Overview

Lemon eucalyptus is a tree. Oil from the leaves is applied to the skin as a medicine and insect repellent.

Lemon eucalyptus oil is used for preventing mosquito and deer tick bites; for treating muscle spasms, toenail fungus (onychomycosis), and osteoarthritis and other joint pain. It is also an ingredient in chest rubs used to relieve congestion.

How does it work ?

Lemon eucalyptus oil contains a chemical that repels mosquitoes and kills fungus.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

  • Preventing mosquito bites, when applied to the skin. Lemon eucalyptus oil is an ingredient in some commercial mosquito repellents. It seems to be about as effective as other mosquito repellents including some products that contain DEET. However, the protection offered by lemon eucalyptus oil doesn’t seem to last quite as long as DEET.

Possibly Effective for

  • Preventing tick bites, when applied to the skin. Applying a specific 30% lemon eucalyptus oil extract (Citriodiol) three times daily significantly decreases the number of tick attachments experienced by people who live in tick-infested areas. This specific extract is used in commercial products such as Mosi-guard and Repel Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Toenail fungus (onychomycosis). Developing research suggests that lemon eucalyptus oil, in combination with camphor and menthol, might be useful for treating toenail fungus when applied directly to the affected area. Applying chest rub products containing lemon eucalyptus, such as Vicks VapoRub, to affected toenails daily until the infected nail grows out seems to clear fungal nail infections in some people.
  • Joint pain.
  • Arthritis.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of lemon eucalyptus for these uses.

Side Effects

Lemon eucalyptus oil is safe for most adults when applied to the skin as a mosquito repellent. Some people might have a skin reaction to the oil.

Lemon eucalyptus oil is UNSAFE to take by mouth. Some chest rubs for congestion (Vicks VapoRub) contain lemon eucalyptus oil. These products can cause seizures and death if eaten.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Lemon eucalyptus oil is safe for most adults when applied to the skin as a mosquito repellent. Some people might have a skin reaction to the oil.

Lemon eucalyptus oil is UNSAFE to take by mouth. Some chest rubs for congestion (Vicks VapoRub) contain lemon eucalyptus oil. These products can cause seizures and death if eaten. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of lemon eucalyptus oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for LEMON EUCALYPTUS overview.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
  • For preventing mosquito bites: a 30%, 40%, or 75% lemon eucalyptus oil solution. However, the higher concentration does not seem to be more effective than the lower concentration. Commercial products available in the US (e.g., Repel Lemon Eucalyptus) contain 10% to 30% lemon eucalyptus oil. Directions on these products suggest applying the oil no more than twice per day. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the oil. Avoid getting it on your lips or into your mouth.
  • For preventing ticks from attaching and biting: A specific 30% lemon eucalyptus oil extract (Citriodiol) has been applied up to three times daily when exposed to tick infested areas. This specific extract is used in commercial products such as Mosi-guard and Repel Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the oil. Avoid getting it on your lips or into your mouth.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.