Lemon Eucalyptus
OTHER NAME(S): Citron-Scent Gum, Eucalipto con Olor a Limón, Eucalyptus Citronné, Eucalyptus à Odeur de Citronnelle, Gomme à Odeur de Citronnelle, Gommier à Odeur de Citronnelle, Lemon Scented Gum, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, OLE, P-menthane Diol, P-menthane-3,8-Diol, Para-menthane-3,8-diol, PMD, Quwenling, Spotted Gum, Wild Eucalyptus Citriodora, Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus citriodora, Lemon eucalyptus oil, Lemonscented gum, Eucalipto Limón, Eucalyptus citronné
Overview
Lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) is a tree. Oil from its leaves are used as medicine.
Lemon eucalyptus contains chemicals that repel mosquitoes and kill fungus.
People use lemon eucalyptus oil to repel mosquitos. It is also used for joint pain, osteoarthritis, to repel ticks, and for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse lemon eucalyptus with similarly named eucalyptus, lemon, lemon balm, lemon verbena, or lemongrass. These are not the same.
Uses
Likely Effective for
- Preventing mosquito bites. Applying lemon eucalyptus oil to the skin is about as effective as other mosquito repellents, including some products that contain DEET.
There is interest in using lemon eucalyptus for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lemon eucalyptus is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Lemon eucalyptus oil is likely safe when used short-term. It's generally well-tolerated, but some people might have a mild skin reaction to the oil.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lemon eucalyptus is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Lemon eucalyptus oil is likely safe when used short-term. It's generally well-tolerated, but some people might have a mild skin reaction to the oil.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lemon eucalyptus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Lemon Eucalyptus overview.
Dosing
Lemon eucalyptus oil has most often been used by adults in concentrations of 30% to 75% applied to the skin. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Telebriefing Transcript CDC Adopts New Repellent Guidelines for Upcoming Mosquito Season. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/transcripts/t050428.htm. (Accessed 28 April 2005).
- Ramezani H, Singh HP, Batish DR, Kohli RK. Antifungal activity of the volatile oil of Eucalyptus citriodora. Fitoterapia 2002;73:261-2.
- Hadis M, Lulu M, Mekonnen Y, Asfaw T. Field trials on the repellent activity of four plant products against mainly Mansonia population in western Ethiopia. Phytother Res 2003;17:202-5.
- Barnard DR, Bernier UR, Posey KH, Xue RD. Repellency of IR3535, KBR3023, para-menthane-3,8-diol, and deet to black salt marsh mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Everglades National Park. J Med Entomol 2002;39:895-9.
- US Environmental Protection Agency. p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Biopesticide Registration Eligibility Document. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/biopesticides/ ingredients/tech_docs/tech_011550.htm#BIBLIOGRAPHY (Accessed 18 May 2005).
- Moore SJ, Lenglet A, Hill N. Field evaluation of three plant-based insect repellents against malaria vectors in Vaca Diez Province, the Bolivian Amazon. J Am Mosq Control Assoc 2002;18:107-10.
- Fradin MS, Day JF. Comparative efficacy of insect repellents against mosquito bites. N Engl J Med 2002;347:13-8.
- Govere J, Durrheim DN, Baker L, et al. Efficacy of three insect repellents against the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis. Med Vet Entomol 2000;14:441-4.
- Gardulf A, Wohlfart I, Gustafson R. A prospective cross-over field trial shows protection of lemon eucalyptus extract against tick bites. J Med Entomol 2004;41:1064-7.
- Barasa SS, Ndiege IO, Lwande W, Hassanali A. Repellent activities of stereoisomers of p-menthane-3,8-diols against Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae). J Med Entomol 2002;39:736-41.
- Trigg JK, Hill N. Laboratory evaluation of a Eucalyptus-based repellent against four biting arthropods. Phytother Res 1996;10:313-16.
- Collins DA, Brady JN, Curtis CF. Assessment of the efficacy of Quwenling as a mosquito repellent. Phytother Res 1993;7:17-20.
- Love JN, Sammon M, Smereck J. Are one or two dangerous? Camphor exposure in toddlers. J Emerg Med 2004;27:49-54..
- Gouin S, Patel H. Unusual cause of seizure. Pediatr Emerg Care 1996;12:298-300.
- Ramsewak RS, Nair MG, Stommel M, Selanders L. In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against 'toe nail fungus' pathogens. Phytother Res 2003;17:376-9..
- Adachi N, Munesada M, Yamada N, Suzuki H, Futohashi A, Shigeeda T, Kato S, Nishigaki M. Effects of aromatherapy massage on face-down posture-related pain after vitrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. Pain Manag Nurs. 2014 Jun;15(2):482-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2012.12.004. Epub 2013 Mar 5.
- Tolba H, Moghrani H, Benelmouffok A, Kellou D, Maachi R. Essential oil of Algerian Eucalyptus citriodora: Chemical composition, antifungal activity. J Mycol Med. 2015;25(4):e128-33.
- Ansari P, Flatt PR, Harriott P, Abdel-Wahab YHA. Insulinotropic and antidiabetic properties of Eucalyptus citriodora leaves and isolation of bioactive phytomolecules. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021;73(8):1049-1061.