Magickal properties of Eucalyptus

Magickal properties of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a shrubby, flowering plant with a fresh and herbaceous fragrance. Most varieties are native to Australia. Koalas love to munch on the leaves, and the essential oil is popular in aromatherapy and herbal remedies. Lots of people are familiar with Eucalyptus as an ingredient in cold remedies like Vicks VapoRub. The fibrous leaves have even been studied as a renewable textile source!

Eucalyptus is available to the Witch as a dry herb, as an essential oil, and as a blended (anointing) oil. Synthetics are rare because Eucalyptus oil is not terribly expensive to produce.

Magickal Uses of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is used to bring fresh energy to a situation, to heal regrets and worries, and to relieve mental exhaustion. It is an excellent herb to use when someone or something is bothering you. It is often blended with other healing herbs to bring relief from physical or emotional concerns.

Eucalyptus leaves may safely be burned, infused, sprinkled, or stuffed into mojo bags, pillows, and poppets. Anointing oils of Eucalyptus are excellent for cleansing ritual tools. The protective magick of Eucalyptus is short-lived but very potent. It removes negative influences from the immediate surroundings. Unlike some other protective herbs, Eucalyptus gently creates a barrier without attacking or constraining others.

Correspondences of Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus plants exude a lot of volatile compounds. Over Australia’s Eucalyptus forests, you can sometimes see a haze of oils dissolved in the air just above the treeline. The fragrance is dry and fresh and dissipates quickly. The herb is said to improve mental clarity and is often prescribed for respiratory ailments. For these reasons, I would attribute Eucalyptus to Air and Mercury.

However, the plant’s high water content and calming properties—not to mention its large and prominent seed podsmake a good argument for Water/Venus. Eucalyptus is in the Myrtle family, and Myrtle is sacred to Venus. Wiccan herb expert Scott Cunningham even attributed Eucalyptus to the Moon. (Seems strange, but the aroma is said to improve the vividness of dreams.)

Spells and Formulas with Eucalyptus

Make an infusion of leaves of Eucalyptus, Mint, and Hyssop for washing floors and doorsteps. Hyssop cleanses evil, Eucalyptus heals the past, and Mint invites good luck.

Stuff the leaves in healing poppets and eye pillows.

To start the day with a fresh, positive outlook, rub a few drops of Eucalyptus oil between your palms and breathe in deeply. (For extra credit, do this in the shower.)

From Scott Cunningham: “To relieve colds, ring green candles with leaves and pods and burn them to the socket, visualizing the person (or yourself) as being completely healthy. Also hang a small branch (or twig) of eucalyptus over the sick bed.” (Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs)

Precautions

Most of the precautions with Eucalyptus apply to the essential oilthe leaves are generally safe to use. Eucalyptus essential oil is toxic in large quantities. Take breaks from daily use of the essential oil to avoid toxic buildup. Don't use on babies or young children. While it is prescribed by some home remedies, taking Eucalyptus oil internally can cause serious liver damage.

Always dilute essential oils before applying to skin. Eucalyptus can be irritating to the face, eyes, and sensitive skin.

Scent profile: Herbal, Camphoraceous

Correspondences: Air/Water, Mercury, Venus

Occult properties of herbs are provided for historical interest only, and no outcome is guaranteed. Nothing on this website should be taken as medical or legal advice. Please use herbs responsibly.

Search our shop for Eucalyptus products, or browse more articles.

Back to blog