Is Eucalyptus Safe in Tea? What You Need to Know

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, consuming undiluted eucalyptus oil can be fatal in small doses. The answer to whether is eucalyptus safe in tea depends entirely on the form you are using—dried leaves for infusion are generally considered safe for adults, while concentrated eucalyptus essential oil is highly toxic and should never be ingested.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the key safety considerations for consuming eucalyptus tea, contrasting the use of dried leaves versus highly toxic essential oil. It details the benefits and risks of drinking the herbal infusion, highlighting who should exercise caution and the correct way to prepare it.

Key Points

Dried Leaves are Safe for Tea: Consuming a tea brewed from dried eucalyptus leaves is generally considered safe for healthy adults when done in moderation.
Essential Oil is Toxic: Eucalyptus essential oil is highly concentrated and dangerous to ingest. Swallowing even small amounts can be fatal.
Check the Label: Always use dried leaves specifically intended for tea preparation and never substitute with or add essential oil.
Avoid If Pregnant or Nursing: Due to a lack of safety data, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consuming eucalyptus tea.
Not for Children: Eucalyptus tea and oil are not safe for children, especially for oral consumption or inhalation.
Consult a Doctor: Individuals with underlying health issues like diabetes, liver disease, or those on certain medications should seek medical advice before drinking eucalyptus tea.
Benefits are Primarily Respiratory: The therapeutic benefits of eucalyptus tea are primarily its ability to act as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus and congestion.

Understanding the Safety of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has long been prized for its medicinal properties, particularly for respiratory health. Indigenous Australians traditionally used the leaves for a variety of remedies, and today, its compounds are found in many over-the-counter products. However, the critical distinction lies in the form of eucalyptus used for consumption. Dried eucalyptus leaves, when properly prepared as a tea, are considered safe for most adults. In stark contrast, concentrated eucalyptus essential oil is a powerful, highly toxic substance that can cause severe harm or death if swallowed.

The Danger of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Ingesting even a small amount of concentrated eucalyptus oil is extremely dangerous due to the high concentration of the compound eucalyptol (also known as cineole). As little as 3.5 mL (less than one teaspoon) of the undiluted oil can be lethal, with symptoms appearing quickly and ranging from nausea and vomiting to seizures, coma, and even death. This is a crucial safety warning that must be heeded, as some people mistakenly believe they can add a few drops of essential oil to their tea.

Potential Benefits of Eucalyptus Leaf Tea

When prepared correctly from dried leaves, eucalyptus tea offers a range of potential health benefits, mostly related to its powerful aroma and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits include:

Respiratory Support: Eucalyptol in the leaves acts as an expectorant, helping to thin mucus and clear congestion associated with colds, flu, sinusitis, and bronchitis. Inhaling the steam while drinking the tea also helps to open up nasal passages.
Antioxidant Properties: Eucalyptus leaves are rich in beneficial antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Oral Health: The antibacterial compounds in eucalyptus have been shown to fight bacteria that cause plaque, cavities, and gingivitis. Using the tea as a gargle may help improve oral hygiene.
Relaxation and Stress Relief: The characteristic scent of eucalyptus can have calming effects, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Side Effects and Contraindications

While generally safe for healthy adults, eucalyptus tea is not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects, particularly with overconsumption. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is also known to interact with certain medications and should be avoided by specific groups of people.

Who Should Avoid Eucalyptus Tea?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of eucalyptus tea during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid it.
Children: Children are more susceptible to eucalyptus toxicity. The tea should not be given to children under 12, and essential oil is especially dangerous.
Individuals with certain health conditions: Those with liver or gallbladder disease, ulcers, or gastritis should consult a doctor before use.
Those on specific medications: Eucalyptus may affect blood sugar levels, interacting with diabetes medications. It may also interact with cholesterol, acid reflux, or psychiatric drugs.

How to Prepare Eucalyptus Leaf Tea Safely

To ensure safety, always use dried leaves, not essential oil. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients: 1–2 teaspoons of crushed, dried eucalyptus leaves and 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water.
Preparation: Place the leaves in an infuser or directly in your cup.
Steeping: Pour the hot water over the leaves. Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes. Steeping for too long can result in a more intense and bitter flavor.
Strain and Drink: Strain out the leaves before drinking. Add honey to soothe a sore throat if desired.
Dosage: For therapeutic use, 3–4 cups per day is a general guideline, but it is always best to start with a smaller amount.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil vs. Eucalyptus Leaf Tea


Feature	Eucalyptus Essential Oil	Eucalyptus Leaf Tea (from dried leaves)
Ingestion Safety	Highly Toxic and Unsafe for ingestion. Can cause severe, life-threatening poisoning even in small amounts.	Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for adults when consumed in moderation.
Preparation	Extracted and highly concentrated. Should never be added to hot water for drinking.	Made by infusing dried leaves in hot water, a process that extracts a much lower, non-toxic concentration of compounds.
Primary Use	Aromatherapy (diffusing), topical application (diluted), or in rubs like Vicks VapoRub for inhalation.	Drinking for respiratory relief, antioxidants, and promoting relaxation.
Concentration of Eucalyptol	Very high, which is why it is so toxic.	Much lower and released gradually during the steeping process.
Risk of Poisoning	High risk, with documented cases of seizures, coma, and death from ingestion.	Low risk for healthy adults when consumed in moderation. Main risk is from misusing essential oil.

Conclusion

While a soothing herbal tea brewed from dried eucalyptus leaves can offer various health benefits, it is crucial to recognize the grave danger posed by consuming eucalyptus essential oil. Proper preparation using the dried leaves ensures a safe and effective experience, primarily for adults seeking relief from respiratory symptoms. By understanding the difference and following precautions, particularly for pregnant women, children, and those with certain health conditions, you can enjoy the aromatic and therapeutic qualities of eucalyptus tea responsibly.

For further information on the medicinal properties and contraindications of herbal remedies, consider consulting reliable sources such as the Mount Sinai Health System's detailed information on Eucalyptus.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should never add eucalyptus essential oil to tea. Ingesting this concentrated oil, even in small amounts, is highly toxic and can lead to severe health complications or death.

When prepared from dried leaves, eucalyptus tea can offer respiratory benefits by acting as an expectorant to help clear congestion and soothe sore throats. It also contains antioxidants and may aid in relaxation.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with liver or gallbladder disease should avoid eucalyptus tea. People with diabetes or those on certain medications should consult a doctor before use.

If you or someone else accidentally ingests eucalyptus oil, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, seizures, and even coma. Call a poison control center immediately.

Yes, there is a significant difference. The tea from dried leaves extracts a small, non-toxic amount of active compounds, whereas essential oil is a highly concentrated and poisonous form that should never be consumed.

To make safe eucalyptus tea, steep 1–2 teaspoons of crushed, dried eucalyptus leaves in one cup of hot water for 5–10 minutes. Strain the leaves out before drinking to ensure no leaves are accidentally swallowed.

Yes, eucalyptus can interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes, high cholesterol, and psychiatric disorders, potentially altering their effectiveness. Always consult your doctor if you take daily medications.

No, eucalyptus tea is not recommended for children. Due to their higher susceptibility to eucalyptus toxicity, it's best to avoid giving them any form of ingested eucalyptus.