Hanging Eucalyptus in Your Shower Will Give You Major Spa Vibes
There's nothing like a trip to the spa to rejuvenate, refresh, and center you. We'd all live there if we could. Unfortunately, that's an unrealistic dream, so we're all about enjoying a spa-like experience in the comfort of our own bathroom. Maybe you add greenery, neutral tones, or smart shower heads, or maybe you make like Christina Hall and opt for a cold plunge tub in your backyard instead. No matter what your preferred spa treatment, the easiest way to feel calmer and more invigorated is aromatherapy. Citrus scents energize while lavender soothes. Eucalyptus, however, does both.
Hanging eucalyptus in your shower not only makes you feel like you're on a destination getaway, but it can also promote mental clarity and calm inflammation. But before you go out and buy a few fronds, it's important to understand how to maximize the plant's benefits. If you're just hanging it from your shower head, we hate to tell you but you're doing it wrong. But don't worry, we're here to help. Ahead, we break down why you should hang eucalyptus in your shower, what its benefits are, and how to get the most out of your bathroom's newest spa-like feature.
Why You Should Hang Eucalyptus
According to Mount Sinai, eucalyptus has long been used to reduce fevers, break up phlegm, and even aid with sore muscles. "Today, oil from the eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus) appears in many over-the-counter cough and cold products to relieve congestion. Eucalyptus oil is also used in creams and ointments to relieve muscle and joint pain, and in some mouthwashes," says the hospital's research.
Anti-Inflammation
When you inhale the scent of eucalyptus, the tannins released by the plant help to reduce inflammation in your respiratory tract and promote drainage of congested sinuses. Plus, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine, inhaling the scent of eucalyptus can promote blood flow to muscles, which helps with soreness, muscle fatigue, swelling, and recovery from physical exercise.
Mental Clarity
If you often feel tired and run down, eucalyptus is also effective at boosting energy levels since it helps promote mental clarity, alertness, and is mentally stimulating. While the benefits aren't as direct they are when you use a more concentrated eucalyptus essential oil, hanging fresh eucalyptus branches in your shower can still promote clarity, which is perfect for helping you wake up in your early morning showers.
How to Use a Bundle Properly
After buying your eucalyptus bundle, you'll want to roll it with a rolling pin, water bottle, or wine bottle in order to break up the leaves and get them to start releasing the oil. Then, you can hang the bunch in your shower and let steam do the rest of the work. The close proximity and added heat and moisture of the shower increase the accessibility of eucalyptus' health benefits. The steam helps loosen up the eucalyptus oil into the air, making it easier to breathe in. Even just five minutes is enough to reap the benefits.
How Long Will the Eucalyptus Last?
You can count on your eucalyptus bunch to remain fresh for two to three weeks. Toward the end of the third week, keep an eye out for browning and mold and try to notice if the scent has stopped. These are signs that it's time to replace the bunch with a new one.
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