I’m a whole-herb gal at heart and don’t use a ton of essential oils (curious about why!? ask me in my newsletter, that’s where I love to chat with you!), but eucalyptus essential oil has earned a permanent spot in my winter medicine chest.
Why?
Because it’s literally just so effective. It’s an amazing congestion buster that can help you breathe easier in minutes, and can even kill airborne germs on contact.
In herbalism, we often aim to get remedies in direct contact with the tissues that need support. These three methods do just that, bringing eucalyptus oil straight to the respiratory system, where it can work its expectorant and antimicrobial magic.
Let’s dive into three practical ways to use eucalyptus essential oil for colds, flus, and winter wellness.
1. Steam inhalation for congestion relief
(How to use eucalyptus oil for blocked nose + sinus pressure)
This is hands-down one of my all-time fav ways to use eucalyptus oil (although I can’t say my kids feel the same… but that’s why I’ve got a few methods here, cause you might find different herbal remedies suit different people in your home!)
The warm steam opens your airways, and the eucalyptus helps loosen mucus, soothe tissues, and kill microbes on contact. It’s a gentle but potent remedy for colds, sinus infections, and that stuffy, muddled-wombat-headed feeling.
How to do it:
- Add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil* to a bowl of boiling water (yes it’s ok if a few more drops dribble out, that’s why we aim for 1-2 drops, but try not to get more than 3-4 drops. Essential oils almost have this soul lesson reminding us that more isn’t always better!)
- Very carefully, put your head over the bowl and cover with a towel. Breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes.
*Don’t have eucalyptus essential oil or don’t like using essential oils?? You could also throw in 1 big handful of dried thyme (thymus vulgaris) or sage (salvia officinalis) leaves.
👉 Grab full instructions in my FREE eBook
2. Diffuse it (or try this no-diffuser trick)
(Purify the air + support better breathing at night)
When someone’s sick, I love getting eucalyptus right into the air. Diffusing eucalyptus essential oil can help cleanse the room, reduce exposure for others, and support better breathing overnight.
No diffuser? No problem. Try the old-school method:
- Add a few drops to a tissue, cotton ball, or scrap of fabric
- Place near the bed or in the room
This is especially great at night to help unblock sinuses and get some healing sleep.
3. Make a simple natural room spray
(A germ-busting, air-cleansing spray for sick days)
A homemade eucalyptus room spray is a great way to freshen the air and minimise the spread of viruses.
✨ DIY Germ-Away room spray recipe:
- Fill a 500ml(ish) spray bottle with water
- Add 8–10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil (if using a smaller spray bottle, use less)
- Shake well before each use, otherwise the essential oils float on water
- Mist into the air, especially in bedrooms or wherever the sick person’s hanging out.
🚫 Don’t spray directly on faces
Eucalyptus essential oil is an affordable, accessible ways to bring potent natural healing into your home. Whether you’re using steam, diffusing it, or making a DIY spray, this plant ally can help support your respiratory system and keep the household breathing easy this winter.
Also – cause I’m a big fan of use-what-you’ve-got herbalism, you could also work with: thyme, sage, tea tree or lavender to freshen the air, clear congestion and kill viruses in the respiratory system.
Want more winter wellness tips? I’ve got heaps on the blog, or get hands-on making your own with my DIY Immunity Herbal Remedy Kit
