory, dis-infectant and cleansing properties. Some of the compounds found in eucalyptus oil include:

Cineol/Eucalyptol
Pinene
Limonene
Camphor
Terpineol
Cynene
Eudesmol

Have you got a bottle of eucalyptus? Wondering how to put this magic oil to use in your life? Here’s some inspiration for you!

Eucalyptus oil is one of the most versatile essential and its wide variety of properties makes it great for just about anything! Here’s a fabulous list of 25 ways on how to use eucalyptus oil:

1. Apply to Acne

Acne occurs when harmful bacteria get into your pores and begin feasting on the dirt, dried sebaceous oil and dead cells within. The potent anti-bacterial properties in eucalyptus oil can help destroy acne-causing bacteria and heal acne completely.

→ Dilute 4 drops of eucalyptus oil in 1 teaspoon of shea butter and apply to your acne spots. Leave overnight and wash your face as usual in the morning.

2. Decongestion for Sinusitis

Eucalyptus oil is a powerful decongestant and is found in many salves and balms for colds, flu and sore throats. The decongestant properties in the oil can help drain out excess fluids in the sinus cavities thereby relieving sinus congestion.

→ The best way to relieve sinuses is to do some herbal facial steaming. Fill a large bowl with hot water and add 1 – 2 drops of eucalyptus oil. Now place your face over the steam, and cover with a thick towel to prevent steam from escaping. Breathe in deeply while keeping your eyes closed. Do this for 5 minutes, 3 times a day until your sinuses are drained.

3. Clear a Cough

Eucalyptus oil is extremely beneficial in all cases of respiratory trouble including asthma, cough and bronchitis. Its decongestant properties can help eliminate mucus faster and give you quick relief.

→ Make a soothing balm for a chesty cough by melting 1/4 cup of shea butter and 1 tablespoon of beeswax pastilles. Then mix in 12 drops of eucalyptus oil, stir and allow the balm to set in a 4 oz mason jar in the refrigerator for 2 hours. You can now rub this cough-busting balm all over your chest and throat for soothing relief.

4. Banish Bad Breath

‘I love bad breath,’ – Said No One Ever! Bad breath, also known as halitosis, affects more 6 million people and actually causes depression and social anxiety in 55% of those affected.

→ Those struggling with halitosis should definitely include flossing and tongue scraping into their normal tooth brushing routines, as well as using a mouthwash. Make a minty mouth wash by simply gargling 1/2 cup of water with 1 drop of eucalyptus oil and 1 drop of peppermint oil. Swish this in your mouth for as long as you can, spit out and repeat if necessary.

5. Repel Insects

Did you know eucalyptus oil is rich in natural insecticides and pesticides? Compounds such as linalool and eucalyptol do a great job at warding off moths, mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs and more!

→ Make a DIY insect repellent with eucalyptus oil by following this easy Homemade Mosquito Repellent Recipe!

6. Relieve Pain

Pain, ranging from muscle pain to nerve pain and joint pain, can be chronic, crippling and may affect the quality of your life. In many cases, people develop sensitization to OTC pain killers and many report not seeing any relief after taking drugs like panadol and ibuprofen. Turn to naturally analgesic and stimulatory eucalyptus oil instead for relieving pain from muscles, peripheral nerve damage and aching joints.

→ Make a pain-busting oil with just 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 8 drops of eucalyptus oil, 6 drops of ginger oil and 4 drops of lemongrass oil. Mix it all together and apply wherever you feel pain.

7. Green Cleaning

There no excuse to keep buying toxic and harsh cleaning products when homemade green cleaning products are so easy to make! They can make your home safer for babies, children, pets and YOU. You can totally by-pass all the nasty cancer-causing substances in conventional cleaning supplies by making your own cleaning products.

→ Make an all-purpose cleaner for cleaning the sink, kitchen counters, bathroom, mirrors, windows and more! All you need to do is mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water and add 15 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of lemon oil and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil.

8. Fight Foot Odor

Got stinky feet? Not anymore! With the strong deodorizing properties of eucalyptus oil, you can easily fight foot odor caused by wearing closed shoes for many hours, sports activities, fungal infections and even athlete’s foot.

→ Wetness and moisture create breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, fungi and yeast. Begin by thoroughly washing your feet with soap and pat dry. The key to banishing foot odor is to keep your feet dry. Make a foot powder by mixing 1 cup of arrowroot powder with 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and 10 drops of peppermint oil. Store this in a cheese shaker. Dust this powder all over your feet before wearing soaks.

9. Herbal Toothpaste

Give those pearly whites a new lease on life by making your own natural herbal toothpaste. Conventional toothpastes destroy the natural bio-film that’s supposed to encase your enamel and defend your teeth from harmful invaders.

→ While this toothpaste won’t foam, it will leave your teeth feeling clean and smooth. Simply mix ½ cup of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of activated charcoal and 5 drops each of peppermint oil, frankincense oil and eucalyptus oil. Store in a glass jar and use as you would normal toothpaste.

10. Boost Your Immunity

Our immune system is our body’s army that protects us from dangerous toxins, microbes and harmful substances. Since our immunity is always working round-the-clock to keep us safe, why not give it a boost using the healing properties of eucalyptus oil?

→ Make an immunity boosting sachet containing 2 handfuls of dried lavender flowers, 1 tablespoon of cloves and 5 drops of eucalyptus oil, 5 drops of wild orange oil and 5 drops of sandalwood oil. Hang this by your bedside for immune-boosting all night long. Check out my simple guide on How to Make Essential Oil Sachets

11. Headache Balm

Many headache balms that you can buy at stores actually contain camphor, menthol and cineol, which are analgesic compounds found in eucalyptus oil. Harness the uplifting, refreshing and headache relieving properties of eucalyptus oil by making your own headache balm.

→ Melt 1/4 cup of shea butter and 1 tablespoon of beeswax pastilles. Now add 3 drops of eucalyptus oil, 3 drops of peppermint oil and 3 drops of roman chamomile oil. Mix thoroughly and pour into small portable containers. You can use this balm anytime you feel a headache coming on.

12. Bug Bite Remedy

While eucalyptus oil has natural bug repelling tendencies, it also has compounds that can help heal the swelling, itchiness and discomfort associated with bug bites. You can make this bug bite roll-on oil and keep it in your first aid box for quick relief from bites by ants, mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas and more!

→ In a small roll-on bottle, use a pipette to carefully pour in 4 drops of eucalyptus oil, 4 drops of peppermint oil, 4 drops of helichrysum oil and 4 drops of myrrh oil. Now fill the rest of the bottle with castor oil and mix thoroughly. Roll on over bug bite areas as many times as needed through the day.

13. Improve Focus and Concentration

Back when I was in high school, I had an awesome study technique where I’d keep sniffing eucalyptus oil every time I sat down to study. This not only heightened my concentration levels and focus, but also helped me secretly in exams! During my exams, I’d sniff the same eucalyptus oil and it would help me recall everything I studied. This phenomenon has actually been researched and proven to be true!

→ Sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a thick tissue or handkerchief and deeply breath in as required. You can also take a deep whiff straight out of the bottle. Another great way is to use a portable aromatherapy inhaler filled with the oil.

14. Perk Up Tired Feet

Ahhh…there’s nothing more relaxing than soaking tired feet in a tub of hot water after a long day at work! Am I right?! Eucalyptus oil can perk up tired feet, relieve swelling, reduce pain and invigorate your peddlers just the way they deserve to be!

→ To make a relaxing foot soak, fill a foot soak tub with hot water (as hot as you can handle), 1 cup of Epsom salts and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Soak your feet for 15 minutes and pat dry.

15. Appease Asthma

While many essential oils trigger asthma, oils like eucalyptus essential oil actually help to relieve, appease and prevent asthma attacks. They can also help stop an on-coming asthma attack. The camphorous compounds in eucalyptus oil can help expand the alveoli in the lungs and making breathing easier.

→ Sprinkle 5 drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief and inhale deeply when struggling with wheezing or having breathing difficulty. You can also carry a small bottle of eucalyptus oil with you always for a breathing boost every time you are having respiratory difficulty. Note: Eucalyptus oil is not meant to be a replacement for your prescribed asthma medication. It is only a natural aid to make your life easier.

16. Revitalizing Bath Time

Next time you’re having some me-time, invest in a soothing, relaxing, detoxifying and invigorating bath with a blend of essential oils including eucalyptus oil! It can help perk you up for the rest of the day, relieve tired joints and muscles, promote peaceful sleep and leave you feeling energized and refreshed.

→ Run a bath with hot – warm water and dissolve 1 – 2 cups of Epsom salts, 1 cup of bentonite clay, 20 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of eucalyptus oil, 10 drops of geranium oil and 10 drops of ginger oil.

17. Diffuse the Oil

Diffusing eucalyptus oil is by far the easiest way to enjoy the aromatherapy qualities of eucalyptus oil. Diffusing shoots out tiny molecules of the oil into the atmosphere and these can be absorbed by your lungs into your bloodstream.

→ Pour in 4 – 5 drops into your BPA-free diffuser and diffuse for up to 1 hour every day.

18. Sore Throat Relief

There’s nothing more soothing for a sore throat than a soothing spray made with eucalyptus oil. This can help you relieve swelling, pain and dryness. It can also help dislodge thick mucus stuck in your throat, which contributes to quick sore throat relief.

→ To make a soothing sore throat gargle, simply mix 3/4 cups of warm water with 1 teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil. Gargle with this mix twice a day. Make sure you do not swallow the mix.

19. Remove Head Lice

School season means head lice strike again. When you have young children and babies suffering with head lice, using conventional head lice killers are harmful and not recommended. Using your own essential oil-based lice removal protocol often works with great results.

There are many ways to remove lice, recipes for which can be found at Essential Oils for Lice Removal

→ Simply add 2 -3 drops of eucalyptus oil into your normal shampoo before washing your or your child’s hair. The smell of eucalyptus will kill and repel lice. You can also add eucalyptus oil to your normal hair oil if your child’s school has a lice infestation, to prevent them from catching lice.

20. Fight Fungal Infections

Eucalyptus oil’s potent anti-fungal compounds and properties can help fight fungal infections when a strict regiment is followed. Wounds can be cleaned with a eucalyptus oil solution or can be flushed with eucalyptus infused water to prevent fungal or other bacterial infections. Do not use the solution below for vaginal or oral fungal infections.

→ Clean fungal wounds by dipping a cotton ball soaked in eucalyptus solution and dabbing the wound with it during every dressing. To make a eucalyptus solution, combine ½ cup of rubbing alcohol, ½ cup of distilled water and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil.

21. Air Freshener

Conventional air fresheners are wrought with nano-particles of toxic ingredients such as synthetic frangrances, stabilizers and petroleum distillates, which are harmful to humans and the environment. Yet it’s so easy to make your own air fresheners at home, including sprays, potpourri and baking soda.

→ In an 8 oz spray bottle, mix in 3/4 cup of any flower water or hydrosol such as lavender water, 10 drops of eucalyptus oil, 10 drops of neroli oil and 10 drops of bergamot oil. Shake vigorously before use. Spray generously in rooms such as the bedroom, bathroom and even inside linen closets, shoe closets and more.

22. Quick Sticker Removal

Got a tough sticker that’s refusing to budge? Or perhaps you peeled off an old sticker but it left its greasy bits behind? Save yourself a lot of effort and time trying to scrub it off by using eucalyptus oil instead!

→ Directly pour a few drops of eucalyptus oil onto the surface of the sticker or sticker stain and rub with a micro-fiber cloth. The oil will cut through the grease and leave the surface smooth and shiny.

23. Makeup Brush/ Toothbrush/Retainer Cleaner

The cleansing and disinfectant properties in eucalyptus oil can help to break down grime and grit, kill harmful microbes and leave your makeup brushes, toothbrush or retainers clean and deodorized.

→ Simply mix in 1 cup of white vinegar and 1.5 cups of pure water into a medium-sized bowl. Now stir in 2 teaspoons of liquid castile soap and add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Stir and place your dirty brushes or retainer into the bowl and allow to soak for 20 minutes. Now wash your brushes/retainer as usual and let them dry completely before use.

24. Fight Jet Lag

Long distance travel can make our bodies’ biological clocks a bit confused and this can take a few days to rewire. In the meantime using natural remedies like essential oils can help you feel better by invigorating you, balancing hormones and uplifting your spirits.

→ Get some essential oil diffuser jewelry such as this beautiful diffuser pendant, this leather bracelet or this cute lava rock and blue soladite bracelet that you can wear all day long to enjoy the gentle effect of aromatherapy. Pouring in a few drops of essential oils onto clay-based jewelry will help release the molecules gradually and help you feel less groggy.

25. Laundry Scent Booster

There’s no need to buy those expensive scent boosters that are laced with toxic chemicals that are irritating on sensitive skin. Many of these chemicals are known carcinogens, hormone disruptors and can even cause fertility issues.

→ It’s easy to make your own homemade laundry scent booster – do check out DIY Laundry Scent Booster Recipe for detailed instructions.

Where to Buy Eucalyptus Oil

Make sure you buy only 100% pure high quality eucalyptus oil.

Caution

Do not ingest eucalyptus oil.

Remember to always use eucalyptus oil diluted when using on your skin. The general rule is to dilute 2 drops of eucalyptus oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (that’s a 2% dilution which is the recommended dilution rate for adults). Read more: How to Dilute Essential Oils.

Always do a patch test to ensure that you are not allergic to eucalyptus oil, especially if this is your first time using it.

Pregnant ladies, lactating mothers and children under 2 should exercise great caution when using any essential oil. Read more:

If you are suffering from a chronic/severe health condition, please be sure to consult your doctor before using essential oils.