Eucalyptus oil is derived from any of 25 species of eucalyptus tree, which are native to Australia and grown in many subtropical and tropical regions of the world. Eucalyptus oil has a pungent, camphor-like aroma, and is used to relieve nasal congestion and a variety of respiratory complaints. It is used in many over-the-counter products, such as cough drops, mouthwash and ointments for relief of chest cold symptoms.
1.8-Cineole
According to Medline Plus, eucalyptus oil is made up of 70 to 85 percent 1.8-cineole, also called eucalyptol. Eucalyptol is found in smaller amounts in other aromatic plants, such as camphor laurel, tea tree and sage. 1.8-cineole is used in anti-bacterial mouthwash, usually in combination with other herb oils, including thymol and menthol.
Carrier Oils
Eucalyptus essential oil should be diluted before inhalation or using it on skin. It is often diluted in a carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil. Dilutions generally contain between 5 and 20 percent eucalyptus essential oil. The essential oil can also be added to a petroleum or paraffin-based jelly to make an ointment. Ointment contains between 1 and 20 percent pure essential oil.
Alcohol
Tinctures made with eucalyptus oil usually contain alcohol and 5 to 10 percent essential oil.
Other Carriers
To use eucalyptus oil for inhalation, add a few drops of the essential oil to a pot of hot, steaming water. More oil may be used if your product is already diluted with carrier oil.
Under the supervision of a doctor or professional herbalist, eucalyptus oil may be taken internally. In most treatments, no more than 0.2 milliliters are used daily. The essential oil may be mixed with milk, water or tea. A tincture may also be taken by mouth, usually diluted in a liquid to mask the taste.
Medline Plus warns that there is a possibility of dangerous side effects of using eucalyptus oil internally, including weakness, vomiting, depression of the central nervous system and coma. Side effects are more likely in children and babies.
Lemon Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus citriodora, also called lemon eucalyptus, is a type of eucalyptus tree that produces a lemon- scented oil. The oil from the lemon eucalyptus tree contains several compounds, including limonene, citronellol, aromadendrene, PMD and ursolic acid. Alternative Medicine Alert reports that these compounds--PMD in particular--have have insect repellent properties. Lemon eucalyptus oil may be used as a natural alternative to topical insect repellents made from synthetic chemicals.
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