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Eucalyptus

Essential Oil

Eucalyptus globulus / Eucalyptus radiata

Origin: Australia

About

Rich in 1,8-cineole, eucalyptus is a powerful decongestant and anti-inflammatory with pronounced warming and cooling properties. Eucalyptus radiata is considered gentler and more suitable for massage than the more intense E. globulus.

Aboriginal Australians have used eucalyptus as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. Commercial distillation began in Victoria in the 1850s, and it rapidly became a globally important medicinal oil for respiratory and muscular conditions.

Benefits

  • Powerful decongestant and expectorant
  • Anti-inflammatory for joint and muscle pain
  • Antimicrobial properties
  • Cooling and refreshing
  • Improves focus and clears mental fatigue

Pairings (13)

Unsafe
Peppermint

Both oils are high in 1,8-cineole and menthol respectively. Combined at massage dilutions, they can cause respiratory distress and skin sensitisation, particularly around the face and neck.

Caution
Rosemary

Both are high in cineole and camphor-type compounds; combined they can be overstimulating for the central nervous system, particularly for those with epilepsy or high blood pressure.

Caution
Cardamom

Eucalyptus's strong camphorous quality can compete with and overpower cardamom's more delicate sweet spice, and the combined respiratory stimulation may be too intense for some clients.

Caution
Bergamot

Eucalyptus's strong, camphoraceous scent can compete with and overpower bergamot's delicate citrus-floral aroma in a blend.

Caution
Rose Otto

Eucalyptus's sharp camphoraceous aroma significantly clashes with Rose Otto's delicate floral character and the combination is rarely harmonious.

Caution
Neem

Both oils are potently antibacterial but their combined aroma is very aggressive and the potential for skin irritation increases at higher dilutions.

Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible

Properties

Aroma
sharp, camphoraceous, clean, medicinal
Max Dilution
2%

Contraindications

  • Avoid on children under 10 near face and neck
  • Do not apply near nose or airways of infants
  • Avoid with epilepsy
  • Not for use with certain medications (immunosuppressants)