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 were the only things that 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!
Here’s how to make your own aromatherapy steam room with nothing more than fresh eucalyptus and a hot shower.
Sinus-Clearing Eucalyptus Shower
Eucalyptus is a godsend when it comes to relieving cold symptoms and healing respiratory issues. Fresh eucalyptus has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory 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. 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, it’s by far the most fragrant.
What you need for a eucalyptus shower
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—heather, 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.
Once you’ve purchased your branches, start by removing the packaging and separating the eucalyptus into single branches. If you’re pressed for time, you can leave them together, but I find that they’re harder to manage that way. You’ll also want to strip the leaves from the base of the branches so you have a clean surface around which to tie the twine.
Next, gather roughly ten to fifteen eucalyptus branches together. Place a small bundle of lavender on top, and tie everything tightly at the base with string or baker’s twine. Leave enough twine to create a loop big enough to go over your shower head.
Head to your bathroom and hang the bundle from your shower head.
You’ll want to position the branches so they sit in between the wall and the stream of water, not in the water itself. Lastly, shut the door, turn the shower on high, and let the bathroom fill with steam. For added benefit, you can also place a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil or a menthol shower steamer in an out-of-the-way corner of your shower.
The hot steam helps extract the essential oils from the eucalyptus and disperse 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.
Eucalyptus Shower FAQs
Can my eucalyptus bundle get wet?
It’s best if your eucalyptus stays dry (or as dry as possible) in the shower. Getting it waterlogged can cause it to mold or mildew 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.
How do you keep eucalyptus alive in the shower?
You don’t! Your branches will slowly start to dry out, turn brown, and lose their scent, at which point you’ll want to create a fresh bundle.
Why isn’t my eucalyptus fragrant?
Fresh eucalyptus tends to be more fragrant than when it is dry or dead. Even if you start with fresh, fragrant 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.
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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
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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hello, I'm trying to make a eucalyptus shower mist/spray but its not very strong in scent. I've used a lot of essential oil and it still sprays very weak. its an 8 oz bottle with filtered water
How long does the eucalyptus last?