You might have seen people in your life or around the internet hanging eucalyptus in their shower. In addition to adding a touch of natural beauty to your bathroom, this actually has a variety of benefits! Read on to learn about the benefits of hanging eucalyptus in your shower, and how to incorporate this aromatherapy practice into your routine.
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Why Hang Eucalyptus In Your Shower?
Eucalyptus is a beautiful plant with a soft, sage green color, round leaves, and a wonderful smell. It’s one of my all time favorites and it makes a great addition to bouquets! But you can also hang a bundle of eucalyptus from your shower head to unlock a variety of benefits:
- Aromatherapy and mood enhancement: Just like how diffusers release essential oils into the air with steam, a warm shower can help bring out the aroma of eucalyptus! This is a simple way to add aromatherapy to your shower routine without a diffuser. The smell is sweet, herbal, relaxing, and grounding.
- Pain and inflammation management: Eucalyptus has natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. In a clinical trial, patients who simply inhaled eucalyptus oil experienced less pain after surgery! (1)
- Anxiety-reducing: The smell of eucalyptus has a calming effect that can help reduce anxiety. So while you’re showering, you can take a deep breath and mentally prepare for the day, or clam down before bed for a more restful sleep. Some people even use it to successfully calm pre-op nerves! (1)
- Pest-repellant: Eucalyptus is known to be a natural pest repellent. In addition to keeping mosquitos away and fleas out of your yard, it’s also a great natural solution for head lice.
- Clear congestion: Eucalyptus aromatherapy is a great way to clear stuffy noses and minimize sinus headaches. So if you wake up with allergies like I do, showering with a bundle of eucalyptus can help!
Where to Get Eucalyptus Branches
If you live in northern California like I do, there is eucalyptus everywhere! From backyards and coastal back roads to public parks, there is truly no shortage of eucalyptus in my region.
If you live in an area that also has lots of eucalyptus, you may be able to source some branches from local parks or borrow some from a neighbor. The only issue is not knowing what treatments public areas like parks use on their landscaping; even if pesticides aren’t being used on the trees themselves, any fallen branches are at risk of being exposed to sprays and treatments.
It’s usually easier and safer to buy some at a store! You can purchase eucalyptus at flower shops and grocery stores, in the floral arrangement sections. My local Trader Joe’s usually has them.
How to Hang Eucalyptus In Your Shower
Hanging eucalyptus in the shower is incredibly simple! Here are some tips:
- Acquire your bouquet.
- Set the branches on a flat surface and roll over the leaves with a wine bottle or rolling pin to release the smell.
- Tie the branches together with a rubber band, hair tie, or twine.
- Use a hook or more twine to hang the bundle upside down from your shower head, and voila! You now have a bundle of eucalyptus in your shower.
How Long Does a Eucalyptus Shower Bundle Last?
A eucalyptus bundle can last about 1-4 weeks in your shower. However, its lifespan can vary depending on how fresh the branches were when you got them, as well as the temperature and humidity in your bathroom.
If the branches become brittle, lose color, or begin to rot, and it’s been more than 4 weeks, it’s probably time to replace them with a fresh bundle.
Additional Tips for Eucalyptus Shower Bundles
Below are some additional tips to help you maximize your eucalyptus shower bundle:
- Experiment with different varieties: There are so many types of eucalyptus out there! Each has its own unique scent and properties, so try experimenting with different varieties to find your favorite.
- Combine with other herbs: For a more complex aromatherapy experience, try combining with other fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary, or spearmint—although it’s important to remember the lifespan for each one may be different from the eucalyptus. If you’re doing an herb variety combo consider swapping them out every 2 weeks to keep things fresh.
- Safety first: While eucalyptus is generally safe, it’s important to use it cautiously. If you have allergies or sensitivities, consult with a healthcare professional before using eucalyptus in your shower. Do not ingest it either.
Find More Natural Lifestyle Tips at Naturally Simple Living
By hanging eucalyptus bundles in your shower, you can create a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy every time you step into the shower. It’s such a simple way to add a bit of luxury to your self care routine!
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Happy living!
References
- 12 Surprising uses for eucalyptus Oil. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-eucalyptus-oil-benefits-and-uses