Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil (mainly Eucalyptus globulus): why swallowing is dangerous, what the EMA and case reports say about children, and what evidence exists for colds and muscle aches.
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Safety first: eucalyptus oil is poisonous if swallowed, especially for children. Poison Control says swallowed eucalyptus oil can cause seizures. [1] A case report calls it extremely toxic if ingested. [2] If anyone may have swallowed it, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US) right away. Call 911 for collapse, a seizure or trouble breathing. See Poisoning: what to do first.
Skin use is not risk-free either. Case reports describe a 4-year-old girl with a seizure after eucalyptus oil was applied to her skin for head lice, and a 6-year-old with slurred speech and unconsciousness after a home remedy containing it was applied widely. [3][2] Both recovered. [3][2]
What eucalyptus oil is
The EMA describes eucalyptus oil as the essential oil from the fresh leaves or terminal branches of different Eucalyptus species, made by passing steam through them. [4] It is used for its scent, for example when inhaled during a cold. [1]Which plant, which part
Many trees are called eucalyptus. The EMA names Eucalyptus globulus Labill., E. polybractea R.T. Baker and E. smithii R.T. Baker as the main sources of oil rich in 1,8-cineole. [4] GBIF lists Eucalyptus globulus Labill. as an accepted name in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). [5] Other products and trees share the name, so check the botanical name on the label (label guide). Results for 1,8-cineole alone do not carry over to the whole oil. Eucalyptus oil is different from tea tree oil (tea tree oil).Traditional use
Traditional use only, not proof. The EMA committee accepted eucalyptus oil for cough with the common cold and for localized muscle pain on the basis of long-standing use, meaning at least 30 years of safe use, not clinical trials. [4] The sources we read give no region-specific history, so we do not describe one.What research shows
| Use | What the source found | Strength of evidence | Population and form studied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cough with a cold | The EMA found insufficient clinical-trial evidence but judged effectiveness plausible. [4] | Traditional use only | Medicine products; inhaled, skin and bath forms [4] |
| Bronchitis and asthma | The EMA saw some symptom improvement in studies, but they used 1,8-cineole, not eucalyptus oil, so no firm conclusion could be drawn. [4] | Insufficient evidence | Patients with bronchitis or asthma; 1,8-cineole [4] |
| Muscle pain | Accepted on traditional use. [4] | Traditional use only | Skin and bath products [4] |
| Other claims (sinus, immunity, germs) | Proper evidence not found. In the sources we read (EMA summary, Poison Control, case reports) we found no controlled trial of eucalyptus essential oil for these. Germ-killing results in a dish are not evidence of an effect in people. | Insufficient evidence | Not applicable |
See Essential oils for colds, congestion and sinus and Peppermint vs eucalyptus oil.
Forms, and why the form matters
The EMA describes eucalyptus oil medicines as available for inhalation, skin application and bath additives, and notes they are licensed products with package leaflets. [4] We do not give amounts or dilutions. A medicine licensed in a country is not the same as a bottle of essential oil.Cats and dogs
The ASPCA lists eucalyptus as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and weakness as signs. [6] Pet Poison Helpline says pet exposure by mouth or skin to highly concentrated eucalyptus oil can cause severe signs including neurologic abnormalities and, rarely, kidney impairment. [7] Keep oils and diffusers away from pets and call a veterinarian if one is exposed. See essential oils and pets.Official statements
- EMA committee on herbal medicines (EU), public summary 2016: traditional use for cough with colds and localized muscle pain. [4]
Frequently asked questions
Is eucalyptus oil safe to swallow?
No. Swallowed eucalyptus oil can cause seizures. [1] Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Is eucalyptus oil safe for babies and children?
Be very cautious. The EMA says its eucalyptus oil medicines must not be given to children under 30 months or to children with seizures. [4] Case reports describe seizures after skin use in a child. [3]
Does eucalyptus oil help colds?
The EMA accepts it for cough with colds on traditional use, while noting insufficient trial evidence. [4]
Is eucalyptus oil toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the ASPCA lists eucalyptus as toxic to both. [6]
What is eucalyptol?
The ASPCA names eucalyptol as the toxic principle of eucalyptus for pets. [6] The EMA names 1,8-cineole as the main constituent of the oil. [4] The sources we read do not say whether the two names mean the same substance.
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety
- Children. The EMA says eucalyptus oil medicines must not be given to children with a history of seizures, or to children under 30 months because of a risk of spasm of the larynx (voice box). [4] It sets 4 years as the lowest age for inhaled, skin and bath forms. [4] See essential oils around babies and children.
- Bath cautions. The EMA says hot baths with eucalyptus oil must not be taken by people with large skin injuries and open wounds, acute skin disease, high fever, severe infections, severe circulation problems and heart failure. [4]
- Swallowing. See the warning above. We do not advise swallowing any essential oil.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, liver and kidney, medicine interactions: not described in the sources we read for the oil. Ask a pharmacist (how interactions work; pregnancy and breastfeeding).
- Side effects. The EMA said no side effects had been reported with those medicines at the time of its assessment. [4] Case reports show serious poisonings occur with misuse.
- Asthma and breathing: not described for the oil in the sources we read; see essential oils and breathing problems.
- Surgery: tell the surgical team about any oil product.
References
- Essential oils: Poisonous when misused (Poison Control). https://www.poison.org/articles/essential-oils. Read 2026-10-23.
- Topical eucalyptus oil poisoning. Australas J Dermatol, 1998 (PMID 9838728). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9838728/. Read 2026-10-23.
- Seizure caused by dermal application of over-the-counter eucalyptus oil head lice preparation. Clin Toxicol, 2011 (PMID 21867365). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21867365/. Read 2026-10-23.
- Eucalypti aetheroleum, eucalyptus oil: summary for the public (EMA HMPC, 2016). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/eucalypti-aetheroleum. Read 2026-10-23.
- GBIF species match: Eucalyptus globulus (GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, API). https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/match?name=Eucalyptus%20globulus. Read 2026-10-23.
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Eucalyptus (ASPCA). https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/eucalyptus. Read 2026-10-23.
- Eucalyptus (Pet Poison Helpline). https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/eucalyptus/. Read 2026-10-23.