--- title: "Eucalyptus Oil: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Eucalyptus oil is used as steam or a chest rub for cough with a cold and on the skin for localised muscle pain; never under age 2." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/eucalyptus-oil/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) # Eucalyptus Oil Eucalyptus globulus T Traditional use Eucalyptus oil is used as steam or a chest rub for cough with a cold and on the skin for localised muscle pain; never under age 2. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **Caution** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## At a glance The EMA classes eucalyptus oil as a traditional herbal medicine for cough with a cold and localised muscle pain. It must not be used in children under 2 because of the risk of throat spasm. Oral use is only possible with ready-made medicines over age 12; this page covers steam and skin use. **Parts used:** essential-oil **Key constituents:** 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol) Updated: October 15, 2026 ✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use Traditionally used as steam or a chest and back rub for cough associated with a cold. \[1\] - T Traditional use Traditionally used on the skin to relieve localised muscle pain. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Inhalation Adults add 3–8 drops to 250 ml of boiling water and inhale the steam; ages 3–11 use 2–4 drops. Keep eyes out of the steam. **Amount:** 3 times daily \[1\] ### Topical Rub a few drops on the chest and back, or apply a thin layer of ointment containing 10% eucalyptus oil. **Amount:** 2–3 times daily \[1\] ## Safety & interactions **⚠ External use only** Minimum age: 3 years - Do not use in children under 2 or children with a history of seizures. - Do not swallow undiluted essential oil; keep out of reach of children. - Beware of scalding with hot-water steam; do not apply to broken or irritated skin. - See a doctor if you get shortness of breath, fever or pus-like phlegm. - Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown. \[1\] ### Drug interactions No recorded interactions ### Side effects - Allergic reactions, which can be severe - Contact eczema of the skin #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? For eucalyptus steam, adults need only 3–8 drops of oil in 250 ml of boiling water. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Is eucalyptus oil good for a cough? The EMA accepts eucalyptus oil as a traditional steam inhalation and chest rub for cough with a cold. Can I use eucalyptus oil on babies? No. It must not be used under 2 because of throat spasm risk, and is not recommended at ages 2–3. How do I make a eucalyptus steam? Adults add 3–8 drops to 250 ml of boiling water and inhale, keeping the eyes away from the steam. Can eucalyptus oil be swallowed? Do not drink the oil; only ready-made oral medicines may be used, over age 12. ## Sources 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Eucalyptus polybractea R.T. Baker, Eucalyptus smithii R.T. Baker, aetheroleum – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-eucalyptus-globulus-labill-eucalyptus-polybractea-rt-baker-eucalyptus-smithii-rt-baker-aetheroleum-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2024 ### Cite This Page Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus globulus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/eucalyptus-oil/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. 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[Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Ivy Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ivy-leaf/) A Strong clinical evidence Hedera helix Syrups and drops with standardised ivy leaf extract are used as an expectorant for chesty cough. The leaf itself is not made into tea. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ### [Black Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Nigella sativa A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe. 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[Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Thyme Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/thyme-oil/) T Traditional use Thymus vulgaris Traditionally used as an expectorant for cough with a cold, rubbed on the chest or added to a bath. Use only ready-made products with a set dose. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.