Among the essential oils of Eucalyptus, that of Eucalyptus Globulus is undoubtedly the best known. Specialist in the lower respiratory tract, its expectorant action on the bronchopulmonary area is remarkable. It is therefore ideal in cases of bronchitis and wet coughs, but also nasopharyngitis or sinusitis, and blocked noses. Its power and effectiveness, however, reserve its use for adults. For more sensitive subjects, we prefer the use of Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil, with similar properties, Latin name: Eucalyptus Globulus Labill. Distilled part: leaves
This article was updated on 06/07/2023Precautions for use
Vigilance! Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is reserved for adolescents and adults. It is contraindicated for people with asthma and epilepsy without medical advice, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women and children less than 6 years old. All methods of use are authorized, provided that the specific precautions for each are respected.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
- People with epilepsy should seek medical advice before any use (epileptogenic risk at high doses).
- Seek medical advice before use for people with asthma.
Skin application
It is preferable to dilute Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil to a maximum of 20% in vegetable oil (1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil), to be adapted according to the age and sensitivity of the skin. .
Ingestion
The oral use of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is reserved for adolescents and adults and should be done exceptionally, and over a short period.
In broadcast
The use of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is very powerful and can cause sensitization of the respiratory tract (eucalyptol and alpha-pinene). Its diffusion is possible, diluted to 20% in other essential oils.
Contraindications
- In moist inhalation, preferably use Eucalyptus Globulus in synergy with other essential oils.
- In the most sensitive users, it can be drying to the respiratory tract.
- It can also be irritating and drying to the eyes, hence the importance of its dilution.
Allergenic components
Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil contains allergenic biochemical components:
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limonene (≤11%)
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geraniol (≤0.5%)
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linalool (≤0.1%)
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction).
Properties of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil
Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is highly concentrated in 1,8-cineole and alpha-pinene. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
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expectorant, mucolytic ++++ (α-pinene, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)):
eucalyptol and alpha-pinene play a very important role in the bronchopulmonary area: they help eliminate congestion, often produced during a respiratory infection. These two molecules regulate and thin the mucus secreted in excess by the bronchi, then expel it from the respiratory tract by activating the movement of bronchial cilia.
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spasmolytic, bronchodilator ++++ (1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)):
1,8-cineole present in Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is useful for relieving a cough, thanks to its antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties. It allows the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract.
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antibacterial, sanitizer, respiratory antiseptic +++ (α-pinene, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), aromadendrene):
eucalyptus Globulus essential oil has excellent bactericidal activity against certain Gram bacteria - (E.coli, P. aeruginosa) and Gram + (S. aureus). It effectively prevents their development and growth during respiratory infections. It is also used in diffusion, in synergy with other essential oils, to disinfect or sanitize the ambient air and the respiratory tract.
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antifungal ++ (α-pinene, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)):
the fungicidal activity of Eucalyptus Globulus has been verified on several strains of fungi in in vivo studies, and in particular the fungus responsible for bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (Aspergillus fumigatus) and that of candidiasis (Candida). The essential oil would have an inhibitory effect on the growth of these fungi, but in-depth studies are necessary to understand its mode of action.
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antiviral++ (α-pinene, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)):
eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is capable of slowing the progression of the virus in the body in order to stop it as quickly as possible. Indeed, its major compounds, eucalyptol, and alpha-pinene, have an antiviral action by inhibiting intracellular replication. This property has been demonstrated in particular on the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV).
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anti-inflammatory ++ (1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)):
during a respiratory disease, cytokines are secreted by the body in response to this attack, inducing an inflammatory defense process. Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil modulates this immune response by inhibiting the production of leukotriene B4 or interleukin 1-β for example, molecules involved in respiratory tract diseases and mucus hypersecretion.
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immunomodulating ++ (1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)):
eucalyptus Globulus essential oil can be used to stimulate immunity, to help the body fight an infection or for prevention. It is capable of increasing the secretion of gamma-globulins and beta-globulins, two proteins of the immune system.
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insecticide + :
eucalyptus Globulus essential oil has been shown to be effective against house flies (Musca domestica). In this study, the insecticidal activity of the essential oil was evaluated on fly larvae and pupae. The activity of Eucalyptus Globulus demonstrates its potential as an environmentally friendly product for the fight against house flies.
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analgesic + (1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)):
eucalyptol is an activator of TRPM8 (cold-sensitive receptor) causing local anesthesia by sensation of cold. It is also an inhibitor of TRPA1, a receptor involved in triggering pain signals and activated by inflammatory mediators. These two associated mechanisms seem really effective in blocking pain induced by inflammation.
But also these secondary properties:
- anti-oxidant
- skin absorption promoter
Against the Bronchitis
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Through the skin, 1 drop of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, to apply to the thorax and upper back, 4 times a day for 5 to 7 days.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Repeat 3 to 4 times per day for 8 days. Apply this mixture to the back, thorax and arch of the foot:
- 2 drops of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil
- 2 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
- 2 drops of Niaouli essential oil
- 2 drops of Savory Leaf Thyme essential oil
- 15 mL of Argan vegetable oil
Source: Couic-Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Living Earth.
Against the Fatty cough
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Reserved for adults and adolescents. Through the skin, 1 drop of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, to apply to the thorax and upper back, 4 times a day until improvement.
Use in synergy
Starting from 7 years old. Massage the chest, upper back and soles of the feet with this mixture, 4 times a day until symptoms improve (7 days maximum):
- 5 drops of Inule Odorante essential oil
- 15 drops of Niaouli essential oil
- 10 drops of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil
- qsp 10 mL of Calophyll Inophyl vegetable oil
Source: Couic-Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Living Earth.
In case of Rhinitis, colds, sinusitis
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Through the skin, 1 drop of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, to apply depending on the problem, at the level of the sinuses or on the forehead (but away from the eyes and not inside the nose), 4 times a day for 5 to 7 days.
Eucalyptus Globulus or Eucalyptus Radiata?
Eucalyptus Globulus is effective, but for upper respiratory tract infections,Eucalyptus Radiata remains the best: 1 drop of Eucalyptus Radiata in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply to the sinuses (but away from the eyes), 4 times a day for 5 to 7 days.
For Clean the air
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 6 years old. In broadcast, dilute Eucalyptus Globulus to 20% in another essential oil (citrus for example) and diffuse in periods of 30 minutes maximum according to the diffuser's instructions.
Eucalyptus Globulus or Grapefruit?
Eucalyptus Globulus is very effective in purifying the air, but it is better not to use it pure. For simple and effective use, choose the essential oil of Grapefruit in broadcast.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Add the number of drops of this mixture indicated on the instructions for your diffuser and diffuse over a period of approximately 30 minutes:
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40 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
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20 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
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20 drops of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil
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20 drops of Lemon essential oil
More details : diffusion to purify the air.
In case of Fever
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Through the skin, 1 drop of Eucalyptus Globulus in 9 drops of vegetable oil to apply to the thorax 4 times a day for 3 days maximum (if the fever persists beyond that, medical advice is necessary).
Eucalyptus can be effective in cases of fever if it is linked to an ENT infection. Remain vigilant and consult a doctor in the event of prolonged fever above 40°C or if other symptoms appear.
Eucalyptus Globulus or Eucalyptus Radiata?
Better tolerated, the essential oil ofEucalyptus Radiata is preferable in case of fever: through the skin, 1 drop of Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil, on the thorax and the arch of the foot twice a day.
In prevention of a Flu, ENT infection
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Through the skin, 1 drop of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil, to apply to the thorax and upper back, 4 times a day for 5 to 7 days.
Use in synergy
From 6 years old. When diffusing, put about 10 drops of the following mixture in the diffuser (according to the instructions) and let it diffuse for between 10 and 20 minutes every hour:
- 3.5 mL of Tea Tree essential oil
- 3 mL of Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil
- 3 mL of Bergamot essential oil
- 0.5 mL of Niaouli essential oil
Source: Couic-Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Living Earth.
Eucalyptus Globulus or Ravintsara?
Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is effective on most ENT infections, but Ravintsara remains the reference to help immunity. Through the skin, 3 drops of Ravintsara on the wrists and breathe deeply, for prevention, once a day, during risky periods. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.
Other famous applications of Eucalyptus Globulus
Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its decongestant and antiseptic properties in the respiratory tract. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Eucalyptus Globulus for the following different problems.
Muscle pain
Eucalyptus Globulus has analgesic properties, but... for muscle pain, it is better to usewintergreen essential oil : via the skin, gently massage with 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area, 4 times a day, until improvement.
Anti-insect
Eucalyptus Globulus has insecticidal properties, but... l'java Lemongrass essential oil remains the best, especially against mosquitoes: cutaneously, dilute 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply to exposed parts of the body.
Staphylococcus aureus
Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is active against Staphylococcus aureus, but... depending on the infection and the origin, other essential oils are more interesting such as Tea Tree or theGreen Oregano. Seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Cystitis, Urinary tract infection
Eucalyptus Globulus is not really suitable for cystitis or urinary infections... it is better to use themountain Savory essential oil : through the skin, dilute 1 drop of Mountain Savory in 9 drops of vegetable oil by massaging on the lower abdomen, 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
Candidiasis, Skin infection
Eucalyptus Globulus could be effective, but... l'tea Tree essential oil is the anti-infective par excellence: apply locally using a cotton swab previously soaked in vegetable oil, or dilute to 20% (1 drop in 5 drops of vegetable oil) depending on the surface of application.
How to recognize a good Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Eucalyptus globulus Labill.
- Botanical family: Myrtaceae
- Part used: leaves
- Country of origin: Spain.
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.905 to 0.921
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1,460 to 1,466
- Rotary power at 20°C: 3 to 8
- Flash point: 51
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: liquid
- Color: yellow to pale yellow
- Odor: aromatic, rising.
Biochemical characteristics
- 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): 58 to 85.5%
- α-pinene: 10 to 22%
- aromadendrene: 1 to 5%
- paracymene: 1 to 5%
- trans-pinocarveol: 1 to 5%
- globulol: 0.5 to 1.5%
The different essential oils of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Globulus or Eucalyptus Smithii? Which essential oil for which use?
Although they belong to the same genus, these 4 species are very different and their essential oils are therefore not the same. For more information, discover how to differentiate Eucalyptus essential oils?
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About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.