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Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits and Uses in Aromatherapy

Lemon eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus citriodora or Corymbia citriodora) contains a high percentage of the aldehyde citronellal—66% to 86%, according to Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed. This component gives the essential oil a bold lemony scent, sometimes mistaken for citronella or lemongrass essential oil, and calming, relaxing qualities.

Aromatherapy supplies with the words Guide to Eucalyptus Citriodora Essential Oil Benefits and Uses and photo of a lemon eucalyptus plant.Buy Eucalyptus Citriodora Essential Oil

Basic Eucalyptus Citriodora Facts

This oil is also called lemon-scented eucalyptus or lemon-scented gum. Scientifically, lemon-scented gum is no longer a member of the Eucalyptus genus, having been moved to the Corymbia genus. However, in aromatherapy circles, the oil is still usually referred to as lemon eucalyptus or eucalyptus citriodora essential oil.

Plant family: Myrtaceae.

Production: Steam distilled from the leaves.

Aroma: Strong, sweet, fresh, lemony.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Top to middle.

Is lemon eucalyptus safe to use during pregnancy? Conflicting information available. Consult a professional.

Is lemon eucalyptus safe for children? Yes, ages 2+, according to Rocky Mountain Oils. (Note that this essential oil does not have the same safety concerns as some other eucalyptus oils because it does not contain much 1,8-cineole.)

Cautions: Although the oil is not irritating or sensitizing, it may cause sensitization if oxidized or used above 3% dilution (that is, more than 3 drops in 1 teaspoon carrier oil).

Physical Benefits of Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil 

Physically, lemon eucalyptus cools and relaxes hot terrain conditions, according to Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Vol. 2. Avoid using the oil with cold conditions, which it may make worse.

Musculoskeletal Care

Lemon eucalyptus is one of the best essential oils for muscle pain, according to Robert Tisserand. Use the oil to calm acute inflammation and pain in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You may get even better results by blending eucalyptus citriodora with helichrysum italicum and yarrow essential oils to relieve arthritis pain, muscle tension, and painful respiratory infections, according to Original Swiss Aromatics.

For tennis or golf elbow relief, Chemotyped Essential Oils suggests blending 3 drops lemon eucalyptus and 3 drops helichrysum essential oil in 2 teaspoons carrier oil. Apply to elbow four  times a day. This blend is likely beneficial for any type of tendon or muscle injury.

Respiratory and Immune Care

Lemon eucalyptus loosens mucus and may support deeper breathing and relieve discomfort caused by respiratory tract conditions. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils recommends the oil for asthma, laryngitis, sore throat, colds, and fevers.

Essential3 suggests two ways to make a chest rub to support clear breathing:

  • Mix 5 to 15 drops of the essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
  • Blend 1 drop each of lemon eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.

Skin Care

The cleansing and purifying properties of lemon eucalyptus naturally improve hair and skin health. The oil acts as a balancing ingredient in skin care formulations, according to New Directions Aromatics.

You can use this essential oil for normal, oily, dry, blemished, or mature skin. In addition to regular skin care, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils suggests using eucalyptus citriodora for dandruff; athlete's foot and other fungal skin conditions; herpes; scabs; and minor cuts, sores, wounds, and skin infections.

Plus, almost every source mentions using this essential oil in insect repellents for the skin.

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Mental and Emotional Benefits

Psychologically, lemon eucalyptus promotes emotional renewal, optimism, good judgment, insight, and foresight, according to Aromatica, Vol. 2. The oil is indicated for ADD and depression and also calms acute anxiety and insomnia. The aroma has these effects:

  • Creates emotional clarity more than cognitive or mental clarity
  • Excels at aiding emotional transformation of stuck, negative emotions and distressed feelings, especially those caused by past negative experiences 
  • Removes emotional baggage that prevents clear thinking, planning with discernment, or envisioning with imagination

Lemon eucalyptus promotes alertness and performance, according to The Fragrant Mind, which also states this uplifting, comforting, and stimulating oil supports:

  • Concentration and focus
  • Creativity
  • Empathy
  • Encouragement
  • Enthusiasm
  • Expressiveness
  • Freedom
  • Letting go
  • Optimism
  • Positive change
  • Regeneration
  • Understanding
  • Vitality

Use the oil to help relieve confusion, depression, despondency, disillusionment, emotional crisis, emptiness, moodiness, fear, loneliness, mental fatigue, restlessness, self-blame, or sluggishness.

Lemon Eucalyptus in TCM and Ayurveda

According to Aromatica, Vol. 2, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the essential function of lemon eucalyptus essential oil is to clear heat, clarify the Heart, and calm the Shen.

  • Movement: Dispersing, circulating
  • Warmth: Cool to cold
  • Meridian tropism: Liver, Heart, Lung, Bladder
  • Five element affinity: Wood, Fire, Metal

In ayurveda, lemon eucalyptus reduces excess kapha and vata energy and increases deficient pitta, according to Ayurvedic Oils.

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Uses and Blends

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Third Edition, Vol. 1, suggests the following essential oils to blend with lemon eucalyptus:

  • For a natural insect repellent: basil, atlas or Virginia cedarwood, citronella, 1,8-cineole-rich eucalyptus, lemongrass, palmerosa, or vetiver.
  • To relieve muscle aches and pains: black pepper, ginger, kunzea, spike lavender, peppermint, pine, or rosemary.
  • To alleviate sleeplessness: bergamot, lavender, neroli, sweet orange, or sandalwood.
  • To uplift and energize: basil, black pepper, ginger, lemongrass, lemon myrtle, lime, pine, or rosemary.
  • To relieve cold and flu: 1,8-cineole-rich eucalyptus or eucalyptus dives.

Skin and Hair Blends

Facial Cleanser

  • 10 drops lemon eucalyptus
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
  • 2 tablespoons jojoba oil

Blend all ingredients. Use like any other cleanser. Spot testing recommended before using on the entire face.

Source: Still Organics

Weeping Eczema Oil

Spot test this blend before using extensively.

  • 19 drops eucalyptus citriodora essential oil
  • 19 drops thyme thujanol essential oil
  • 2 teaspoons calophyllum inophyllum oil
  • 2 tablespoons rosehip seed oil

Apply 3 to 4 times a day on affected areas.
Adapted from Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy

Shampoo for Normal Hair

  • 3 drops lemon eucalyptus
  • 2 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 2 drops lemon essential oil
  • 3.5 ounces (100 ml) natural, fragrance-free shampoo

Blend oils. Add to shampoo.

Source: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellents

Bugs Be Gone

  • 3 drops lemon eucalyptus
  • 3 drops geranium essential oil
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) carrier oil

Blend oils. Apply to exposed skin as needed.
Source: 150 Ways to Use Essential Oils

Bug Repellent Blend

  • 20 drops eucalyptus citriodora
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 10 drops geranium essential oil
  • 12 drops catnip essential oil
  • 4 ounces (1/4 cup) carrier oil

Blend oils. Apply to skin as needed. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
Source: "Natural Bug Repellent and Bite Really Blends." NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Summer 2013.2, p. 59.

Mental Health Blends

Relieve Moodiness

  • 12 drops eucalyptus citriodora
  • 10 drops geranium essential oil
  • 8 drops moroccan chamomile (Ormenis mixta or Ormenis multicaulis) essential oil

Diffuse according to your aromatherapy diffuser's instructions.
Source: The Fragrant Mind

Relieve Moderate Lethargic Depression

  • 15 drops lemon eucalyptus
  • 10 drops cypress essential oil
  • 5 drops geranium essential oil
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) carrier oil

Blend oils. Use for massage.
Source: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Eucalyptus Citriodora FAQ

Can I use lemon eucalyptus with dogs and cats?

You can use the essential oil with dogs, according to The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, which suggests using it in flea and tick blends. See Essential Oils for Dogs. You must be much more careful with cats. See Essential Oils and Cats.

Does the essential oil have spiritual or subtle uses?

Essential3 states lemon eucalyptus clears and balances the energy centers.

Stillpoint Aromatics recommends the oil for the second (sacral) chakra to support relationships and creation energy and the sixth (third eye) chakra to support clarity, energy, perspective, protection, and purification.

Otherwise, I could not find reliable information about the subtle and spiritual benefits of the essential oil.

For what uses is lemon eucalyptus the best choice?

All types of eucalyptus essential oils are good choices for respiratory congestion and infection, immune support, and muscle aches. According to Rocky Mountain Essential Oils, eucalyptus citriodora is the best eucalyptus for:

  • Avoiding or relieving fungal conditions
  • Calming mind and emotions
  • Easing the pain of pimples or reducing the appearance of blemishes
  • Purifying and cleaning in your home
  • Repelling insects and pests
  • Soothing sore and tired muscles
Aromatherapy massage

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