# Eucalyptus

> Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Do not ingest undiluted essential oil. Bioavailability: Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is dominated by 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol, 60-85%). Cineole has excellent oral bioavailability (>70%) when given in enteric-coated form, with rapid absorption and distribution to respiratory tissues.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Eucalyptus globulus

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Eucalyptus |

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Essential oil (primary), Inhalation (steam/vaporizer), Capsule (enteric-coated oil), Lozenge, Ointment/balm, Chest rub, Tincture

**Standard Dosage:** Essential oil: 2-4 drops for steam inhalation; 200-600mg [cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole) in enteric-coated capsules daily (divided doses); topical: 1-3% in carrier; lozenges: as directed. Do not ingest undiluted essential oil.

**Bioavailability:** Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is dominated by 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol, 60-85%). Cineole has excellent oral bioavailability (>70%) when given in enteric-coated form, with rapid absorption and distribution to respiratory tissues. Inhalation provides direct delivery to respiratory epithelium with systemic absorption via pulmonary circulation. Dermal absorption of cineole from topical preparations is moderate (5-10%) but sufficient for local anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effects. First-pass metabolism is significant - enteric coating bypasses gastric degradation. Cineole is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4.

**Optimal Timing:** Steam inhalation: as needed for congestion, 2-3 times daily; oral capsules: after meals to reduce GI discomfort; topical: as needed, up to 3-4 times daily; chest rub: at bedtime

**Standardized Extract:** Essential oil: Ph. Eur. grade standardized to NLT 70% 1,8-cineole by GC-FID. Pharmaceutical isolate: 99%+ cineole (eucalyptol). Leaf dry extract: NLT 2% total [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols).

**Shelf Life:** 3-5 years (essential oil in sealed amber glass); 2 years (capsules); 2 years (ointment/balm); 3 years (lozenges)

**Storage:** Essential oil: tightly sealed amber glass bottles, cool dark place (15-25 deg C). Keep away from heat sources and open flame. Capsules: below 25 deg C in blister packs. Child-resistant closure mandatory.

**Marker Compounds:** 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol), Alpha-pinene, [Limonene](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#limonene), Alpha-terpineol, Globulol, [Aromadendrene](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#aromadendrene), p-Cymene

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation of fresh leaves (industrial standard)
- Hydrodistillation
- Supercritical CO2 extraction (premium quality)
- Solvent extraction for oleoresin
- Molecular distillation for pharmaceutical-grade cineole isolation

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Menthol](/herb/menthol/) ([Pudina](/herb/pudina/)) for enhanced decongestant effect
- With [Camphor](/herb/camphor/) for chest rub formulations
- With Tea tree oil for [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) synergy
- With Nilgiri Taila in traditional respiratory formulations
- With [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) for immune-respiratory support

---

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/eucalyptus/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.