Which Eucalyptus Should You Use?

If you've ever searched for germ fighting essential oil blends on Google or Pinterest you probably found lots of recipes containing eucalytus .  With good reason… it’s a germ fighting powerhouse!

The problem is there are several different Eucalyptus essential oils, and most recipes don’t specify which one to use. (This is one reason why you shouldn’t blindly trust recipes on Pinterest.) 

Not all eucalyptus oils are the same

Botanists have identified over 700 species of Eucalyptus trees so it's no surprise that there are several different eucalyptus essential oils.  However, not all eucalyptus’s are the same. When it comes to using eucalyptus with our pets, it’s important to know which varieties are safe and which ones are best to avoid.

For an overview of the 4 most common eucalyptus oils, watch the video or continue reading below. Both will tell you which eucalyptus are safe for our fur babies, which ones to avoid, and which one to grab to repel bugs.

The 4 most common eucalyptus essential oils

Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum)

Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Blue Gum, is the most potent and most popular of all the eucalyptus oils. It has a powerful, camphorous, and invigorating aroma. It has the most 1,8 cineole of any eucalyptus, making it excellent for adult people with sinus congestion, colds, and bronchitis.

Eucalyptus globulus is so strong it’s not the best choice to use with animals or small kids. If you’re going to diffuse this oil around pets, especially cats, make sure to keep them safe and follow safe diffusing guidelines. When people or pets inhale this oil too closely, it might cause coughing.

Eucalyptus radiata

Eucalyptus radiata is a milder and safer alternative to eucalyptus globulus. It’s not as powerful at disinfecting, but it’s still highly effective for lung conditions like kennel cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia, and it’s gentle enough to diffuse around our pets. The scent is invigorating, yet softer and sweeter than that of globulus.

Both eucalyptus globulus and radiata have decongestant and expectorant properties. As well as antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. They are both excellent at supporting lung and sinus conditions.

Eucalyptus dives (Peppermint Eucalyptus)

Also called Peppermint Eucalyptus, this oil has a minty scent and is chemically different from both globulus and radiata. While it has similar therapeutic properties to globulus and radiata, it is more effective at helping achy, sore muscles. Dives isn’t commonly used in animal aromatherapy because there are gentler alternatives to relieve our pet’s aches and pains. 

Eucalyptus citriodora (Lemon Eucalyptus)

Often referred to as Lemon Eucalyptus, this is the eucalyptus you want to repel bugs. It differs greatly from the other 3 eucalyptus oils an has lemony, citronella-like scent. It has antibacterial, antimicrobial, decongestant, and expectant qualities, but they aren’t as potent as the others. It’s a safe choice for both pets and small children.

A few tips for all eucalyptus...

Avoid ingesting both eucalyptus essential oils and the plant leaves as they can be toxic to animals.

Check the contents of premade essential blends before diffusing. If they contain eucalyptus, use care and keep an eye on your pets. 

If applying any eucalyptus to the skin, they should be properly diluted.  They can oxidize (chemically change over time) making the shelf life is rather short, approximately 2-4 years. They should not be used on the skin after they have oxidized.

Remember that growing seasons vary year to year and have an impact on the chemistry of any essential oil. It’s a good idea to look at GC/MS reports to see how much 1,8 cineole (or eucalyptol) is in the batch you’re buying. 

If you want to learn more about which essential oils are safe for pets and how to use them, check out The Ultimate Safety Guide to using Essential Oils with Pets.