Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Eucalyptus, particularly in the form of oil extracted from Eucalyptus citriodora (now Corymbia citriodora), is scientifically recognized for its insect repellent properties. The active compound in this oil, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), has been shown in multiple studies to be effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both acknowledge oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), which contains PMD, as a viable alternative to synthetic repellents like DEET. Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that PMD-based repellents provide similar levels of protection against mosquito bites compared to lower concentrations of DEET, lasting up to several hours per application.

Historically, eucalyptus leaves and oils have been used in traditional medicine systems in Australia and elsewhere for various purposes, but the specific use of eucalyptus as an insect repellent is primarily supported by modern scientific research. The effectiveness of eucalyptus oil depends on its concentration and formulation; not all eucalyptus species or essential oils offer the same level of protection. Safety guidelines recommend that OLE products not be used on children under three years old. Overall, the scientific evidence for eucalyptus, specifically in the form of PMD, as an insect repellent is robust, justifying its inclusion in many commercially available insect repellent products.

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