Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus)


Updated 17 January 2024

Botanical characteristics

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division: Magnoliophyta 
  • Class: Magnoliopsida 
  • Order: Myrtales
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • Genus: Eucalyptus
  • Part used: Leaves
  • Country of origin: Spain, Portugal, South East Australia

Precautions for use

Caution! Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil is only suitable for adults and adolescents.

It is contraindicated in people with asthma.

As far as forms of use are concerned, not all are permitted and should only be taken on the prescription of a therapist.

Other precautions

Warning:

  • The use of eucalyptus globulus essential oil by ingestion requires a therapeutic prescription.

Cutaneous use:

  • Always dilute the essential oil 20% in vegetable oil before use (20% essential oil in 80% vegetable oil).

Diffusion:

  • This oil is best used in a blend of 20% eucalyptus globulus and 80% other authorised essential oils in pure diffusion.

Contraindications:

  • Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is contraindicated in people with asthma.

Allergenic components:

Eucalyptus globulus essential oil contains biochemical allergenic components:

  • Limonene (≤11%)
  • Geraniol (≤0.5%)
  • Linalool (≤0.1%)

Note: It is best to test the essential oil before use (two drops on the crease of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check for a reaction).

Authorised users

 Adults and adolescents

Children under 6 years

 Pregnant and breastfeeding women

 Pregnant women younger than 3 months

 Infants under 3 years old

How to use

 Inhalation

 Cutaneous

 Oral

 Diffusion

Risks of use

 Skin irritation

 Cortisone-like

 Respiratory irritant
 Neurotoxic

 Properties

  • Respiratory antiseptic 
  • Expectorant, mucolytic, anti-catarrhal 
  • Desiccant 
  • Antifungal 
  • Antibacterial 
  • Antiparasitic 
  • Prostate decongestant 
  • Anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic 

Indications

Directions for use/usual dosage

  • Bronchial and pulmonary infections: apply to the chest, back, throat and nape of the neck diluted in vegetable oil (max. 20%).
  • Rheumatic pains: diluted in vegetable oil and massaged into the affected area in combination with Gaultheria fragrantissima (Wintergreen).
  • Influenza, winter infections: inhalation 2 to 3 times a day, for 10 to 15 minutes each time, with Eucalyptus globulus (2 drops) in combination with Melaleuca quinquenervia (2 drops) and Pinus sylvestris (2 drops).
  • Home care: add a few drops of Eucalyptus globulus combined with Citrus reticulata (mandarin) and Citrus paradisii (grapefruit) to your household cleaning products (anti-fungal, anti-mite and antiseptic).

Cosmetic

  • Can be added to a hair lotion for oily hair and hair prone to dandruff.
  • Use Eucalyptus globulus hydrosol to treat oily skin with a tendency to acne or mature skin, and to relieve congestion in tired eyes.

Interior use

  • Cleanses and purifies the room in synergy with other EOs (Melaleuca quinquenervia (Niaouli), Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine), Lavandula burnatii super (Lavandin Super), Myrtus communis cineoliferum (Green Myrtle)).

Find out more

The genus Eucalyptus contains more than 500 species. It is estimated that there are around 200 species of eucalyptus in the Mediterranean, of which around fifteen have medicinal properties. Eucalyptus globulus is a tree that in some parts of the world can exceptionally reach a height of 80 metres.