(Eucalyptus radiata) Traditionally used to support healthy breathing, immune response, bone and muscle function and to soothe wounds, insect bites and stings.
Children: Aromatherapist, Valerie Worwood included Eucalyptus radiata in the basic care kit for children (Aromatherapty for the Healthy Child, page 35), and appropriately diluted and applied should be fine, but please keep in mind that "essential oils high in 1,8-cineol or menthol can cause CNS and breathing problems in young children, and should not be applied to or near their faces" (Tisserand/Young). Please follow the Dilution Chart on the Babies and Children page. babies-children.php CAUTION: Do on use on or near the face of a baby or young child. See safety information at the bottom of the page.
Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler. Direct inhalation is not suitable for young children - see safety information below. Rosalina is a good alternative for direct inhalation. Internal: Eucalyputus radiata is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French aromatherapy" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Click here for more information about internal usage. Robert Tisserand, aromatherapist and author of Essential Oil Safety writes: "Roughly, eucalyptus oil is fatal to humans taken orally at 1ml [30 drops] per age." He also notes: Maximum daily oral dose of 600mg (20 drops). In Robert Tisserand's Essential Oil Safety Masterclass (2022), Robert stated in a Q&A that he personally felt that ingesting eucalyptus capsules was very effective for respiratory issues.
2. Our daughter was born 3 months early and had very weak lungs. She came home from the hospital at 4 months old and had BPD (Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia) and Reactive Airway Disease, which affected the sinuses from the irritation of oxygen being used for a prolonged time. Every time the weather changed, she got respiratory congestion. Hyssop var. decumbens diluted and applied to the chest and back helped move the mucous out of the lungs and the sinuses. We also used Respiratory Relief, Lung Support and Eucalyptus radiata. I diluted each and applied them on the back of her neck, spine and tips of her toes (for sinus reflex). I also diffused Respiratory Relief. Improvement was rapid when we use these wonderful oils.
