Lemon Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus citriodora (aka Corymbia citriodora), oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the lemon-scented Eucalyptus citriodora tree. Although originally from Australia, the trees grow in Guatemala, Colombia, Egypt, South Africa, India, and China. Both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine have known the medicinal importance of lemon eucalyptus for thousands of years.
Eucalyptus citriodora is part of a group of essential oils like litsea cubeba, melissa (lemon balm), lemon verbena, and citronella that feature soft, sweet, lemony notes that are not sourced from citrus plants. Lemon Eucalyptus oil adds these lively, lemony (non-citrus) top notes to natural perfume formulations.
Lemon eucalyptus oil, a strong anti-fungal and antiseptic, has been used to treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. When diluted in massage oil, it may help soothe aching muscles and joints.
Lemon eucalyptus oil is often used in "natural" insect repellent products. Although it has natural repellent properties, the essential oil is quite volatile meaning it tends to evaporate quickly and thus would need to be reapplied frequently.
Aromatherapy Properties: The fresh, cool, lemony aroma is energizing and uplifting yet also relaxing. The aromatic leaf oils have been used in steam inhalation to help with nasal congestion, sore throat, and cold symptoms. Used in a diffuser it is a wonderful air freshener.
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil is NOT the Same as Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Companies that manufacture and/or sell natural bug repellents often make the claim "Made with lemon eucalyptus oil recommended by the CDC as an effective alternative to DEET." But caution, you must ask the company whether they are using Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) because they are NOT the same.
There is a lot of confusion between "lemon eucalyptus essential oil" and "oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)". While both are often found in mosquito repellents they differ in efficacy and chemical composition.
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil, described above, is also often just called Lemon Eucalyptus Oil (adding to the confusion). Again it is made by steam distilling the dried leaves and twigs of the lemon eucalyptus tree.
The essential oil contains a natural compound called PMD (p-menthane 3,8-diol) a very effective long-acting mosquito repellent. However, the "essential oil" only contains small amounts of PMD. The repellent properties are mainly due to its other components. Lemon Eucalyptus Essential oil is mostly citronellal with a small amount of PMD. Although it does have repellent characteristics, it does not have lasting power and is not recommended or approved for use in insect-borne disease-infested areas.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
In contrast "oil of lemon eucalyptus" (OLE) is mainly PMD. OLE is an extract from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree which is then enriched for PMD by a process that converts the citronellal contained within the essential oil into additional PMD. PMD can also be synthetically made in a laboratory.
OLE is the only plant-based ingredient recommended by the CDC to provide a similar level of protection to repellents containing DEET.
NOTE: Product safety sheets for OLE warn that it should not be used on children under the age of three
Pregnancy and Children: We do not provide information on the safety of essential oils during Pregnancy or for use in Children because the available information is very ambiguous and often contradictory. If you’re interested in using essential oils during pregnancy or with young children please do your own research and consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional before use.
Precautions: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition, or have any medical concerns regarding yourself or your family consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.
