Eucalyptus Oil: Uses, Benefits, Side effects By Dr. Smita Barode
By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Smita Barode
Last updated: Mar 22, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Smita Barode
Last updated: Mar 22, 2024Table of Contents
Aromatic herbs are being widely used, especially in rural areas. Eucalyptus is one such aromatic oil that has seen an increase in its use in developing countries.
Eucalyptus oil, also known as nilgiri oil, is an essential oil derived from the distillation of fresh leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and other species like E. polybractea, E. smithii, and E. viminalis, belonging to the family Myrtaceae. This tall evergreen tree is native to Tasmania and Australia. Further, it is found in Spain, the United States, Brazil, Portugal, North and South Africa, France, Southern Europe, and India. In India, it is majorly cultivated in Punjab and Haryana.
It is a straw-coloured or colourless fluid with a characteristic smell that may be described as camphor-like and pungent and its taste is also said to be camphoraceous, followed by a cooling sensation. Let’s read about eucalyptus oil’s benefits and side effects.1
Eucalyptus oil is known for its wide variety of bioactive compounds. They are enlisted below:
| Chemical constituent | Percentage |
| 1,8- eucalyptus | 72.71% |
| α-terpine | 2.54% |
| Terpiene-4-ol | 0.34% |
| Linalool | 0.24% |
| α-eudesmol | 0.39% |
| (-)-globulol | 2.77% |
| Epilobulol | 0.44% |
| α -terpineol acetate | 3.1% |
| Geranyl acetate | 0.71% |
| L-pinocarveol | 0.36% |
| β-sabinene | 0.25% |
| Terpinolene | 0.19% |
Table 1: Chemical constituents of Eucalyptus oil.1
A total of 0.26% of eucalyptus oil constituents are unknown.
Based on my experience, I have observed that eucalyptus oil might possess hepatoprotective properties. This means that it could potentially protect the liver from damage caused by certain toxins. It is believed to involve the presence of ursolic acid, a compound found in the leaves of Eucalyptus hybrid E. tereticomis. Ursolic acid is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its ability to protect the liver cells from damage and promote their regeneration.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Did you know?
Eucalyptus oil has many treasures hidden within it. Some of the properties of eucalyptus essential oil are:1
In my experience, I have observed that eucalyptus oil might be beneficial for relieving spasmodic throat troubles, such as in croup. When applied externally, it may help alleviate the spasms and provide relief.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
The potential benefits of eucalyptus oil for your health are:
In a study done by Moreira in 2001, eucalyptus oil may help in treating urinary tract infections. It may be used in an emulsion mixture with powdered gum-arabica and water. This mixture may be given as urethral injections. However, a doctor should be consulted before using nilgiri oil.1
Eucalyptus essential oil has shown potential anti-diabetic properties. In a comparative study in 1998 by Gray, they observed the effects of eucalyptus for management of diabetes by partial restoration of pancreatic cells in rats. Further, Dey observed that eucalyptus citriodora showed potential anti-diabetic activity that was analogous to the standard diabetes drug Glibenclamide. Although, this won’t replace the medication prescribed by your doctor, you should consult a doctor before using eucalyptus oil for diabetes.1,2
Sonker et. al in a study in 2017 observed that eucalyptus oil may potentially relieve symptoms of respiratory diseases. It was reported in a study that major constituents of this essential oil may relieve coughing, stimulate breathing, relax the respiratory muscles and remove mucus. Further, it may help in sore throat, runny nose, cough, cold, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and nasal congestion. Nilgiri oil can help in reducing the symptoms but should not be replaced with conventional treatment without consulting your doctor.1
In a study in 1994, Sarkar found sores, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, burns and wounds may be benefitted using eucalyptus leaf essential oil. It can be used in the form of an ointment or salve to potentially use on bug bites and stings. In a study by Sabo in 2019, extracts of eucalyptus species showed a probable reduction in the size of acetic acid-induced ulcers in rats. Therefore, it may be a possibility that eucalyptus oil can be used for wound healing. You should consult a doctor before using eucalyptus oil on your wounds.1
Maruyama in 2005 observed that aromatherapy massage potentially suppresses the inflammatory symptoms of oedema and neutrophil accumulation. This is because eucalyptus oil is volatile and hence, gets easily absorbed into the muscle and nerve. It has a property to reduce pain (analgesic). Eucalyptus may help in case of chronic pain along with conventional medication. Eucalyptus oil should not be traded for your medication without consulting your doctor.1,2
Other than the above-noted uses of eucalyptus, they are also some other eucalyptus oil uses and benefits, such as:
Though there are studies that show the benefits of the eucalyptus oil in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of eucalyptus oil on human health.
For both chemical and natural techniques, the chosen eucalyptus oil is a unique kind. An ingredient in the oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is known to repel mosquitoes and other insects. I recommend the use of eucalyptus oil under the doctor’s supervision.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
Eucalyptus oil may be used in a number of ways to treat different conditions. Some ways to use eucalyptus oil are:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
One essential component of various topical analgesics is eucalyptus. These include creams, salves, sprays, and other topical painkillers that you may apply straight to your skin. From my knowledge, eucalyptus oil works by creating a cool or warm sensation that may distract you from the pain, even if it is not the primary painkiller.
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, MD
Like most essential oils, eucalyptus oil also has many side effects. The most common eucalyptus oil side effects are:
You now know that eucalyptus oil is should not be consumed by itself. Some other precautions to be taken with eucalyptus oil include:
•Do not use eucalyptus oil if you are allergic to it.
• Do not administer to children below 1 year of age.
•Do not take the oil orally in large doses.
• It should be avoided by pregnant and lactating mothers unless prescribed by the doctor.7
Eucalyptus is generally considered safe for topical use. However, it should never be consumed orally, especially without dilution with some other ingredients. It is considered toxic when consumed orally and may interact with your medications. Eucalyptus oil may affect the metabolic activity of the liver and thus, may disrupt the metabolism of certain drugs.6
If you are consuming any drug that may be metabolized by the liver, contact your general physician before using eucalyptus oil. For instance, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a medication used to treat cancer. It was observed in an animal study that when eucalyptus oil is used on the skin caused an increase in the absorption of topical 5-FU. Further, some diabetic medication also interacts with eucalyptus oil. 3,6
Also Read: Canola Oil vs Vegetable Oil: Which is Healthier?
Yes, the benefits of eucalyptus oil for cold are widely reported. It can be used via inhalation and cough drops. It has expectorant, antispasmodic and antiviral properties.
No, eucalyptus oil cannot be consumed orally, especially in large doses. It is usually consumed as a pharmaceutical product or can be used as a topical medication.
Yes, eucalyptus oil can be used for wounds like abrasions, burns, scrapes, cuts and sores. It can be applied as a salve.
Yes, eucalyptus oil can interact with other drugs that get metabolized by the liver as it affects the metabolism rate in the liver. For example, 5-fluorouracil sees an increase in absorption when used topically with eucalyptus oil.
No, children under the age of one should not be administered eucalyptus oil. Children may be administered eucalyptus oil only after referring to a general physician.
1. Rathva D, Parmar D, Upadhyay S, Upadhyay U. A Basic Review on Eucalyptus Oil. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications [Internet]. [cited 2022 Nov 29];5(2):771–81. Available from: https://ijprajournal.com/issue_dcp/A%20Basic%20Review%20on%20Eucalyptus%20Oil.pdf
2. Dhakad AK, Pandey V v., Beg S, Rawat JM, Singh A. Biological, medicinal and toxicological significance of Eucalyptus leaf essential oil: a review. J Sci Food Agric. 2018 Feb 1;98(3):833–48. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28758221/
3. Eucalyptus – Tufts Medical Center Community Care [Internet]. [cited 2022 Nov 29]. Available from: https://hhma.org/healthadvisor/ma-eucalypt-ma/
4. Sanches Abelan U, Savassa Pinto Cacoci RPh É, Elyan Azevedo Martins T, Mansanares Giacon V, Valéria Robles Velasco M, Rosana Ribeiro de Castro Lima C, et al. Potential use of essential oils in cosmetic and dermatological hair products: A review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;00:1–12. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34129742/
5. Chandorkar N, Tambe S, Amin P, Madankar C. A systematic and comprehensive review on current understanding of the pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical implications of the genus Eucalyptus. Phytomedicine Plus. 2021 Nov 1;1(4):100089. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031321000713#:~:text=It%20can%20be%20concluded%20that,the%20treatment%20of%20respiratory%20disorders.
6. Eucalyptus Information | Mount Sinai – New York [Internet]. [cited 2022 Nov 29]. Available from:
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/eucalyptus
7. Eucalyptus Oil: Important information about eucalyptus oil [Internet]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4843.pdf
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