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What is Eucalyptus used for?

Our Oil of the Month as we enter Autumn is Eucalyptus; instantly recognisable in its aroma; fresh, bracing and clearing, like a blast of fresh air. But where does it come from, and what is Eucalyptus used for?
Steam distilled from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree and native to Australia, Eucalyptus globulus is just one of the hundreds of different types that belong to the Myrtaceae family. The indigenous population of Australia have used the leaves for natural medicine for centuries. The trees have distinctive bark and long lanceolate leaves that are often silvery green. Eucalyptus is now grown across the globe.
Due to its bracing, invigorating aroma, Eucalyptus is a wonderful de-contestant, helping to clear the nasal passages and ease coughs and colds. It can also be used diluted in a massage oil to soothe tired and achy muscles.
As we all start to move about more freely after being somewhat isolated the last year or so, and because we are well into Autumn, it’s inevitable that there will be an increase of ‘the common cold’. A wonderful essential oil to have to hand, use Eucalyptus in a diffuser or as an inhalation to help soothe congestion and ease a stuffy nose.
Use the following essential oil blend to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
You may want to use the following blend in a sick room or to cleanse or refresh any room. Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
This method IS NOT advised for asthma sufferers and children under 10.
To a bowl of just boiled water, add the following drops of essential oils. Always take care around boiling water. Place the bowl on a firm surface and with your eyes closed, breathe in the steam.
For a more intense result, you can place a towel over your head to focus the stream of vapour. DO NOT use the ‘towel method’ for children under 16 and always supervise if using it for a child.
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of blending oil like Jojoba or Wheatgerm Oil. Take a small amount of the blend into your hands and apply to the body in long sweeping strokes. DO NOT USE ON THE FACE.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
Steam distilled from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree and native to Australia, Eucalyptus globulus is just one of the hundreds of different types that belong to the Myrtaceae family. The indigenous population of Australia have used the leaves for natural medicine for centuries. The trees have distinctive bark and long lanceolate leaves that are often silvery green. Eucalyptus is now grown across the globe.
What is it used for?
Due to its bracing, invigorating aroma, Eucalyptus is a wonderful de-contestant, helping to clear the nasal passages and ease coughs and colds. It can also be used diluted in a massage oil to soothe tired and achy muscles.
As we all start to move about more freely after being somewhat isolated the last year or so, and because we are well into Autumn, it’s inevitable that there will be an increase of ‘the common cold’. A wonderful essential oil to have to hand, use Eucalyptus in a diffuser or as an inhalation to help soothe congestion and ease a stuffy nose.
The first sign of a cold
Use the following essential oil blend to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
- 3 drops of Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globulus
- 4 drops of Lemon - Citrus limon
- 1 drop of Tea Tree - Melaleuca alternifolia
If a cold has taken hold
You may want to use the following blend in a sick room or to cleanse or refresh any room. Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
- 2 drops of Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globulus
- 3 drops of Lemon Tea Tree - Leptospermum petersonii
- 3 drops of Bergamot - Citrus bergamia
This method IS NOT advised for asthma sufferers and children under 10.
To a bowl of just boiled water, add the following drops of essential oils. Always take care around boiling water. Place the bowl on a firm surface and with your eyes closed, breathe in the steam.
For a more intense result, you can place a towel over your head to focus the stream of vapour. DO NOT use the ‘towel method’ for children under 16 and always supervise if using it for a child.
- 3 drops of Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globulus
- 1 drop of Peppermint - Mentha piperita
- 1 drop of Tea Tree - Melaleuca alternifolia
Invigorating post-exercise or achy-muscle massage blend
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of blending oil like Jojoba or Wheatgerm Oil. Take a small amount of the blend into your hands and apply to the body in long sweeping strokes. DO NOT USE ON THE FACE.
- 3 drops of Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globulus
- 4 drops of Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia
- 3 drops of Black Pepper - Piper nigrum

Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.