Re-create the natural, spa-like experience of an aromatherapy steam room at home with nothing more than fresh eucalyptus and a hot shower. We'll show you step-by-step how to create a fresh eucalyptus shower bundle to enjoy the aromatic and decongestant benefits of eucalyptus during your shower.
I’m a firm believer in the healing power of warm showers. Hot water, steam, and a little aromatherapy can make anything—and I seriously mean anything—better.
After battling a stubborn sinus infection for weeks, I finally took my own advice and hit the shower for an aromatic eucalyptus steam session. Even though I was taking medicine at the time, eucalyptus and steam actually improved my symptoms without that foggy feeling you get with meds.
Not only was it relaxing, but it was a whole lot cheaper, too!
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Benefits of a Fresh Eucalyptus Shower
Eucalyptus is a godsend when it comes to relieving cold symptoms and healing respiratory issues. Eucalyptus has long been known to provide healing benefits because it’s naturally antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory [source].
Fresh eucalyptus has antiseptic properties that help to kill germs [source] and open up the airways in your nose and throat. It has been used for inhalation to help break up mucus, relieve sinus pressure, and soothe nasal passages so you can breathe more easily [source].
To turn your bathroom into a sinus-clearing steam room, simply buy a few branches of fresh eucalyptus from a local grocery store or florist.
Eucalyptus Shower Supplies
- 2–3 bunches baby blue eucalyptus fresh
- 1 bunch dried lavender or other flowers (optional)
I found a few different kinds of eucalyptus at Trader Joe’s for cheap, but you’ll want to use baby blue eucalyptus (as opposed to the large silver dollar variety) if you can find it. It has strong antiseptic properties, and of all the eucalyptus plants, it’s by far the most fragrant.
I also like to toss in a few branches of lavender. It makes for a pretty bouquet, and you get to reap the soothing benefits of lavender [source] while you’re at it. But this isn’t 100% necessary if you don’t have it, so you can either choose different flowers and herbs—peppermint, rosemary, or thyme would also work well—or skip it altogether.
The only other tools you need for this project are some twine, scissors, and a shower.
Instructions
Gather Eucalyptus Branches:
Remove any packaging and separate the branches. You're going to need about 10 to 15 eucalyptus branches.
Remove Lower Leaves:
Strip the leaves from the base of the long eucalyptus branches. You’ll want 2 to 3 inches of bare branch at the ends.
Create the Bundle:
Next, gather roughly 10-15 stems into a bundle. Place a small bundle of lavender on top, if desired.
Tie the Bundle:
Wrap the base of the branches about 10-12 times with twine or string. Keep it pretty tight so the branches don't fall out when hung upside down.
Knot Twine:
Flip the bundle over, and tie a knot at the back. Leave enough twine at the end to create a loop big enough to go over your shower head.
Make Shower Loop:
Tie a second knot about 5 inches away from the first knot to create a loop big enough to fit over your shower head. Or leave the ends loose and tie it around the shower head.
Trim the Stems:
Trim the ends of the branches so they’re all the same length.
Attach to Showerhead:
Hang the bundle over your shower head so the branches are near, but not in, the stream of hot water.
How to Hang a Eucalyptus Bundle
Hang the eucalyptus bundle on your showerhead or another part of your shower where it will be exposed to the steam but not directly in the water stream. The heat and moisture from the shower will activate the essential oils in the eucalyptus leaves, releasing their aromatic vapors.
Enjoy Your Shower!
Shut the door, turn the shower on high, and let the bathroom fill with steam. Breathe in the refreshing and invigorating scent of eucalyptus. The steam will help disperse the eucalyptus oils, which can aid in clearing congestion and revitalizing your senses.
Top Tips:
- Refresh Your Bundle: Depending on the freshness of the eucalyptus and the frequency of your showers, a bundle can last anywhere from a few weeks to a month. You'll know it's time to replace it when the leaves start to dry out and lose their scent.
- Add Essential Oil: enhance the effects of your fresh eucalyptus shower bundle by adding essential oils to it. This is a great way to boost the aromatic experience. You can add more essential oils to the bundle every few days or as you notice the scent fading.
- Cold Storage: If you have extra eucalyptus branches, store them in a cool, dark place or even in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness until you’re ready to use them.
- Experiment: Feel free to add other aromatic herbs like lavender or rosemary to your bundle for additional benefits and scents.
Storage
Replace your eucalyptus bundle once it starts to dry out and lose its scent, which typically happens after about 3-4 weeks. The longevity can vary based on shower frequency, temperature, and humidity levels.
Once the eucalyptus leaves have dried and lost their scent, they can still be used as a decorative element in your home. While they won't provide the aromatic benefits anymore, they can add a touch of greenery to your décor. However, they can't be "reactivated" for the same aromatic purposes once dried out.
Eucalyptus Shower Variations
1. Eucalyptus Oil Shower Steam
Create a steam inhalation remedy by sprinkling a few drops of eucalyptus and/or peppermint essential oil around the shower or in a shower salt then turn up the water to as warm a temperature as you can stand it.
You can also use congestion-clearing essential oils, an eucalyptus shower steamer, or a shower steamer with menthol. The hot steam helps extract the essential oils from the eucalyptus and disperses them throughout the air.
Either hop in the shower or simply pull up a chair and breathe in the steam. You should feel its effects and start breathing better within a matter of minutes.
2. Fresh Eucalyptus Steam without a Shower
To a pot of water, add about 3 to 4 tablespoons of fresh eucalyptus leaves or a few whole stems. Look for the baby blue eucalyptus as opposed to the silver dollar variety since it contains the oils we need. Bring it to a rolling boil.
Remove from the heat, and hold your face about 12 inches above the pot, covering your head and the pot completely with a towel. Take slow, deep breaths with your eyes closed to prevent irritation. Repeat as needed.
3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil Inhalation
If fresh eucalyptus isn’t available, its essential oil (EO) can be used in place of the fresh stuff. Eucalyptus EO is a popular ingredient in chest balms and muscle massage oils. It has a menthol constituent that helps us open up and breathe more easily.
Eucalyptus globulus has the strongest scent and medicinal properties. However, Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus smithii are also good choices, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or noses, as they have a milder aroma and effects.
Add 1 to 2 drops of oil to a sink of hot water. Hold your head over the sink, close your eyes, and inhale deeply; you can drape a towel over your head to trap the steam. This method is great for a stuffy nose and sinuses.
3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil Diffusion
Make a eucalyptus shower spray and you can spritz it in the shower or any room that needs a refresh. Or diffuse a few drops in a room with a simple reed diffuser, or buy a diffuser like this one that covers a larger area.
You can also add 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus EO to a humidifier or a pot of water on the stove. Avoid the direct use of eucalyptus EO with infants and young children.
4. Eucalyptus Bath
Taking a eucalyptus bath is another way to help relieve congestion and relax your body. Combine it with Epsom salt for a soothing detox bath soak.
FAQ
It’s best if your eucalyptus stays dry (or as dry as possible) in the shower. Letting it get waterlogged can cause mold or mildew to form pretty quickly. Not only is it not great to breathe in mold, but it will create a mess that’s difficult to deal with later.
You don’t! Your branches will slowly start to dry out, turn brown, and lose their scent, at which point you’ll want to toss them and create a fresh bundle.
Fresh eucalyptus tends to be more fragrant than when it is dry or dead. Even if you start with fresh eucalyptus, as it sits, you’ll notice the aroma fades over time. That’s just one more reason to replace your eucalyptus bundle every week or two.
Tie the eucalyptus bundle tightly so that branches don't fall out and remove any loose leaves before hanging it in your shower. As the bundle ages and leaves start to dry, check and remove any loose leaves that may fall.
How to Take a Eucalyptus Steam Shower
Equipment
- String or baker’s twine
- Scissors
- Shower
Materials
- 2–3 bunches baby blue eucalyptus fresh
- 1 bunch dried lavender or other flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Start by breaking apart the eucalyptus bunch into single branches. Set the longer branches in one pile and the short branches in another. You can display the short branches in a separate smaller bouquet or try to use them in your eucalyptus shower bundle.
- Strip the leaves from the base of your long eucalyptus branches. You’ll want about 2 to 3 inches of bare branches that you can tie twine around.
- Gather the branches together into a bundle. I placed the lavender on top, but you’re free to mix it in.
- Wrap the base of the branches about 10–15 times with twine. You’ll want it to be pretty tight to keep the branches from falling out when hung upside down.
- Flip the bundle over, and tie a knot at the back.
- Tie a second knot about 5 inches away from the first knot. Make sure the loop is big enough to fit it over your shower head.
- Trim the ends of the branches so they’re all the same length.
- Hang the bundle over your shower head so the branches are near, but not in, the stream of water.
Notes
References
References:
1. Sabo VA, et al. Antimicrobial activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. plant extracts and essential oils: a review. Ind Crops Prod. 2019.
2. Sadlon AE, et al. Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Altern Med Rev. 2010.
3. Horváth G, et al. Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti‐inflammatory action: a review. Flavour Fragr J. 2015.
4. Koulivand PH, et al. Lavender and the nervous system. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a dermatologist who practices adult and pediatric medical dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and cosmetic dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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