The Real Reason You Should Hang Eucalyptus In Your Shower

If the words 'eucalyptus steam room' make you want to say "ahhhhh," read on. An upscale gym membership is no longer necessary to enjoy the sensuous experience; you can easily recreate it in your own shower.

Eucalyptus has long been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, but hanging it in home showers has recently come into vogue. The pretty bunches of aromatic blue-green leaves offer a lot of benefits. Christine Buckley, author of Plant Magic: Herbalism in Real Life, told mindbodygreen, "The scent of eucalyptus is gently invigorating without being overly stimulating. It calmly coaxes our awareness and concentration, which can be helpful in the morning! But it's also mild enough that it won't keep you awake after a before-bed shower or bath. It's also very soothing to our respiratory system: It works as an anti-inflammatory to help decongest the upper respiratory system."

Eucalyptus leaves contain oils that have known health benefits. When inhaled from a diffuser or in a steamy shower, compounds found in the oil are known to help with reducing stress, pain relief, respiratory health, and clearing sinus infections (via Healthline). Eucalyptus is also known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

When a few eucalyptus branches are hung in the shower, the heat and steam activate the essential oil compounds in the leaves, releasing them into the air, and immersing you in your own jumbo diffuser. Buckley explains, "Eucalyptus is high in volatile oils, which evaporate when exposed to the air. Hanging eucalyptus in the shower means we get the benefit of the volatile oils as the steam releases them from the leaves and holds them in the air around us."

Where can we find eucalyptus branches? You're likely to find bunches at a florist shop, or the flower section of the grocery store. They can also be bought online at Etsy. To make a shower bouquet, tie a few branches together at the stems, using a rubber band, and then hang them at the back of the shower head, where they won't be directly in the water flow. Then close your eyes, breathe deeply, and relax.