How to Make Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is a widely used remedy around the globe. Eucalyptus leaves have antibacterial and antifungal properties. When extracted into oil, they create a potent inhalant or topical balm. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your bathwater can relieve aching muscles. Making eucalyptus oil is simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients that anyone can easily prepare.

Find fresh eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus trees typically grow wild in warm climates. In colder regions, you can also find eucalyptus sold in nurseries as potted plants or shrubs. You'll need a handful of eucalyptus leaves – approximately ¼ cup for each cup of oil you're planning to make.

• Eucalyptus leaves are available at most flower shops, as they are a popular flower arrangement foliage.
• In warmer climates, you can find eucalyptus leaves at farmers' markets or garden centers.
• You can also buy eucalyptus leaves online. Technically, eucalyptus is a tree or shrub, but it may also be labeled as an herb due to its aromatic and medicinal properties.
• The best time to cut eucalyptus leaves is early in the morning when the leaves contain the highest oil content.

Wash the leaves with warm water. Clean the leaves thoroughly and allow them to dry. You can also use a dry cloth to wipe them dry.

• This step is especially important if you purchased eucalyptus leaves from a flower shop, as they are often sprayed with preservatives.
• It is best to dry the leaves as much as possible, but if a little water remains, that’s fine, as it will evaporate.

Measure one cup (240 ml) of oil. The best carrier oils are extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. Scented oils are not necessary, as the finished oil should have the dominant eucalyptus aroma.

• Use less oil and fewer eucalyptus leaves if you want to make less than 240 ml of eucalyptus oil. For example, to make 120 ml of eucalyptus oil, you would use 120 ml of oil and about 1/8 cup of eucalyptus leaves.
• If you want to make a larger batch, just maintain the same ratio: 4 parts oil to 1 part leaves.

Remove the eucalyptus leaves from the stems and gently crush them in your hands. This will release the oil, and the eucalyptus fragrance will remain on your hands.

• You can also use a small mortar and pestle to crush the eucalyptus leaves. It’s fine if small pieces of stem or twig remain.
• If you plan to blend other herbs into the oil, add them now.

Place the oil and eucalyptus leaves in a slow cooker on low heat. Make sure there is at least ¼ cup of oil covering the leaves. Be sure to cover the pot with a lid.

• Let the mixture steep for at least 6 hours. The longer it steeps, the more concentrated the oil will be.
• The eucalyptus aroma will begin to fill your home. It’s best to make the oil when you can enjoy its scent wafting through the air.

Strain the eucalyptus oil through a fine mesh strainer once the oil has cooled. Place a jar underneath to catch the oil as it flows down. Dark glass jars are ideal, but any jar will work, as long as it is stored in a dark area of the house.

• It’s important to wait until the oil cools before pouring it into the jar, as sudden temperature changes can break the glass.
• Use a clean, airtight glass jar. Make sure the jar is dry, as any moisture inside could lead to mold growth.

Label your eucalyptus oil. Get creative with the label design for your homemade essential oil, but make sure to include the necessary information: the type of oil (eucalyptus oil) and the date it was made.

• Eucalyptus oil can maintain its quality for up to 6 months after it’s made.
• If you've added other herbs to the oil, be sure to note the names of those herbs on the label. Popular herbs to add are sage, lavender, mint, or rosemary.
• If you'd like to preserve the oil for longer, store it in the refrigerator.

Find 2 airtight glass jars. One jar will be used for infusing the leaves into the eucalyptus oil, while the other is for storing the finished oil. You can use half-liter, 1-liter, or larger jars depending on the amount of eucalyptus oil you plan to make.

• Make sure the glass jars are clean and dry, as any moisture could cause mold.
• The jar for infusing the leaves can be clear or dark-colored. The jar used for storing the oil should preferably be dark-colored.

Use the eucalyptus leaves as in the previous step. Follow the same leaf-to-oil ratio as in the slow-cooker method – about 4 parts oil to 1 part eucalyptus leaves. Use ¼ cup of leaves for each cup of oil.

• Place the eucalyptus leaves in the jar and sprinkle a thin layer of sea salt on top. The salt helps extract the oil from the leaves.
• Use a long-handled spoon to crush the leaves at the bottom of the jar, allowing the natural oil from the leaves to release.

Pour olive oil over the crushed eucalyptus leaves and salt. Place the jar in the sunlight for 2 weeks. The longer the mixture steeps, the more concentrated the oil will become.

• Seal the jar tightly and shake it vigorously to mix the leaves with the oil. Shake the jar every 12 hours until the infusion is complete.
• Ensure the jar is placed in direct sunlight for 8-12 hours a day to achieve optimal results. Pick a spot that’s easy to see so you don’t forget to shake the jar.

Filter the leaves from the oil using a tea strainer or cheesecloth. Place the strainer or cloth over the mouth of the jar and pour the oil into the container.

• Discard the leaves left behind in the strainer.
• Wipe the container clean with a damp cloth to remove any excess oil.

Label the eucalyptus oil jar. You can get creative with your label design for homemade essential oils, but be sure to include the oil type (eucalyptus oil) and the completion date.

• Your eucalyptus oil will remain at its best for about 6 months from the date of infusion.
• If you’ve added other herbs to the oil, make sure to list them on the label. Common herbs added include sage, lavender, mint, and rosemary.
• If you wish to store the oil longer, you can refrigerate it.