Eucalyptus Oil: The Many Ways to Use This Australian Native

Of all Australia’s unique native plants, the eucalyptus has to be one of the most popular. Therefore, it’s no wonder the eucalyptus essential oil is a staple in everyday life. There are many ways to put this iconic native to good use if you’re a fan of its refreshing aroma. Here are some of the most common. 

In a Carrier Oil Blend 

Steam-distilled from the leaves of two iconic Australian species, pure eucalyptus essential oils are highly concentrated and potent. When used on their own, they may cause skin irritation. That’s why they need to be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied topically. These gentler blends are safer for the skin.

What Blends Well with Eucalyptus?

There are several carrier oils to choose from, depending on your skin type and the purpose of your blend. Jojoba oil is a popular all-round option. It has a lightweight texture and absorbs easily, making it suitable for skincare and massage blends. 

Sweet almond oil is another popular pick. It acts as a lightweight and non-greasy base that evenly dilutes this potent essential oil. When you use it as a base to dilute eucalyptus oil, it creates a gentle blend that can be used for body massages and moisturising dry skin. Sweet almond oil, with its smooth texture, allows the oil to spread easily across the skin while helping deliver the aromatic benefits of this Australian native in a more balanced way. 

For a lighter, fast-absorbing option, fractionated coconut oil is ideal for roller blends and everyday body applications. If you’re looking for a richer option, avocado oil can be a good choice for nourishing dry skin, while grapeseed oil provides a lightweight feel that suits oily or combination skin.

Can I Mix Two Essential Oils?

You can also combine eucalyptus oil with other essential oils to create blends for different purposes. As a rule of thumb, it’s advised to blend oils within the same fragrance “family”, for instance, floral oils with florals, citrus with citrus and so on.

Eucalyptus has a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly camphor-like scent, so it can be mixed with other invigorating oils such as peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree. It also pairs with calming oils like lavender and grounding scents like frankincense.

It’s important to note that when combining this fragrant native with other essential oils, the blends should still be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin. The added essential oils can enhance the aroma and create a more balanced blend, but they don’t replace the need for proper dilution.

In a Diffuser 

Diffusers break eucalyptus essential oils into smaller molecules, dispersing them into the air as a fine mist. Different essential oils have different effects, and eucalyptus in particular is known for its crisp, refreshing aroma and healing qualities. When dispersed into the air, it can help clear congested airways caused by allergies and colds and aid with sleep. 

When using eucalyptus oil in a diffuser, 2–4 drops are usually enough for a small to medium-sized room. If the room is large, you can use 4–6 drops, but don’t overdo it, since this oil has a strong aroma. Also, keep the room well ventilated and don’t run the diffuser nonstop. If you have babies, pets, or anyone with breathing sensitivities in your home, use this essential oil with caution.

Next, don’t use eucalyptus essential oil in a humidifier unless it is specifically designed for essential oils. Diffusers and humidifiers are not always the same, and many humidifiers can be damaged by essential oils.

Last but not least, only add essential oils to your diffuser if it has already been filled with water, never when it’s empty. Some essential oils can damage the diffuser if poured directly into it.

In Aromatic Baths 

Adding this essential oil to your bath can clear your airways, soothe sore muscles, and reduce stress. However, as you probably know, oil and water don’t mix. So, to reap the soothing benefits of this Australian native, you should dilute it before adding it to your bathtub. Dilute 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil in a carrier to help it disperse more evenly throughout the water instead of floating on the surface. 

Again, carrier oils are one option for diluting eucalyptus essential oil before adding it to your bath. You can also create your own scented bath salts by combining eucalyptus oil with Epsom salts or sea salts. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil into a cup of these salts, allow the mixture to absorb, then add it to warm bathwater. 

To enhance bathtime, you can combine the bath salts with dried lavender, rose petals, chamomile, or eucalyptus leaves. To keep dried botanicals from floating around your tub and making cleanup easier, place them in a small muslin bag, tea sachet, or reusable bath pouch before adding them to the water.