Among the essential oils of Eucalyptus, that of Lemon Eucalyptus stands out for its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties: it will therefore be recommended for massage in cases of joint or muscle pain. It also has a pleasant lemony smell that calms the nerves and scares away mosquitoes! Latin name: Eucalyptus citriodora Hook (Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) KD Hill & LAS Johnson) Distilled part: leaves
This article was updated on 04/01/2024Precautions for use
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil presents few health risks if the precautions for use are respected. Although all methods of use are possible, the cutaneous route remains the most common, particularly in joint or muscle massages.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
No prolonged use without medical advice in the event of blood pressure disorders or anti-hypertensive treatment.
Skin application
- Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil must be diluted to at least 20% for application to the skin (20% essential oil, 80% vegetable oil).
- For babies, diluted skin application is possible on the advice of a health professional.
In broadcast
- Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil can be tear-inducing or cough-inducing for sensitive people; be sure to use it carefully. Prefer use as a mixture, diluted in other essential oils.
- Babies can use it in atmospheric diffusion, it is then advisable to dilute it by 20 to 80% in other essential oils and not to diffuse it in the presence of the child.
Allergenic components
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil contains allergenic biochemical components:
- citronellol (≤8%)
- linalool (≤1%)
- eugenol (≤1%)
- geraniol (≤0.5%)
- limonene (≤0.5%)
- citral (≤0.2%)
Note: It is recommended to test the essential oil before using it. Dilute a drop of HE in a drop of vegetable oil and apply it to the crook of the elbow. Check for at least 24 hours that there is no reaction.
Properties of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is highly concentrated in citronellal and citronellol. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
-
anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic ++++ (citronellal):
citronellal notably inhibits lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, enzymes which catalyze the synthesis of prostaglandins, substances that mediate inflammation. This action, in addition to calming the pain, helps calm the feeling of heat and redness linked to inflammation.
-
insect repellent, repellent +++ (citronellol, citronellal):
the citronellal and citronellol in this essential oil help repel many insects (moths, ant flies, wasps, mosquitoes, ticks, etc.) and kill certain mosquito larvae. This essential oil also helps soothe stings.
-
antifungal +++ (citronellol, citronellal):
this essential oil fights against the development of fungi such as Candida albicans, and certain dermatophytes, particularly in cases of nail fungus (onyxis and perionyxis). It has also been studied on plant pathogenic fungi such as Macrophomina phaseolina, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium oxysporum, Helminthosporium oryzae, Alternaria triticina, Rhizoctonia solani, Alternaria solani.
-
analgesic +++ (citronellal):
this essential oil helps soothe both skin pain (itching, eczema, etc.) and joint pain. It acts both on nociceptors responding to intense mechanical stimuli, but also on polymodal nociceptors located in skin, striated and smooth muscle, joint and bone tissues.
-
calming, sedative, hypotensive ++ (citronellol, citronellal):
citronellal acts on certain neurotransmitters such as GABA-A, with a sedative effect. In some books, this molecule is indicated as being negative. Studies have also shown that citronellol helps reduce blood pressure by direct effect by inducing vasodilation through relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, hence its hypotensive nature, useful in cases of stress. It also acts as a calming and neuroprotectant.
-
antibacterial + :
this essential oil has been the subject of a study proving its effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and to a lesser extent against Gram-negative bacteria such as salmonella. It is also a good airborne antiseptic.
But also these secondary properties:
- pest control
- anti-oxidant
- antispasmodic
In case of' Osteoarthritis
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, and in the event of an inflammatory outbreak, gently massage with 5 drops of essential oil in 5 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area. Otherwise, dilute 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil, 3 times a day for a maximum of 3 weeks.
Use in synergy
For adults and adolescents. Repeat 3 times a day for 7 days. Massage the painful joint for 1 minute with 3 to 5 drops of this mixture:
- 20 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 drops of Nutmeg essential oil
- 20 drops of Wintergreen essential oil
- 60 drops Arnica oily macerate
More details or other users: essential oils against osteoarthritis.
In case of' Arthritis, Rheumatism, Joint pain
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, and in the event of an inflammatory outbreak, gently massage with 5 drops of essential oil in 5 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area. Otherwise, dilute 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil, 3 times a day for a maximum of 3 weeks.
Use in synergy
For adults and adolescents. Repeat 3 times a day for 7 days. Massage the painful joint for 1 minute with 3 to 5 drops of this mixture:
- 30 drops of Wintergreen essential oil
- 30 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 30 drops of Lavandin Super essential oil
- 120 drops (6mL) Arnica Oily Macerate
More details or other users: essential oils for arthritis.
In case of Sciatica
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
From 6 years old and for adults. Dermal, gently massage with 1 drop diluted in 9 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area, 3 times a day for a maximum of 3 weeks.
Use in synergy
For adults and adolescents. Repeat 3 times a day until relief (maximum 3 weeks in a row). Apply 4 to 6 drops of this mixture to the painful area using a local skin massage:
- 30 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 30 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil
- 45 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 130 drops (6.5 mL) of St. John’s Wort oily macerate
More details or other users: essential oils against sciatica and other neuralgia.
In case of Trigger finger
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, dilute 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area, until improvement.
Use in synergy
For adults and adolescents. When applying to the skin, massage 2 to 3 drops of the mixture onto the affected finger. Repeat the operation 3 times a day for 7 days.
- 70 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 50 drops of Ginger essential oil
- 30 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 5 mL of Arnica oily macerate
More details : essential oils in case of trigger finger.
In case of' Sprain, strain
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 3 years. Dermal, in parallel with treatment by a health professional if necessary, delicately apply 1 drop of essential oil diluted in 1 drop of vegetable oil, up to 3 times a day, after having cooled it with a bag of ice. Repeat until improvement, not exceeding 3 weeks of use.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Several times a day, gently massage the painful area with a few drops of the following mixture:
- 30 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 30 drops of Clove essential oil
- 60 drops of Wintergreen essential oil
- 260 drops of Arnica oily macerate
- 260 drops of St. John's Wort oily macerate
Source: Zahalka, JP. (2017). Complete dictionary of essential oils. Dolphin.
Lemon Eucalyptus or Italian Helichrysum?
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil will be very effective, but if you have some on hand, theitalian Helichrysum essential oil will be even better! Cutaneously, 2 to 3 pure drops on the sprain, after having cooled it with an ice pack, up to 3 times a day.
In case of Insect bite, Itchy skin
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 3 years. Dermal, apply 1 pure drop of Lemon Eucalyptus locally. In case of extensive application area, dilute 1 drop in at least 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area.
Lemon Eucalyptus or Aspic Lavender?
In case of itching and/or stings, Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil will be effective, but thelavender Aspic essential oil is the reference for adults and adolescents. Place 1 pure drop on the pimple as quickly as possible after the sting, repeating it every 1/4 hour, if necessary. For children, choose True Lavender.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Apply 3 times a day until healed. Apply 1 to 2 drops of this mixture to the injured area:
- 80 drops of Lavender Aspic essential oil
- 40 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 40 drops of Wild Mint essential oil
More details or other users: essential oils against bites.
As' Mosquito repellent, Tick repellent, Ant repellent, Wasp repellent, Insect repellent, Moth repellent, Fly repellent
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 3 years old and for adults:
- In broadcast : integrate Lemon Eucalyptus into a mixture with other repellent essential oils (Rosa Geranium, True Lavender, etc.), and pour the number of drops indicated on the diffuser instructions. Broadcast in 30 minute slots.
- Dermal : dilute to 10% (1 drop in 9 drops) in vegetable oil and apply to exposed areas.
Use in synergy
From 6 years old. In a spray bottle, add the following mixture. Use this spray on areas of the body exposed to mosquitoes. This preparation can be kept for 3 months, ideally in the refrigerator between each use:
- 10 drops of Lavender Aspic essential oil
- 15 drops of Rosat Geranium essential oil
- 30 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 15 mL of Disper
- 30 mL of water
Source: Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.
Lemon Eucalyptus or Java Lemongrass?
In order to repel mosquitoes and all other types of insects, Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is effective but that of Java Lemongrass is even more so. Use the latter diffused or cutaneously diluted to a maximum of 20% in a vegetable oil.
In case of Neuralgia
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for ages 6+. By vskin goose, 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area, until improvement. Take a break after 3 weeks of use.
Lemon Eucalyptus or Roman Chamomile?
In case of neuralgia, Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil will be effective, but Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil Roman chamomile is the reference. Cutaneously, dilute 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 4 drops of vegetable oil then apply to the area 3 times a day.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Repeat 3 times a day until relief (maximum 3 weeks in a row). Apply 4 to 6 drops of this mixture to the painful area using a local skin massage:
- 30 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 30 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil
- 45 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 130 drops (6.5 mL) of St. John’s Wort oily macerate
More details or other users: essential oils against sciatica and other neuralgia.
In case of Strain, contracture, torticollis
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 6 years old. Dermal, 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area, until improvement. Take a break after 3 weeks of use.
From 3 years. Through the skin, 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus in 9 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area, until improvement.
Lemon Eucalyptus or Camphor Rosemary?
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil will be very effective, but therosemary Camphor essential oil remains the reference against these problems. Cutaneously, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area, up to 4 times a day without exceeding 3 weeks of use.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Gently massage the neck and upper back with 3 to 4 drops of the mixture, 3 times a day, for 5 to 7 days:
- 30 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 drops of Rosemary Camphor essential oil
- 20 drops of Wintergreen essential oil
- 10 drops of Vetiver essential oil
- 80 drops of St. John's Wort oily macerate
More details or other users: essential oils to relieve stiff neck.
In case of Aches, Muscle cramp, Muscle pain
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 3 years. Dermal, 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus in 9 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area, until improvement.
Lemon Eucalyptus or Fragrant Wintergreen?
To relieve muscle pain, Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is very good, but thewintergreen essential oil remains the most famous from the age of 6: gently massage the area concerned with 1 drop diluted in 9 drops of vegetable oil depending on the surface of application.
In case of Tendonitis
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
From 6 years old. Dermal, 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus in 4 to 9 drops of vegetable oil depending on the area of application, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area, until improvement. Take a break after 3 weeks of use.
Lemon Eucalyptus or Fragrant Wintergreen?
In case of tendinitis, Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil can be used, but we generally prefer Wintergreen essential oil from the age of 6: gently massage the area concerned with 1 drop diluted in 4 to 9 drops of vegetable oil depending on the surface of application.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Massage locally with 3 to 4 drops of the mixture, 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days:
- 25 drops of Wintergreen essential oil
- 25 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops of Vetiver essential oil
- 10 drops of Cade essential oil
- 50 drops of Arnica oily macerate
More details or other users: essential oils to fight tendonitis.
In case of Lumbago, Back pain
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, and in the event of an inflammatory outbreak, gently massage with 5 drops of essential oil in 5 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area. Otherwise, dilute 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil, 3 times a day for a maximum of 3 weeks.
Lemon Eucalyptus or Fragrant Wintergreen?
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is very useful for back pain. However, the reference remains thewintergreen essential oil : 1 to 2 drops in 8 to 9 drops of vegetable oil on the affected area, depending on its surface. Repeat 3 times a day for up to 3 weeks.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Apply locally 4 to 6 drops of the mixture 3 times a day until noticeable improvement:
- 30 drops of Wintergreen essential oil
- 30 drops of Scots Pine essential oil
- 30 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 30 drops of Lavandin Super essential oil
- 120 drops (6 mL) of St. John’s Wort Oily Macerate
More details or other users: essential oils to relieve lumbago.
Other famous applications of Lemon Eucalyptus
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic or antibacterial properties. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Lemon Eucalyptus for the following different problems.
Cystitis, Urinary tract infection
Lemon Eucalyptus effective, but... it is better to use themountain Savory essential oil : cutaneously, 1 drop in 9 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the lower abdomen, 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
Fibromyalgia
Lemon Eucalyptus useful for relieving pain, but... it is better to use therosemary essential oil with camphor : via the skin, 1 drop of HE in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 4 times a day until improvement.
Herpes, Shingles
Lemon Eucalyptus effective, but... it is better to use theniaouli essential oil : via the skin, 2 pure drops (or 50% dilution in a vegetable oil) on herpes, every 2 hours until it disappears.
Mycosis
Lemon Eucalyptus may be effective, but... it is better to use thetea Tree essential oil : cutaneously, 1 pure drop morning and evening on the affected areas or diluted in a vegetable oil for larger areas.
Hypertension
Lemon Eucalyptus can be effective in cases of stress-related tension peaks, but... it is better to use thecomplete Ylang-Ylang essential oil : via the skin, apply 1 drop to the inside of your wrists, then take deep breaths, as soon as you feel the need (medical advice necessary for long-term use). Does not replace treatment for hypertension.
Sore throat
Lemon Eucalyptus can be effective, but... it is better to use thetea Tree essential oil : 2 drops mixed with honey, 3 times a day, until improvement (3 weeks maximum).
Common cold
Lemon Eucalyptus should not be confused with other Eucalyptus… against colds, it is preferable to useeucalyptus Radiata essential oil : 5 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil diluted in 5 drops of vegetable oil (dilution up to 50%) applied to the torso and upper back, twice a day.
How to recognize a good Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Eucalyptus citriodora Hook
- Botanical family: Myrtaceae
- Part used: leaves
- Country of origin: Brazil.
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.860 to 0.870
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1,450 to 1,456
- Rotary power at 20°C: -1 to 3
- Flash point: 78
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: liquid
- Color: greenish yellow, colorless, pale yellow
- Odor: zesty, characteristic.
Biochemical characteristics
- citronellal: 70 to 85%
- neo-isopulegol + isopulegol: ≤ 10%
- citronellol: 3 to 10%
- 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): 0.5 to 3%
- citronellyl acetate: 0.1 to 2%
The different essential oils of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Globulus or Eucalyptus Smithii? Which essential oil for which use?
Although they belong to the same genus, these 4 species are very different and their essential oils are therefore not the same. For more information, discover how to differentiate Eucalyptus essential oils.
We tell you about it in video
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About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.