Feel free to add comments to tips and blog posts & build on the information or
click here to submit new earth friendly tips and
environmental news items!
There's nothing quite like the scent of a eucalyptus forest after an
extended dry spell is broken by rain - everything smells so clean and fresh!
Eucalyptus trees, more commonly known as gum trees locally, are the predominant genus of
trees in Australia. Australia has over 600 species; comprising nearly 75% of our flora.
Some species of eucalyptus, such as mallee, can survive in incredibly dry
and hot conditions; others are quite at home in below freezing temperatures.
While much loved here, unfortunately eucalyptus trees have become invasive
species in other
parts of the world, such as California; where they have been around since
approximately 1853.
Eucalyptus forest in Australia
Nevertheless, it's an incredibly useful tree; providing timber for building,
cover and windbreaks in poor country, firewood, nectar for bees to produce
honey, landscaping, pulp and even food; but probably one of the best known eucalyptus products is eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus oil production, active ingredients and buying tips
Eucalyptus oil is most commonly steam distilled from the leaves of certain species - not
all eucalyptus trees are suitable for oil production due to their poor yield.
Different species also
have varying attributes medicinally speaking.
Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable and
contains compounds that are natural disinfectants and pest deterrents.
The main active ingredient is cineole, also known as eucalyptol, which gives
eucalyptus oil its distinct aroma and taste.
An aspect to compare when selecting a eucalyptus oil is the cineole/eucalyptol
percentage. Pharmacy grade eucalyptus oil has a minimum of 70% cineole/eucalyptol
content and some brands may have as little as 40%.
If two brands offer the same volume and one is more expensive, it may be due to
it being a higher grade oil containing more cineole - which should be mentioned
on the label.
Another indicator of a low cineole content brand will be the addition of a camphor extract,
which should also be stated on the label.
While a very Australian product, it's interesting to note that Australia only produces around five per cent
of world eucalyptus oil requirements these days. The majority of the world's commercial
production occurs in China.
You can still buy fair dinkum, true-blue and ridgey-didge (Aussie slang terms
for "the real thing") 100% Australian Eucalyptus oil from
companies such as FGB
Natural Products and Emu
Ridge. You just can't beat eucalyptus oil made from trees grown and
harvested in Australia, but I guess I might be biased being an Aussie :).
While eucalyptus oil is used in many medicines; always exercise caution and
seek
professional advice if you're considering ingesting it as it can be toxic in
high enough doses.
In Australia, products with over 25% eucalyptus oil content must be
labelled as a poison; although a death from eucalyptus oil poisoning hasn't
happened in the country for around 50 years as far as I know. It's my
understanding the "poison" labelling isn't a requirement in other
countries. I make mention of this in case you're in another country and import
eucalyptus oil so you're not put off by the labelling, but again - seek
professional advice before ingesting or applying any brand, imported or local,
to your skin.
Eucalyptus oil storage and shelf life
Like many essential oils, eucalyptus oil should be store in a dark glass
bottle and kept in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Unlike many essential
oils, eucalyptus oil is quite robust and if stored correctly, will keep well
for 1 to 2 years from the date of production.
Uses for Eucalyptus oil around the house
Aside from medicinal uses, eucalyptus oil can be used around your home to
replace many environmentally harsh synthetic chemicals.
Penny, a professional cleaner, wrote to me with these tips:
"I make a spray and wipe with water, eucalyptus oil and some washing
up liquid. The idea comes from a hospital cleaner and works well.
Proportions are not rocket science. Fill bottle mostly with water - add
a slurp of dishwashing liquid and then a capful or thereabouts of 100%
eucalyptus. Shake gently to mix. Works well on all surfaces. I
use it diluted again in a little water in a bucket and it is great for all
those finger marks that are hard to move from laminex finishes."
- You can also make a general disinfectant for toilets etc and again, it's
a very simple recipe. mix 50 ml (1.6 oz) of eucalyptus oil with a litre
(quart) of water. That's it - you can store it as you would a normal
disinfectant.
- Eucalyptus oil can be used neat in order to remove sticker/decal residue
from glass
- Add 1-2 teaspoonfuls of eucalyptus oil to your load of washing for a
fresh scent along with the anti-microbial benefits
- Use the oil neat to help remove paint, grease and ink from clothes
- If you have a hanging car air freshener that's almost dead, reinvigorate
it by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil
- Half a teaspoon mixed with half a litre (half quart) of water makes for a good bug
repellent for plants
- Use it as a stainless steel cleaner
- To use as a room air freshener, Mix a quarter of a teaspoon or 15 drops
of eucalyptus oil with a half teaspoon of vodka, place in an atomizer/spray
bottle and add 2 cups of water. This should be quite subtle, so you may need
to add more.
Do you have some tips to share for using eucalyptus oil around the home?
Please add them below!
Comment #2
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Hi Sarah, Eucalytpus oil and tea tree oil are two different products. Tea tree oil comes from certain types of Melaleuca trees. There's been a lot of interest from readers in tea tree oil, so I'll publish an item on that soon :)
Comment #3
(Posted by Rachel)
Can you add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to vegetable based dish soap liquid when doing your dishes? Thanks for the help!
Comment #4
(Posted by Dorothy Furches)
Years ago, while camping, a neighbor camper gave to us this recipe for insect repellent. It really works on Delaware insects that bite! You must reapply every so often especially if you prespire.
RECIPE: 2 cups white vinegar, 1 cup Skin-So-Soft (Avon's), 1 cup water, 1 Tablespoon Eucalyptus Oil.
Fill any spray bottle and tuck it in the gardening gear or camping gear.
Comment #5
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Hi Rachel, I can't see that doing any harm. Dorothy, thanks for the insect repellent recipe :)
Comment #6
(Posted by Karen)
I just found your site and am so excited! I'm just now getting into all this green stuff and loving it! Your site seems very informative! Thanks! My blog is very new and I'm still finding my way, but check it out (and don't laugh!)... www.karensorganizedchaos.blogspot.com
Comment #7
(Posted by grc)
Spiders hate Eucalyptus oil. Put some on a cotton ball and place under beds (not if you have small children who would eat it though!), in the bathroom, closets, dark corners. We do this in early fall and nary a spider is seen!
Comment #8
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Karen, thanks for the kind feedback.
grc - thanks for the great tip.. here I am living in the land of eucalyptus and I've never heard that one :)
Comment #9
(Posted by barbara)
so my mom told me i could sprinkle this under my dogs bed to keep fleas from getting on it is that true?
Comment #10
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Barbara, I haven't tried it myself, but I have read comments on other sites where people say it does work.
Comment #11
(Posted by TipToes)
Hello--- I have a house full of asthma kids and sinus troubles so I have been using eucalyputs for them for many years. I have come across these diffuser at Pier One and wanted to know if anyone had a recipe for a eucalyptus diffuser for my house. I tried just using the oil from the stores but it was gone in one night and that bottle cost around $10 I cant do that every night. Thanks for the site and the help.
Comment #12
(Posted by A sceptic)
I live in the UK. Can anybody tell me how much crude oil it costs to import a given amount of Eucalyptus oil?
Comment #13
(Posted by Reenie ROgers)
Eucalyptus essential oil is what I use to clean the toilet. The way I clean the toilet is: 1) add some baking soda to toilet tank 1/4 cup more or less, 2) add a tiny squirt of earth-friendly hand dishwashing liquid, 3) add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 4) swish and scrub with toilet bowl brush, 5) add some white distilled vinegar made from grains, 6) let sit in the toilet bowl a while or overnight, 7) flush, 8) put on some cleaning gloves and take a pumice stone and scrub away the toilet bowl ring and debris under the rim of the toilet, then flush.
If the toilet has been neglected a long time, you made need to do this process a couple times. But it works, and no nasties going into the water supply.
Comment #14
(Posted by Penney)
I,am looking for an product the was called Kangaroo Oil when I got it. It worked like a charm on neck and back pain. I'am starting to think it was eucalyptus oil. If I get 100% e.o. what would I mix it with to apply to the skin???
Comment #15
(Posted by Miriam)
I read Pennys comment on using the Eucalyptus cleaner. I would like to submit my recipe. When your Earths Choice or Green dishwashing detergent bottle is close to empy I fill it 3/4 with white vinegar then add a juice of one lemon and a spoon of Eucalyptus...top with water. This is a good way of not wasting the dregs in the bottle and it squirts well especially in the toilet. It cleans fantastic and my laundry has several bottles of near empty detergents waiting to be quickly made up.
It is the safest toilet clener I can think of and i also squirt it on the floor and use an old rag to wipe it for spills and lazy mopping.
A good dust mite solution for the floors is boiling water and eucalyptus as well, it makes a good damp mop when yhe dust bunnies are breeding.. it kills the mites.
I also use it in a spray bottle with water and also some lavender for a room deoderiser... high chair and bench cleaner.
I use neat vinegar in a spray bottle for bench cleaning but was thinking the eucalyptus would make it smell a bit nicer than vinegar.
Thanks for the great website.
Godo tos ee people not wanting to saturate their homes with nasty chemicals.
Comment #16
(Posted by Renate)
glad to have found your site.
I have recently had a rash of problems with skunks trying to find a home under our back porch.
Last year we used mothboalls to deter them, but we both got mothball poisoning, and were VERY ill from the fumes they emitted. Also they are not safe for pets around!
Anyway, I ordered some 100% Australian Eucalyptus Oil and sprinkled it (sparingly) around the perimeter of the house. Seems to work fine so far.
Other (human) use...
When I was a child, growing up in Germany, my mother rarely took us to the Doctor. She had all kinds of (working) herbal remedies. When we would get a cold, she would sprinkle two drops of Eucalyptus Oil on a sugar cube and we would eat it. It would open our respiratory passages in a hurry. At night she would rub us down with some Vaseline type gelly, in which she mixed the Eucalyptus oil, and we slept like "Babes in the woods".
Thanks for your site! I have learned a lot and I'm 65 years old now. Thank God for the internet!
Renate
Comment #17
(Posted by rajni)
can we use eucalyptus oil for head massage?
Comment #18
(Posted by lisa)
great web site! I'm interested in adding eucalyptus oil to my washing for smell and to kill dust mites. I have a front loader, do I just add some drops to my washing liquid, and will it put oil marks on my clothes?
Comment #19
(Posted by Douglas Martin)
Can you use eucalyptus oil in steam to help clean or clear your lungs and how much oil do you use
Doug
Comment #20
(Posted by laica)
Regarding the woman with asthmatic kids...I have some issues breathing, having chronic bronchitis and living with smokers- and about 3 years ago I bought a small oil burner and some eucalyptus oil. put about 5 drops in each burner with some water before going to sleep at night and I slept like a baby and woke up with clear sinuses. depending on the depth of the burner would determine the amount of oil..but either way, most would be like a teaspoon and thats much better than a bottle. put it on a night table right by the bed. Most are tea-lite candle lit (small candles, will go out after about an hour or so, pretty safe) but there are small crock pot type potpourri burners that you could find that would be safer for kids. I throw in a lil peppermint oil if the sinuses are already clogged btw.
Comment #21
(Posted by Bill)
I am in coastal Georgia (USA) and was recently told that eucalyptus trees and oil would deter the biting sand nats that are so bad here. Does anyone know if this works???
Comment #22
(Posted by mike mckinney)
where can i purchase Eucalyptus oil that is mixable with water? I was at the gym the other day and another guy had it mixed and used it in the sauna. I'm looking for something along those lines.
Comment #23
(Posted by Ania)
Could eucalyptus oil be used for disinfecting a jacuzzi? The house we bought has one of those monstrosities and it is a cleaning nightmare. I would rather not use bleach to disinfect the lines and kill off any nasties, but I'd also rather not risk getting any infections from a bacteria laced bath.
Comment #24
(Posted by Ania)
Could eucalyptus oil be used for disinfecting a jacuzzi? The house we bought has one of those monstrosities and it is a cleaning nightmare. I would rather not use bleach to disinfect the lines and kill off any nasties, but I'd also rather not risk getting any infections from a bacteria laced bath.
Comment #25
(Posted by Mary Schulz)
I love eucalyptus oil. I bought a small teracota disk at our local whole foods and drop the oil on it several times a day in my office. at home I have the vicks defuser, and just add the oil directly to the cotton disk that comes with it. It' fabulous. Just the smell makes me feel relaxed and content. You can buy the oil in bulk from your local co-op for about $8 for 4 oz! It's a bargain.
Comment #26
(Posted by Barbara in Michigan)
I have a cat who has chosen one particular spot in the house to pee over and over... I've tried all of the retail deterents that are supposed to keep him away from it, but they did no good.
One day I was putting some VIC's vapor rub on my son, the cat came over interested, and when I let him sniff the bottle, he made a HORRIBLE face and drew back away. It was hilarious, but it gave me the idea, to use the smell (eucalyptus) on that spot. Once every couple of weeks, I put a little bit of eucalyptus oil on his favorite spot, and he hasn't peed there in almost two months now!
Comment #27
(Posted by eileen)
Just found this site and I'm thrilled to add my praises for eucalyptus oil. I sprinkle a few drops on my vaccuum cleaner bag to control fleas. I've been doing this for almost 20 years. At first I had 2 dogs and 2 cats (w/ 3 kids) during a summer of flea infestation in the neighborhood. So many neighbors needed exterminators. I had no problem. My understanding is that a flea has a one week lifecycle. When you vaccuum the scent suffocates them, but also vaccuums up the eggs laid in the carpet. Any fleas that get into the bag or eggs that hatch in the bag suffocate as well. Now I have one cat and 1 dog and I still put eucalyptus oil on my vaccuum bag. I've never had a flea problem. The biggest problem is finding a vaccuum cleaner that uses a bag, most are the bagless, which are just filthy.
Comment #28
(Posted by ThisIsAGreatSite)
Penney, could you be thinking of Emu oil? Eucalyptus oil should always be diluted before applying to skin. A good ratio - one tablespoon is 15 milliliters. For each tablespoon of base oil , you add 7 or 8 drops of pure essential oil. Any vegetable oil can be used, olive or sunflower if those are onhand. Or Almond or Jojoba for a less expensive alternative. So however many milliliters your container is, add half that many drops of essential oil.
For an inhalation, 8 drops can be added to a medium to large size bowl filled with water. A nice blend to cleanse and heal the lungs is 2 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops lavendar, 2 drops lemon, and 2 drops tea tree. Mix with boiling water in a bowl.
If making a scalp oil, add mix in a few drops of rosemary as this is great for the hair.
Comment #29
(Posted by Krystal)
Hi, love the site.
I have recently been wondering if eucalyptus oil could be a potential face cleanser, for acne and black heads to be specific. I would of course dilute the essence with water, but I was just wondering if it would actually work.
thanks so much
Comment #30
(Posted by Jess Mallett)
Hi! My boyfriend would like to add eucalyptus to his shower. He wants to clear his lungs and sinuses and other allergy symptoms. Any ideas? Thanks!
Comment #31
(Posted by Michelle)
Jess, when I get a cold or an allergy attack with clogged sinuses, I simply sprinkle eucalyptus oil on my shower walls. The hot water and steam, combined with the eucalyptus oil really clears my head! We have one of those shower heads with a hose, so I rinse off the walls after my shower--no mess to clean up. Hope your boyfriend feels better soon!
Comment #32
(Posted by myyc)
your site is so educational and fantastic!
I'm looking for a more natural approach with my lifestyle and so glad to see many are doing the same...hope you can continue with more recipes and remedies for all things natural as possible.
Thanks!
Comment #33
(Posted by Jay)
Will eucalyptus oil mix with water. Going off the saying water and oil don't mix. What makes eucalyptus oil mix. Thanks, Jay
Comment #34
(Posted by )
where we live we get these big "wood SPiders" anywhere from 1 to 3 inches!!! they are huge!!! anyway i have learned that simply droppin the oil on windowsills and spritzing on door frames wil keep them and other bugs away!!!
Comment #35
(Posted by Jessie)
I have put a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil on a kleenex and 'inhaled' to relax and fall asleep. Only used occasionally. Did not realise that I was ingesting a 'toilet cleaner'! Is this practice dangerous and what could be an alternative?
Comment #36
(Posted by john crane)
eucalyptus oil is very good for rusty bolts and seized objects. A friend would use it in very old engines that had rusted up and parts in old cars he was doing up.
I have just fixed up old wind mill and painted bolts every few days, they freed up and undid very easily,normally they would break.
Comment #37
(Posted by Michelle Bush)
I am an Australian living in the New South Wales country area.Every Aussie home has a bottle of Eucalyptus oil under the sink in the kitchen. It is a fantastic all purpose cleaner. I have a good recipe for a cleaner that cleans and polishes, shines, and can wash floors too. Fill a spray bottle with 2/3 water. Add some methylated spirits, and eucalyptus oil to top it up. (equal amounts) This will clean and polish wooden tables,laminex benchtops, stone, metal, floors, anything!
Also...if you have a sticky label residue on anything you have purchased (clothing or glass,or wood) rub pure oil to remove the sticky glue. It works a treat!
A few drops in a bowl of hot water will clear your sinuses.
PLEASE do not place the oil anywhere on your face particularly your eyes, as it will STING!
You can also soak pine cones in the oil, place them on a dish with an absorbent paper towel and leave in your wardrobe to deter moths and silverfish.
A couple of teaspoons of eucalyptus mixed with a cup of sunlight soap flakes, placed in a jar with water makes a great woolwash for pure wool items. you handwash in warm water,make a lather with the mixture and lay item flat to dry in the sun.
Comment #38
(Posted by Noel)
I have heard that burning Eucalyptus Oil is good for relieving mental frustrations (as per feng shui).. any idea how to burn it?
Comment #39
(Posted by Lenny)
I am a dispensing pharmacist and one time, I sold a bottle of Eucalyptus oil to someone who regular uses it. what she does is put a little amount of oil in a handkerchief and lay it on her daughters pillow where it stays overnight. Her daughters sinuses clears upon waking up in the morning. I suggested this to my clerk working in the pharmacy who is asthmatic and she has been doing it ever since.
Reading the comments here has given me more tips and I soon would like to try it on my sisters bedroom. Her daughter who is 7 months old has been bitten by bugs or whatever insect we can't seem to identify since she was 3 months old I think. We might even try to clean the house with eucalyptus oil solution to be sure every mites/fleas in the house will be killed.
thank you..
Comment #40
(Posted by Irene Forbes)
The best way to burn any oils is to put drops of the oil on natural sea salt crystals in a burner. For any lung infections add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil and Frias Balsam to a baisn of hot water. Cover with a towel and inhale the steam. This has kept me out of hospital!Fanstasic way of opening the lungs and freeing them of infection.
Comment #41
(Posted by India)
thanks for the great tips i would normally not like this kind of site but i love it , it is educational and interesting. What my mum does with eucalyptus oil is put it on a tissue if we are feeling drowsy or light headed and we put the tissue under our pillows and when we wake up in the morning we would feel much better
( you can also do this if you cant sleep it really helps)
Comment #42
(Posted by caroline)
hello this is really terrible but io have an incontinent dog.i love him dearly and he sleeps alongside my bed..he has soiled the carpet and i had an idea i sprayed eucalyptus oil neat and the smell dissappeared so when we steam clean the carpets we are going to add eucalyptus oil to the water sprayer and yeaha we will have deodorized carpets and flea free etc..what a great idea..
Comment #43
(Posted by Andrea)
Pure eucalyptus oil can remove chewing gum from clothing. Put a bit of the oil on a clean cloth and rub onto the gum. It might take a few attempts but it should work eventually. It worked on my black shorts, and I am so fussy about marks and stains.
Comment #44
(Posted by Gayle Gowen)
If a Mosquito has gotten into the bedroom and is buzzing around your head [as they do] A few drops of Eucalyptus Oil on the pillow case will chase it in seconds.
Comment #45
(Posted by tara)
i had a problem with fleas about five years ago.i have a son with asthma so the commercial flea products were out.i had read an article that stated eucalyptus oil dried out a fleas exoskeleton. i bought a bottle, mixed about 10 to 15 drops with water in a 24 oz. spray bottle and sprayed everything. that along with vaccumming got rid of the fleas in a few weeks.it also helped with my sons allergies.it also works well for pain, my oldest son got hurt at football practice, at the e.r. we were told he had a contusion on his spine.this was on a thursday, he had a big game saturday night.the dr. said if he felt o.k. he could play.saturday morning he was still really sore, so i mixed 2 to 4 drops with some aloe lotion, then went to work. i got a call at half time, he had no pain and his coach wanted to know what i did to him and if i could do it before every game because he was playing so well.i think the smell woke him up ,too!!
Comment #46
(Posted by Mystique)
I had an insect bite and waking up in the night and scratching on it I put some Eucaliptus Oil on it and after itching for sometime the itching has subsided.
Never thought it would work but it did!
Comment #47
(Posted by Leah)
I absolutely love this site! I have made the change from a chemical based home, to a natural, peaceful place to live. I have been using vinegar, baking soda, lavender and eucalyptus oil. I use a drop or two in a bucket of hot water for washing up the floors.....Makes a nice shine and leaves a fresh scent. I also put a drop in with vinegar in my dishwasher. It cleans well and the steamy dishwasher leaves the kitchen smelling like heaven. I love the idea of all these natural ways to clean our homes. Everything you need can be found at your local heath food store or whole foods. I purchased the oils for $4.00. Not bad considering all the uses!
Comment #48
(Posted by Steve Anderson)
My mum uses eucalyptus in her washing, for cleaning windows and mirrors, and also puts cotton balls soaked in oil in the corners of cupboards to repel mice.
You can see a full explanation on a recent blog post that I did at http://yourthankyoucard.com/eucalyptus-oil-usage-tips/
Cheers,
Steve
Comment #49
(Posted by Trenton)
I've read recently that Eucalyptus Oil can be used to effectively, and promptly, rid one's house of bed bugs, which has become an increasing problem in the U.S. lately, is this true? Thanks. :)
Comment #50
(Posted by Brian )
We tried to put furniture wax over a previously polished solid timber kitchen bench-top and were left with unsightly blemishes which just wouldn't rub off. Tried a suggested remedy of vinegar and warm water but this didn't work. Then tried neat eucalyptus oil on a soft cloth. Bench top now back to how it was prior to the waxing. Worked perfectly. Now we can start again but not with wax (ever again).
Comment #51
(Posted by Adi)
Wash bedding in hot water and small amount of eucalyptus oil and get rid of dust mites.
Comment #52
(Posted by Rose)
Where can i purchase this oil? Just any general food store?
Comment #53
(Posted by Ron Conant)
Some Grocery (general food), but typically it can be found anywhere an array of vitamins and oils are sold. So you are more likely to find it in a general pharmacy or drug store. (In USA: Walgreens, CVS, Young's, Western United Drugstores, etc...)
Comment #54
(Posted by Molly Hutchison)
I used to live in California and we had Eucaliptis tree in our yard we never had a Flea problem , I moved to texas and my poor dogs had so many Fleas it tool me for ever to get rid of them , I will try to get the Eucalipsy oil and use it around my house for my 2 dogs, thank you for your great site.
Comment #55
(Posted by SB)
Take a few sprigs of eucalyptus & tie them with twine to the showerhead.
Everytime you shower the steam will release the scent & keep the bathroom smelling clean & fresh. I also like to keep bunches of dried eucalyptus in vases around the house. Ah!
Comment #56
(Posted by Bob Mantione)
Add 1/2 teaspoon (not exact) to 4 oz of plain mineral oil, and 1/2 teaspoon (not of exact)of aloe for a great shaving oil to use under your shave cream or shave soap, for a fraction of the cost of store-bought. You could add some lemon oil also for a fresh scent.
Comment #57
(Posted by Grandpa Growl)
Eucalyptus Oil is the best solution to freeing up nuts, bolts or anything else that has rusted badly. Apply a few drops leave for two or three minutes and bingo it comes free. Good also when electrolysis occurs. Alwys in my tool box and smeels much better than diesel oil.
Comment #58
(Posted by Bill Buckendorf)
I have an old table made of eucalyptus that has dried from poor care. Could I use eucalyptus oil to refresh the wood before I refinish?
Comment #59
(Posted by Danica)
hi, my children have head lice for the first time and I was wondering, since the head lice treatment I bought has eucylptus and tea tree oil in it could I use them as a deterant for future outbreaks?
Comment #60
(Posted by Veronica)
I just bought some from ebay and I am so excited to get it! I have spiders so I plan to repel them, and ferrets I plan to keep a small bit in a bowl above their cage for the smell, and I have 3 yr old with a stuffy nose *sigh* besides th fact that it reminds me of my holmoni.
Comment #61
(Posted by jasmine)
Is eucalyptus oil poisonous for animals?
Comment #62
(Posted by troy)
In the workshop, eucalyptus oil can be used to remove nearly all non water based paints and inks as well as petrolium based oil and grease from the skin instead of toxic thinners and solvents. I once had a quantity of dried marine paint in my hair and on my skin and was still able to remove it using eucalyptus oil. We use it as a general cleaner, insect repellant and mold killer when combined with clove oil (in tropical north australia where everything is well and truly alive!) I favour Bosisto brand oil in the biggest bottle I cn get.
Comment #63
(Posted by Amanda)
If you heat your home using a wood heater as I do, try putting a metal container of water on top of the stove and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water. You will be helping to add moisture to the air that is dried out by the heat as well as adding a wonderful fragrance that has the added benefit of helping with breathing problems. I just enjoy the wonderful, fresh, clean scent. Just make sure you use a metal, container. I use a small stainless steel dish or small pot. I live in Tasmania, Australia.
Comment #64
(Posted by Susan)
I love using natural oils to clean with, use as repellants and take baths. Today I decided to clean behind my bed. I wiped the wall with a mixture of water and eucalyptus oil, the baseboards, wood floor underneath the bed. I like to add rosemary oil, tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil to my bath water. I feel so refreshed! No chemicals!
Comment #65
(Posted by birdbeaty)
Can you spray dogs with a water/eucalyptus oil mixture for a flea spray? Safe for dogs?
Comment #66
(Posted by Jo--Western Australia)
I use equal parts eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oil in some baby oil for Head Lice treatment every few days.(as diffrent nits hatch at diffrent times). Kills them in a flash.Only thing is your left with the tedious ''Egg Removal'' :-/
Comment #67
(Posted by Stephanie)
Answer to Comment 24....
I've been using eucalyptus oil to help keep my jacuzzi fresh. I add a tablespoon a week, and that gives a boost to my regular chemicals. Not enough to be obnoxiously oily or smally - just enough to keep it cleaner and smelling like a high end spa instead of a backyard jacuzzi.
Comment #68
(Posted by janice smith)
I want to know how to mix eucalptus oil for a bug repellent on dogs and is it safe for them??
Comment #69
(Posted by Elizabeth)
Warning, Eucalyptus is TOXIC to cats. Many other common essential oils (including, but not limited to, lavendar and tea tree) are highly toxic to cats and can cause serious liver damage, kidney damage, brain damage, and death. Please take care in using essential oils on or around cats--many things that are safe for humans, and even dogs, can kill cats.
Comment #70
(Posted by Mira)
Hi i had read a few comments about the eucalyptus oil . I was told by someone that i could mix eucalyptus oil with spearmint oil along with a little lotion to improve cracked heels. Is it true that it could be used this way and is it safe ? It would be nice if someone could tell me about the effects of it.
i am afraid if it would be poisonous
Comment #71
(Posted by sarah)
Ive heard using the oil inside the sauna is safe, is that true and why do people do that?
Comment #72
(Posted by Carmenza )
Used to live in an area where there were eucaliptus threes. I remember the stingy burning aromatic sensation felt when we walked throught them and opening all our senses. My mother used to cut the leaves and place them under the mattress to protect us from colds and our house always smell great. if we got a cold, she would take the eucaliptus leaves, boiled them in water and cover our heads with a towel as to make a tent to smell the eucaliptus vapor. Immediately our lungs will open up. Our family always was very healthy, because we lived in a place that many health plants growth naturally. We just walk to them cut it and use it as we see fit in our cultural folklore dictated. I miss those days.
Comment #73
(Posted by Heather)
I have two indoors cats and their litter trays are in the bathroom. Every morning I mop the floor with a bucket of warm water containing 2 cap fulls of eucalyptus oil and it completely rids the room of cat odours as well as cleans.
Comment #74
(Posted by Judy)
I am 70 years old and when I was a young girl my Mother would put a drop or two on our pillow cases when we were stuffed up an it would clear that up so we could breath once again.
Comment #75
(Posted by Kylie - Australia)
This site is great, I love eucalyptus oil.
I know some people say you shouldnt put undiluted eucalyptus oil on your skin, but from personal experience I have found that it is great for clearing up acne break outs. Just dab some onto the problem area with a cotton tip, it drys the pimple out without drying out the skin.
When sick, I love putting a few drops in a bowl of hot water, then covering my head with a towel, it works wonders for unclogging head colds and chests.
As mentioned, it is great for removing sticky residue from stickers.
I LOVE making my own eucalyptus scented bath crystals: Just mix 1 cup epsom salt or soda crystals, with 1 cup of sea rock salt, 1-2 teaspoons baking soda (you can omit this if you want, it is used to soften the skin) and 10-12 drops of eucalyptus oil (Mix in a glass or metal bowl or else your bowl will forever smell like eucalyptus) Then pour into a glass jar, use 1/2 - 1 cup for a bath or 1 - 2 tablespoons for a relaxing foot bath.
Currently I am trialling it as a deterrent for the neighbourhood cats that seem to think my newly planted garden beds make a great 'no dig' toilet. Am hoping it works. Im quietly confidant after reading about the success of other people with it deterring cats.
Comment #76
(Posted by Jeanne)
I recently discovered Eucalyptus Oil when I was suffering from the flu. I used it to rub my chest and back mixed with a little glycerin - it clears your airways - also I rubbed it on the soles of my feet bed and then put on my socks - I have not had a sleepless night since due to congestion. I've also noticed that the fungus on my feet have pretty much cleared up...I've also been adding it to my body wash. I love some of the tips shared and will be trying out a few of them. Thank you
Comment #77
(Posted by Richard Anthony)
Is it safe for dogs? I'd like to add it to a conditioner for skin treatment, especially for those dry skin bumps so many seem to have.
Comment #78
(Posted by christine)
Does Eucalyptus oil deter cockroaches? I've recently moved into a coastal house and like your ideas about pest control of spiders and fleas. Due to this I have put cotton wool balls of oil in each clothes and linen cupboard in the house.
Great website.
Comment #79
(Posted by jane)
To use as a rub like the one that mention glycerin also you can use almond oil as a base oil or carrier oil as its called ...........When blending oils it is best not to use more than three oils at a time.
As a general rule, use 1 drop of essential oil to 2 ml of carrier oil, or a maximum of 1 drop to 1ml of carrier oil.
I normally use a 50ml container to which I add a combination of 25 drops of essential oil…
20 drops = 1 ml of essential oil.
There are approximately 200 drops in a 10ml bottle of essential oil.
just found this site thank you for all other uses and tips ! will pass this on to friends too ...
Comment #80
(Posted by Ema )
I have used Eucalyptus Oil when I have a sore neck.I Just massage my neck and apply eucalyptus oil,I cover with a cloth or small towel and leave it over night. Next day, I will feel much better. I may repeat it again next day. I just love the Eucalyptus Oil!
Comment #81
(Posted by Nanda)
It's wonderful to know that eucalyptus has so many uses.
Hope people understand the importance of preserving nature :-).
Comment #82
(Posted by Jane Ginnus)
Can you use eucalyptus oil on lycra to try and remove tree sap?
Comment #83
(Posted by Judi)
As bed bugs have become such a problem in hotels is there some way to use eucalyptus oil in a hotel? Would sprinkling a few drops on the bedding and pillows deter the bugs?
Comment #84
(Posted by Linda)
My podiatrist recommended eucalyptus oil for the fungus under toe nails. Just started applying it three times a day. Hope it will work!!!
Comment #85
(Posted by Fox)
Hi,
I use eucalypt. oil for everything, but particularly when I am cleaning my office..it's really good to clean the phones (the ear and mouth piece can get really ferral especially when you have in excess of 20 ppl using each others phones..) and around the home (bins and other dirty places..) and on my skin undiluted for pimples, they really do dry them out, all you need is a drop... AND the mozzies love my blood so once they have feasted I dab a little bit on the bite and the itching tends to subside within 1-2 minutes. EUCAL. OIL is the BEST! PS> I also eat Eucalyptus drops like crazy.... they are so addictive..
Comment #86
(Posted by PAM CRABTREE)
I PUT A DROP OF EUCALYPTUS OIL ON MY NIGHT GOWN BEFORE GOING TO BED HELPS CLEAR SINUSES AND LUNGS IT WONT STAIN CLOTHING EITHER
Comment #87
(Posted by kerry)
If you use an oil burner instead of putting water in the top find an unscented candle that you can pull the wick out of and put this in the top of the burner, then add your oils to the wax this way you can leave the burner going as long as you like depending on the size of the candle underneath or if you have an electric burner and the wax will not dissipate as the flame is not touching it and your burner will not go dry and makes it much easier to clean. If you wish to change the wax in the top dish put your dish in the freezer when it is cold and leave for a while and the wax should drop out. When using essential oils the general rule of thumb is 10 drops to 20ml of liquid which is 1 tablespoon or maximum of 15 drops in a burner. If for the elderly or children use 1/2 the amount for safety. Lovely to see such an informative site for green living.
