Last Updated on July 7, 2024

Try adding fresh eucalyptus in the shower and feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to face the day. Not only does it smell amazing, but it also adds a spa-like look to your bathroom.

The benefits of eucalyptus in the shower are numerous! Not only is it filled with essential oils that release with the help of the steam in your shower, but breathing in those oils helps with many ailments and awakens your senses. We will discuss the eucalyptus in shower benefits and why you should consider this natural wellness trick in your home!

eucalyptus in the shower

We have been talking about allergies a lot. I’ve been sneaking bee pollen into energy bites, smoothies, and even dairy-free ice cream! (I jest…. maybe).

But, today we’re not talking about food.

We’re talking about showering. Everyone knows steam is great when you’re congested and feel crummy, but when combined with fresh eucalyptus leaves — the results are AMAZING. 

So, grab some eucalyptus leaves and get ready to open up your very own personal spa, because having a eucalyptus plant in the shower is a game changer. From soothing your respiratory system to calming irritated skin, eucalyptus in shower benefits are far reaching, regardless of your goals.

eucalyptus in shower benefits

I was skeptical when I first heard of the benefits of eucalyptus in the shower. Can adding a few stems of one plant really do everything I was told it would do? I had to know. So in addition to looking it up, I had to try putting a eucalyptus plant in my shower and see for myself.

The research shows that putting a eucalyptus plant in the shower can:

• Awaken your senses
• Clear your mind
• Help you destress 
• Open your nasal passages and you’ll breathe easier 
• Freshen the bathroom
• Soothe eczema and acne
• May repel mosquitoes and other bugs for up to 8 hours

And, it has the added bonus of looking pretty. I love plants, especially eucalyptus in the shower! It’s so easy, feels great, and adds such a luxurious feel to any bathroom.

my favorite benefits of eucalyptus in the shower

I want plants in every room of the house. I especially love an excuse to add greenery to the bathroom since it’s usually such a utilitarian, ugly room. So while less functional, the aesthetic is one of my favorite aspects.

I mentioned earlier that since introducing bee pollen, I’m having fewer and fewer sinus headaches. However, they inevitably strike a couple of times a year. And when they do, they seem to strike hard.

So when that happens, a steamy eucalyptus leaf shower immediately makes me feel better. My understanding is that this is partially because of the invigorating scent, which triggers happy hormones. These contribute to pain relief and stress reduction, as well as the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help with sinus issues and respiratory health.

While the body ache relief, fresh scent, and relaxation are awesome bonuses, my favorite part of having a eucalyptus plant in the shower is definitely my sinus relief. I use it to treat existing problems when I have a cold or my allergies are acting up, and I use it to help avoid future problems going forward.

Since there are no downsides to having eucalyptus in the shower (except for the warnings below), why not keep a bunch in there all the time, right?

how to use eucalyptus in the shower

It’s so easy to take advantage of these benefits! First, you’ll want to get a bouquet of fresh eucalyptus for the shower. I bought mine at the farmer’s market for $5.00. You should be able to find it at a florist or at your grocery store.

I chatted with the vendor for a while. She said eucalyptus in the shower is good for about a month before it starts to dry out.

You can also dry the eucalyptus plant and keep it in a vase indefinitely. I had too much for a shower bundle, so half is currently being used as decoration in my living room. The other half is proudly hanging in the shower. 

When they do dry out, I like to add them to a vinegar mixture for cleaning or simply toss them into the compost pile. I’ve also been toying with the idea of making wreaths out of them. Reduce, reuse, recycle — you know the drill!

faqs about putting a eucalyptus plant in the shower

how do you cut fresh eucalyptus?

Eucalyptus is incredibly sticky, so be prepared! It’s also really difficult to cut.

It’s much easier to snap it and then try to cut it where it’s been snapped. I actually used a knife to sever the stalks.

how do you hold the eucalyptus leaves together?

You’ll want to gather a handful of branches roughly the same size and tie a knot around them. I used some organic cotton twine I’ve had for ages.

Once the life of your cotton twine has come to an end, don’t forget to compost it! 

I cut a long piece and kept wrapping it to make it look more like a bouquet. Each time I went around, I pulled the string tighter. The pieces can get wily, and I wanted them to be more streamlined. 

how do I use the eucalyptus plant?

Just tie it to the base of your shower head! You don’t want water to run down the leaves so make sure you place it out of the direct water stream. 

do you have to use fresh eucalyptus for the shower?

Fresh eucalyptus for the shower is ideal since you won’t be able to extract any of those compounds or essential oils out of dried eucalyptus. However, if fresh eucalyptus isn’t an option, there are ways to achieve similar results!

Try using a eucalyptus oil body wash or soap, or incorporating eucalyptus essential oil into your bathroom. Simply put a few drops into a diffuser and run in the bathroom while you shower. The diffused oils along with the steamy shower will be a pretty good replication of the real thing. You may be missing out on the spa like aesthetic, though!

is eucalyptus safe for everyone?

It’s safe for most people. As mentioned above, it’s important to keep the branches out of the direct stream of water. This is because undiluted eucalyptus oil can be super irritating to the skin and eyes. Water and the oil don’t mix, so the water will not appropriately dilute the extracted oils (you need a carrier oil for that).

It’s best to allow the steam to activate and release those oils into the air without coming into direct contact with them! Also, be aware that eucalyptus is toxic to pets, so you need to keep your furry loved ones away from the plants, activated water, and bathroom while in use! If you’re concerned, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

What are some of your favorite ways to fight allergy season? Do you have any natural remedies you use for congestion?