THE HERB COLLECTION

Eucalyptus Leaf

Blue Gum • Crisp Cineole-Rich Aromatic Leaf for Steams & Showers.

Explore the common forms, learn a little about the plant, and choose what suits your cupboard.

Whole cut-and-sifted eucalyptus leaf leaves for steeping and blending.

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A little about eucalyptus leaf.

The plant

Intensely cooling, camphoraceous, woody-pine, and briskly cineole-rich. Native to Southeastern Australia & Tasmania (Myrtaceae).

The forms

Most often prepared as a aromatic steam inhalation bowl (primary use) using 2 tbsp crushed dried Eucalyptus leaves in 1 quart steaming water at 200°F–212°F bowl on table (Drape towel over head, close eyes, and breathe steam for 5 to 8 min. Adults only: hot bowls can spill and cause serious scalds).

Before you choose

Check the label for the Latin name (Eucalyptus globulus), and choose the form that suits your cupboard.

Traditional uses & research +

Botanical taxonomy: Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae) · Tradition: Volatile Aromatics · Key constituents: 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol), Alpha-pinene, Globulol, Tannins.

Curated collections: Aromatic Steams & Soothing Leaves · Sacred Resins & Forest Aromatics · Seasonal almanac: June Almanac (Midsummer Blossoms) · October Almanac (Autumn Roots).

Traditional background: Named from the Greek eu ('well') and kalypto ('covered') for the cap that covers its flower bud, Eucalyptus globulus is rich in 1,8-cineole.

Everyday & kitchen uses: Added to bowls of steaming water with rosemary and thyme for aromatic facial/sinus steams, or hung in fresh bundles in the shower.

Standard preparation methods (compare all 50 steeping temperatures):

Aromatic Steam Inhalation Bowl (Primary Use) (2 tbsp crushed dried Eucalyptus leaves in 1 quart steaming water at 200°F–212°F bowl on table): Drape towel over head, close eyes, and breathe steam for 5 to 8 min. Adults only: hot bowls can spill and cause serious scalds
Hanging Shower Steam Bundle (5–8 whole dried stems tied at the base with twine at Hang behind showerhead (out of direct water stream)): Warm bathroom steam releases volatile 1,8-cineole for 3–4 weeks
Light Blended Herbal Infusion (1/2 tsp cut Eucalyptus leaf + 1 tsp peppermint + 1 tsp thyme + honey at 200°F covered steep): Steep 6 min (use only Eucalyptus globulus leaf in small amounts; not established for children under 12)

Cautions & interactions +

General information, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before using this herb if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a child, taking medication or managing a health condition.

Who should use caution: Never swallow eucalyptus oil. Reported deaths in adults involved as little as 3.5 to 5 ml, and children have had seizures after 5 to 10 drops. Do not use leaf or oil preparations in children under 30 months or near the face of babies and young children, because they can trigger airway spasm. Children with a history of seizures should not use the oil. Leaf tea is not established under age 12, and safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Oral use is advised against with gut, bile duct or liver disease. Hot-water inhalation can scald. Cineole may change how other drugs are processed.

Species & lookalike verification: Blue Gum Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and Narrow-Leaved Peppermint Gum (Eucalyptus radiata) are the classic high-cineole (70%–85% eucalyptol) species. Lemon Eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora, formerly Eucalyptus citriodora) is high in citronellal rather than cineole and smells like lemongrass/citronella.

Cupboard storage (amber glass guide): Keep dried cut leaf sealed in glass so its volatile eucalyptol does not evaporate.

Sources & further reading +

What is the difference between dried Eucalyptus leaves and liquid Eucalyptus essential oil?
Whole dried Eucalyptus leaves contain roughly 1.5% to 2.5% essential oil bound inside a woody leaf matrix alongside tannins and flavonoids, making them far less concentrated than the oil, though they still carry risks for young children. Pure liquid Eucalyptus essential oil is a 50x–70x concentrated distillate of 1,8-cineole that must never be swallowed.

How do you make a hanging Eucalyptus shower bundle release more aroma?
Before hanging the dried eucalyptus stems behind your showerhead, lay the bundle on a cutting board and roll a heavy wooden rolling pin (or wine bottle) firmly over the leaves 3 or 4 times. This cracks the waxy blue-green cuticle so the warm shower humidity releases more aroma.

Why should you close your eyes when leaning over a Eucalyptus steam bowl?
Rising hot steam carrying volatile 1,8-cineole and alpha-pinene feels wonderful in the sinuses, but can sting the sensitive corneal surface of open eyes. Keep your eyes closed under the towel and stay 10–12 inches above the water.

Why is Eucalyptus oil unsafe around babies and toddlers?
In infants and young children, sudden exposure to high concentrations of 1,8-cineole or menthol near the nostrils can trigger the Kratschmer reflex (a protective airway spasm). Swallowed oil can also cause seizures in young children.

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