Safety Warning
Possible Side Effects
Eucalyptol, the active chemical found in eucalyptus oil, is possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to 12 weeks, according to NMCD. Eucalyptus oil is likely unsafe when taken by mouth without first being diluted.5
Eucalyptus oil should not be applied directly to the skin. Using it "neat" can cause severe irritation. To dilute an essential oil, a good rule of thumb is to add 12 drops of the oil to each fluid ounce of carrier oil like Aloe Vera gel, Lanolin cream for body lotions “Redwin” a sorbolene moisturizer a favored way for use by our masseurs and Chiropractor’s over many years. For these types of hand sanitizers for children we recommend 75% of the base cream or gel and 25% of the Eucalyptus oil, this will make the oil last a lot longer and will still have the same bacterial and anti-viral properties .
Consult a qualified practitioner if you take any medication, because essential oils may interact with certain medications. For instance, early research suggests eucalyptus might lower blood sugar, so blood sugar levels need to be monitored closely if you take medications for diabetes. Since eucalyptus might affect blood sugar levels, there's a concern it might make blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop using eucalyptus at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
The oil is a class 3 poison and should be stored in high cupboard away from where any child can get to it. The oil not to be used for children un- diluted and the guide lines as above should be adhered to, whilst for adults it can be used directly, but better to use in a diluted form, this will ensure the oil lasts longer.
Dosage and Preparation
Be aware that eucalyptus oil is highly poisonous, and taking 3.5 milliliters (slightly less than a teaspoon) of undiluted oil has proven fatal. Signs of eucalyptus poisoning might include stomach pain and burning, dizziness, muscle weakness, small eye pupils, feelings of suffocation, and some others. Eucalyptus oil can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Any child suspected of ingesting Eucalyptus oil should be taken straight away to a hospital and the bottle of oil sent along with the patient and as quickly as is possible, not waiting for ambulance etc.
We attach our full MSDS sheet giving all of the safety requirements when using Eucalyptus oil, but please do not be put off in using the oils as it had been used for over a century and with only a few minor occurrences over this century. Its use and in particular at this time fighting a virus with essentially a new drug that has not been used widely so the viruses have not built up a resistance to the unique properties of eucalyptus oil is at the fore front of combatting the spread of Covid-19.