The Beautiful Plant You'll Want To Hang In Your Shower For All Of Its Benefits

You may be familiar with eucalyptus as a common houseplant or as a main staple of the koala bear diet, but you can also use it in your shower to bring your bathroom those spa-like vibes you've dreamed of. Not only is eucalyptus wonderfully aromatherapeutic, but it also adds a dash of natural greenery to your home — and has many health benefits you may not be aware of.

The eucalyptus plant(Eucalyptus globulus) has been used as a curative for many millennia. Because it grows very quickly and can thrive in a variety of climates, it's well-known and regarded throughout the world for its many uses including as timber, in herbal medicine, or as the aforementioned favorite snack of marsupials. Some of the eucalyptus plant's more prominent applications come from its oil, which can be added to creams, serums, and ointments and used as an antibiotic, fever reducer, cough cure, insect repellent, anti-inflammatory, or decongestant. The actual plant in its pure, natural form can easily thrive in your shower space, so you can enjoy some of these therapeutic and restorative effects without a trip to the pharmacy.

The easiest way to enjoy eucalyptus in your shower is simply to cut several springs off of a live eucalyptus plant, to about 12 to 18 inches long. Next, tie the twigs together with string or rubber bands at one end to make a bundle. Then, roll the bundle with a rolling pin or other cylindrical object to get the essential oils exposed at the surface of the leaves. Finally, take your fragrant bundle and hang it from your shower head just out of the water's reach. To do this, you can use more strings or rubber bands or even install a hook on your shower wall.

Now when you step into the shower, the steam from the hot water will warm up the plant's leaves allowing its volatile compounds, or essential oils, to surface. Inhale deeply to enjoy the eucalyptus plant's distinctive earthy, clean scent. 

If you don't have access to fresh eucalyptus, you can opt to use dried eucalyptus leaves to make your bundle instead. These preserved eucalyptus leaves won't have the same bright silver-green appearance, and the overall effect won't be quite as dramatic, but should offer plenty of refreshing smells for you, nonetheless.

With your gorgeous bundle of eucalyptus now positioned next to your shower head (and your head), breathe deeply and enjoy the benefits! Aromatherapy has been shown to calm the nervous system, offering a sense of relaxation and reduced anxiety. It can also reduce pain and improve mood. Eucalyptus itself has been shown to reduce pain and congestion, and even boost the immune system . Remember, though, that these are herbal remedies and not FDA-approved ones, or fully verified by scientific and medical data. A comprehensive study published by Phytomedicine Plus in 2021 found very encouraging results for the widespread benefits of eucalyptus, but it also concluded that more research is needed before using in mainstream treatments.

Finally, you'll want to keep using your senses to know when it's time to replace your bundle. Whether you used fresh or dried eucalyptus, it won't last forever — especially in such a humid environment. Keep an eye out for spoilage and keep your nose out for scent loss. Once your eucalyptus is past its prime (within a half-month or full month), dispose of it and make a brand-new bundle. Sorry koalas, we're coming for your favorite food!