Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil comes from the leaves of an evergreen tree native to Australia and is one of the most popular essential oils around with a wide array of applications and uses.
It’s commonly steam distilled and is well known for its soothing, deep, refreshing scent.
Also known as the Gum Tree, this favored food of Australian koalas can also be useful for humans. Though, as we are not koalas, I wouldn’t recommend eating it.
Eucalyptus Radiata can grow up to 50 feet tall and some have even evolved to be resistant to the vicious wildfires that burn through the dry Australian outback multiple times a year.
The tree’s bark and sap have been used for centuries by Native Australians for smoke signal fires, instruments, and much more. In modern times, it’s probably best known for its use as an essential oil and in beauty products.
Eucalyptus Radiata Smells Good, Works Hard, and Can Even Feel Good
There are seemingly unending uses for the essential oil distilled from the eucalyptus plant.
Native Australians have used it as a natural remedy for various ailments and issues forever. It’s also one of the only EPA recognized natural and safe mosquito repellants, and has been used as a general bug and insect repellant for years globally, with usage in the USA dating back to at least the late 1940s.
I’ve even personally used it as a natural way to keep ants away from my home by spreading a small amount by any doors leading to the outside.
It’s also popular as an oil for massages, body lotion, bath oils, soaps, and hair products for its refreshing, pleasant scent and soothing vapors which produce a cooling effect. This also makes it popular in herbal remedies for sore muscles and as a flavoring in lozenge brands like Ricola and Halls.
Lately, it’s even been used in some all-natural toothpastes alongside mint and other oils to provide that cooling sensation without harsh chemical additives.
If diffused as a vapor or burned in an incense, always in a properly ventilated area for the latter, many people also claim to benefit from a calming or relaxing feeling from the oil vapors.
If you’re using it topically, always make sure to use a safe carrier oil like olive oil, skin safe coconut oil, or grapeseed oil and massage it gently into your skin and scalp.
Always test your skin sensitivity to any new essential oil by using a tiny area of skin as a test patch first.
And Speaking of Sensitive Skin…
As with any essential oil, eucalyptus oil should always be used very carefully and with adequate research beforehand. No human body is the same, and anything can affect it in very different ways from person to person.
If you’re pregnant, nursing, chronically ill, or are taking medication, you must be sure to discuss your potential use of any essential oil with your doctor first.
Never get the oil into your eyes or mucous membranes, and keep any bottles, diffusers, or droppers far out of the reach of children as it is toxic if ingested and can cause irritation or damage to children’s sensitive skin, especially undiluted.
It’s also important to keep the oil away from pets as it can similarly cause a toxic reaction in their bodies.
If diffusing the oil, limit the time to half an hour and at maximum three times per day.
A Much Needed, Relaxing Steam Shower
My personal favorite way to use the essential oil is in a steam shower.
I already have a small bundle of eucalyptus branches and leaves tied up under my shower head, so I drop around five drops of oil onto the bundle for an added effect, turn on the hot water, and either stand or sit in my shower and just breathe in and relax. It’s a great way to end the day if you don’t feel like drawing up an entire bath.
How do you like to use your eucalyptus radiata essential oil?
Do our suggestions work for you?
Drop us a message in the comments and let us know!
