Eucalyptus Steam: Safe Use and Risks for Children
Eucalyptus steam is a classic for a stuffy nose, and adults can use it with care. The oil itself is another matter: it is poisonous if swallowed, and it is not for babies, toddlers or children who have had seizures.
The fresh, sharp smell of eucalyptus is almost synonymous with winter colds. Many adults add it to a bowl of hot water and lean over the steam when their nose is blocked.
Used carefully by an adult, eucalyptus steam is a reasonable comfort measure. But eucalyptus oil is a concentrated chemical, and it can cause serious harm to young children. This guide explains how to use it, who should not, and what to do if someone swallows it.
Why people use eucalyptus
The European Medicines Agency recognizes eucalyptus oil as a traditional herbal medicine for cough associated with the common cold, based on long-standing use rather than strong clinical trials. Products for inhalation are intended for people aged 4 and over.
Steam itself is the other half of the idea. The NHS suggests breathing in steam to ease a blocked nose, for example by sitting in the bathroom with a hot shower running. Eucalyptus adds a strong smell that many people find makes their nose feel clearer.
Adult Eucalyptus Steam Bowl
You need
- hot water, just off the boil and left to stand for a few minutes1 liter (4 cups)
- eucalyptus oil product labeled for inhalation, or a handful of fresh eucalyptus leavesa few drops, as directed on the label
- large, stable heatproof bowl and a cotton towel1
Method
- Make sure no children or pets are in the room, and put the oil bottle away, closed, before you start.
- Set the bowl on a stable table, not your lap, and pour in the hot water. Let it cool for a few minutes so the steam is warm, not scalding.
- Add the eucalyptus oil, following the product label, or the fresh leaves.
- Sit comfortably with your face about 30 cm (12 inches) above the water, close your eyes, and drape the towel loosely over your head and the bowl.
- Breathe slowly through your nose for 5 to 10 minutes. Lift your head away at once if it stings your eyes or skin, or you feel dizzy.
- Pour the water away straight after, so no one can knock it over later.
Tips
- Plain steam from a hot shower works the same way and has no spill risk.
- Keep eucalyptus oil in its original bottle, closed, and stored high up, out of the reach and sight of children.
- Never put eucalyptus oil in a drink, in food, in your nose or undiluted on your skin.
What the evidence says
Neither steam nor eucalyptus has strong research behind it for colds. The NHS lists steam as a simple self-care step for a blocked nose, not as a treatment that fights the infection.
The European agency's acceptance of eucalyptus oil rests on traditional use, not on proof that it works. That means steam with or without eucalyptus may make you feel more comfortable for a while, but it will not shorten a cold. The NHS says most people begin to feel better in about 1 to 2 weeks.
Why the oil is dangerous for children
The European Medicines Agency says eucalyptus oil must not be used in children under 30 months (two and a half years), because it can cause the voice box to go into spasm, which can block breathing. It also must not be used in children with a history of seizures, with or without fever.
Swallowing it is a separate danger. MedlinePlus explains that eucalyptus oil can be harmful in large amounts and lists symptoms of poisoning that include drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, fast or shallow breathing, wheezing, vomiting, a weak fast heartbeat, unconsciousness and seizures. A small bottle within a child's reach is enough to create that risk.
Hot water is a hazard too. The NHS says children should not breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water because of the risk of scalding. For a child with a cold, use the steamy bathroom approach with an adult present, and no oil.
Questions people ask
Can I use eucalyptus in a diffuser in my child's room?
Not for a child under 30 months or a child who has had a seizure, as the European Medicines Agency warns against eucalyptus oil for them, and inhaled or rubbed-on eucalyptus oil is meant only for ages 4 and over. For children aged 4 and over, ask a pharmacist first and follow the product's age guidance.
Are fresh eucalyptus leaves safer than the oil?
Leaves avoid having a bottle of concentrated oil in the house that a child could swallow. They still give off eucalyptus vapor, so keep the same age limits, and the hot water risk is exactly the same.
Is a eucalyptus chest rub safer than steam?
It avoids hot water, but it still contains eucalyptus oil. Check the age on the label, never use it on a baby or toddler, and keep it away from the nose, mouth and eyes.
Sources
- Eucalypti aetheroleum - herbal medicinal product — European Medicines Agency
- Eucalyptus oil overdose — MedlinePlus
- Common cold — NHS
- Burns and scalds — NHS
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and health conditions. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying a herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a child, or taking any medication.
