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Eucalyptus essential oil

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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How people use eucalyptus oil

Poison.org says eucalyptus oil is used for its soothing effects when inhaled, such as during a cold or cough. Essential oils are commonly inhaled from a diffuser or applied to the skin after dilution, and poison.org notes few uses for essential oils have been studied scientifically and that the products are not well regulated, so it can be hard to know exactly what is in a bottle.

Treat eucalyptus oil as a scent for comfort, not a treatment for illness.

What FDA rules say about eucalyptus in cough products

FDA's over-the-counter cold and cough rules in 21 CFR part 341 list camphor and menthol as topical antitussives, or cough suppressants. Eucalyptus oil is not on that list by itself. The rules allow camphor to be combined with menthol and eucalyptus oil at 1.2 to 1.3 percent, but only in a suitable ointment vehicle.

So a bottle of eucalyptus essential oil is not an FDA cough medicine. For a labeled chest rub and its directions, see our vapor rub guide.

Never swallow it

Poison.org says that if swallowed, eucalyptus oil can cause seizures. It also warns that aspirating an essential oil, when someone tries to swallow it but chokes so some enters the lungs, can cause pneumonia. FDA's rules require ointments containing camphor or menthol to say they are for external use only and not to be taken by mouth or placed in the nostrils.

If someone swallows eucalyptus oil or a product containing it, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Steam and vaporizer products

Poison.org says some products with essential oils, usually camphor, are made specifically for use with vaporizers, and that only small amounts are added to a large volume of water; used as directed, these products are usually safe. FDA's rules require camphor or menthol products meant for steam inhalation to say they are for steam inhalation only and not to be taken by mouth, and products that meet flammability definitions must add a warning to keep them away from fire or flame. Use only products labeled for your vaporizer, and never pour loose essential oil into a device not designed for it.

Children

Poison.org says children may be more susceptible to essential oil toxicity because they have thin skin and immature livers. If you have young children, it suggests considering discarding essential oil bottles safely, or locking them up out of sight and reach of children and pets. For FDA-regulated chest rubs, the directions in 21 CFR part 341 say adults and children 2 years and older may use them, and to ask a doctor for children under 2.

Using it safely

• Dilute before skin use. Poison.org says diluting an essential oil in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction, and not to use oils on damaged skin.
• Stop if a rash appears and gently wash the oil off, as poison.org advises.
• Keep it away from heat. FDA's rules require camphor and menthol ointments to warn against heating, microwaving or adding them to hot water, since splattering may cause burns.
• Diffuse briefly. Use a timer and a room you can air out; see our essential oil diffuser guide.

Poison.org says any allergic reaction with difficulty breathing should be treated as a medical emergency.

Pets and birds

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center says concentrated essential oils can be dangerous to dogs and cats that walk through them or get them on their coat, and advises against applying oils directly to pets. It suggests a diffuser used briefly in an area pets cannot reach is not likely to be an issue, but to avoid diffusers if a pet has breathing problems, and to avoid essential oil diffusers in homes with birds.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Is eucalyptus oil good for a cold?

Poison.org says it is used for its soothing effects when inhaled during a cold or cough.

Can you swallow eucalyptus oil?

No. Poison.org says swallowing eucalyptus oil can cause seizures.

Is eucalyptus oil an FDA cough medicine?

Not by itself. FDA rules allow it only at 1.2 to 1.3 percent combined with camphor and menthol in an ointment.

Is eucalyptus oil safe for dogs and cats?

The ASPCA advises against applying oils to pets and using diffusers around pets with breathing problems.

Can I diffuse eucalyptus oil with a bird in the house?

The ASPCA says it is best to avoid essential oil diffusers in homes with birds.

Sources

• Essential oils: Poisonous when misused (poison.org), National Capital Poison Center (poison.org)
• 21 CFR Part 341: Cold, cough, allergy, bronchodilator, and antiasthmatic drug products for OTC human use (ecfr.gov), eCFR
• Vicks VapoRub (camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol) ointment label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Is the Latest Home Trend Harmful to Your Pets? (aspca.org), ASPCA

Sources checked 2026-10-15.