The hot water hisses on, the bathroom fills with steam, and you step into a hot shower for a quiet moment of relaxation – there’s simply nothing better. Especially after a long or challenging day, or time away, a hot shower is the closest thing to the spa many people get, and it’s right there in your home.

And sometimes, your in-shower experience could use a boost. From adding candles to aromatherapy to some calming music – there’s a myriad of simple solutions that can make for a more relaxing time that feels like a pricey trip to the spa in the comfort of your own home. One more thing that can take your spa vibes to the next level at home?

A simple bundle of eucalyptus in the shower.

This ultra-simple, affordable plant not only looks cool and aesthetically pleasing, but it also comes with some serious wellness benefits we can all appreciate. Read on to find out more about what eucalyptus does in the shower and how to make your own spa-like eucalyptus bundle.

Why is Eucalyptus in the Shower Popular?

We all like a good moment of pause, and relaxation.

And a long hot shower with eucalyptus has become a popular way to get that R&R we all love. Eucalyptus is a popular plant for shower decor because of its aesthetic appeal and health benefits. If you’ve checked Pinterest or Instagram, you have likely seen pictures of pretty bundles of eucalyptus hanging in showers. They simply look good and elevate almost any shower space into a more luxe experience.

It’s not just a nice decor piece though! Known for its respiratory health benefits, eucalyptus is a native Australian plant that has been used in aromatherapy and traditional medicines around the world for many years.

There is a myriad of uses and benefits to hanging eucalyptus in the shower that have made it increasingly popular and common:

• Eucalyptus is a natural deodorizer and air freshener
• Eucalyptus offers relaxation and calm
• Eucalyptus also has health benefits

And those are just the start. Eucalyptus in the shower is definitely a small swap that can make the difference, in both your health, wellness, and plain old aesthetics – hence the popularity of adding the plant to your shower.

What Does Eucalyptus Do in the Shower?

Eucalyptus is a versatile plant that has been used for many purposes. The leaves, bark, and oils of eucalyptus have been used in teas and infusions to help with congestion and respiratory troubles, as well as stress relief and boost immunity.

Eucalyptus leaves can be used in your shower to create a spa-like experience at home. The clean scent of eucalyptus will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed after every shower!

Additionally, the benefits of eucalyptus in showers extend to health benefits, too, including:

• Aiding in respiratory and congestion troubles
• Relieving stress
• Reducing bacteria
• Boosting immunity

Ready to get your eucalyptus on? Let’s dive into the science behind this amazing plant, and what it can do for you.

Clears Congestion and Respiratory Troubles

Got a nasty cough you just can’t shake? Maybe it’s time to try some eucalyptus in the shower.

Eucalyptus oil acts as an expectorant, which means it loosens phlegm and relieves coughs. It’s also a natural decongestant that helps clear congestion from your respiratory system. So when you have that lingering cough, eucalyptus can be a savior to your respiratory system and relieve annoying congestion.

This essential oil is also anti-microbial, so it can help fight off infections in your lungs and sinuses caused by bacteria or viruses.

These properties make eucalyptus essential oil one of the best oils for use for cold and flu symptoms, and one of the easiest and safest ways to get its benefits is to simply shower with it. When the oils release into the steam, you’ll be able to breathe just a little easier (for more than one reason!)

Relieves Stress

Did you know that eucalyptus is a natural stress reliever? Yep – these green boughs are more than just a pretty bunch of greenery! Eucalyptus has been shown to have a calming effect on the body and mind, helping to relieve muscle tension. And if simply enjoying some exposure to this plant or oil hasn’t proved it to you yet, take it from the science behind this phenomenon.

One study exposed patients about to undergo surgery to eucalyptus to test the effect of the eucalyptus on their stress. As you can imagine (or maybe you’ve been in this situation before), it’s a pretty high-stress time, and your body would definitely be feeling and demonstrating the impact stress has in measurable terms for scientists.

The patients were then exposed to eucalyptus oil by inhalation, similar to how your eucalyptus in the shower bundle offers you the chance to breathe these oils in. Afterward, the researchers reviewed the results and concluded that inhalation of eucalyptus oil might relieve anxiety before, during, and after various procedures. And while you may not have the daunting task of facing medical procedures on a daily or weekly basis, you can apply this logic to the regular stressors in your life and find a bit of calm in the chaos – thanks to eucalyptus in the shower.

Reduces Bacteria

Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial. Things with antibacterial properties are useful for killing bacteria in places like the shower, where warm moist environments can make for a breeding ground for bacteria.

One of the major components of eucalyptus oil (1,8-cineole) has antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, including Tuberculosis, MRSA, and viruses, as well as fungi.

Aside from being antimicrobial, it is also immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic. There’s a long history of folk use with good safety records of using eucalyptus and eucalyptus oil, which is why it is currently being studied in a number of ways. Eucalyptus essential oil might be useful in understanding how traditional cures relate to modern medicine and might also be exploited as a natural antibiotic.

Boosts Immunity

Besides the fact that eucalyptus oil is soothing and helps to relieve stuffy noses and coughs, there’s also some immune-boosting science behind why and how it does this. Researchers are looking into the effects of eucalyptol on respiratory and immune function by testing the oil on rodents, in one example. A low dose of eucalyptus oil produced a positive effect through anti-inflammation, mucosa excretion, and improved mucociliary movement in the airways. All that is science for eucalyptus oil has been shown to improve immune function through several different mechanisms.

And while we do know eucalyptus oil helps, we do need to study more about the mechanism of how and why it does. For now, you can rest assured that your eucalyptus in showers is safe and will help reduce colds and help boost immunity.

What Types of Eucalyptus for Showers Are There?

It is estimated that there are 700 varieties of Eucalyptus trees in the world, but you will likely come across a few common species when shopping for Eucalyptus in shower bundles.

Fresh eucalyptus comes in varieties such as:

• Lemon eucalyptus
• Blue Gum
• Silver Dollar
• Silver Gum
• Eucalyptus Gunnii

There are eucalyptus trees growing in many countries across North and South America, Asia, and Europe, but they grow mostly in Australia.

There are also a few different types or formats of eucalyptus that you can use in your shower, depending on what you’re looking for:

• Fresh eucalyptus
• Dried eucalyptus
• Preserved eucalyptus
• Eucalyptus oil

We’ll break down those types below so you can decide which is best for you and your shower.

Fresh Eucalyptus for Shower

Eucalyptus can be added to your shower in a number of ways. The most common way is with fresh stems. These are stems of eucalyptus that are typically available in bouquets at the grocery store or flower shop and haven’t had anything done to them to preserve or alter their state. There’s nothing quite like the fragrance of freshly-picked eucalyptus stems. Light, floral, and fresh, this plant is immediately enjoyable in any room of your home as an arrangement.

No matter which variety of eucalyptus you choose, fresh eucalyptus shower bundles have the strongest fragrance, and therefore their scent will be potent and enjoyable right away. In fact, you will likely notice their smell before you even hang the eucalyptus in the shower. Just remember this type of eucalyptus in the shower will not last as long as others may, as they are fresh.

Dried Eucalyptus in Shower

If you don’t have access to fresh eucalyptus leaves or they aren’t your first choice, dried eucalyptus may be the right choice for you.

Dried eucalyptus branches are hung in a warm, dark place for several weeks to dry out. This prolongs their life and makes storing them easier. Dried eucalyptus is a good choice for people who don’t like the stronger smell of fresh eucalyptus but still want some fragrance from their shower bundle. The leaves are likely to be browner and more brittle than fresh ones, but they will last longer because of their low moisture content.

If you want to dry eucalyptus yourself, you’ll need a few things:

• A warm, dry, dark place to hang them.
• A string or wire for hanging up the branches.
• Scissors or shears to cut off any dead leaves and twigs from your dried-out branches before using them in your shower.

Simply hang the eucalyptus for several weeks, trim, and enjoy it in your eucalyptus bundle for the shower.

Preserved Eucalyptus

Preserved Eucalyptus is dyed to maintain color and preserved naturally to maintain scent. Thanks to this process, you’ll be able to enjoy the preserved leaves and branches for months to come! The eucalyptus is preserved with glycerin, so there are no harsh chemicals, and the fragrance of the natural eucalyptus can be released.

It’s not clear, however, how much of the benefits of eucalyptus oil you’ll actually be able to reap using preserved eucalyptus in the shower. So if you’re looking for more aesthetic and fragrance benefits rather than health ones, preserved eucalyptus is best. It is also more expensive than fresh eucalyptus because it needs special care to preserve its bright green color and crisp fragrance, however, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a cheap option.

How to Hang Eucalyptus in Shower

Now that you’re an expert in the various types and formats you can purchase eucalyptus in, let’s talk about how you can DIY your own eucalyptus shower bundle!

Before you get started, assemble the items you need to create the perfect, sturdy eucalyptus shower bundle:

1. A bunch or bouquet of the eucalyptus of your choice (dried, fresh, or preserved)
2. Small pruning shears or strong scissors
3. Gardening gloves
4. A rolling pin
5. Twine

Once you have your items assembled, clear your work surface off and lay down a garbage bag or other cover over the surface to catch any debris and avoid getting any mess on your countertops or table. We also recommend using gardening gloves to do this process to avoid getting any unwanted contact with the stems and branches’ sticky sap that can be released during handling.

Then, when you’re satisfied with your setup, you can continue on to the next part of the process – building your eucalyptus shower bundle.

Follow the steps below to achieve the perfect eucalyptus shower bundle.

Step in Hanging Eucalyptus in Shower	What to Do
Step 1	Choose which type (fresh, dried, or preserved) as well as what variety (silver dollar, Gunni) of eucalyptus you would like to hang in your shower.
Step 2	While the eucalyptus is still in its original bundle and the paper wrap it came in, roll it out gently with a rolling pin several times to release the oils. This is unnecessary for dried eucalyptus and preserved eucalyptus but very important to get the most out of fresh eucalyptus.
Step 3	Ensure that the branches of the eucalyptus are pruned to the length you desire. By varying the stem lengths slightly, you can create a fuller effect when bundling. Leave three to four inches of stem free so you can tie the bundle together more easily.
Step 4	Prepare your bundle of eucalyptus. Loosely arrange the eucalyptus in a bundle and wrap it with twine. The twine should wrap criss-cross over and around the bundle at least 4 to 5 times, starting on the stem closer to the branches and working your way up. Tie the twine tightly, leaving enough on the ends to tie to the shower
Step 5	Attach the eucalyptus to the shower. This will depend on your specific shower setup, but ideally, you can hang the bundle directly from the arm of the showerhead, leaving it out of the stream of water but still near it. You can also use a waterproof self-adhering hook to hang the bundle about 4 to 5 inches below the shower head on the wall, again out of the stream of water.
Step 6	Enjoy your eucalyptus in the shower! Some tips for getting the most out of your Eucalyptus in the shower include: Making sure the water and steam are hot enough to help the oils release into the air Breathing deeply to take in the scent and its benefits Avoiding touching the eucalyptus (especially with wet hands)

How to Keep Eucalyptus Fresh in Shower

After all your hard work, you’re probably wondering how exactly you can keep your eucalyptus bundle fresh in your shower for the longest amount of time possible. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to keep it smelling (and looking) fresh AF – just keep in mind that no matter what you do or how well your eucalyptus bundle is made, it will only last as long as the eucalyptus, well, lasts.

Typically, you can expect different types of eucalyptus shower bundles to last:

• Between 1 and 3 weeks for fresh eucalyptus
• Between 3 and 5 weeks for dried eucalyptus
• A month or more for preserved eucalyptus

With those time horizons in mind, keep the following in mind to make sure you get the best longevity possible out of your eucalyptus shower bundles.

Don’t Get it Wet

To keep your eucalyptus fresh and smelling great, make sure it’s not getting wet. Eucalyptus can be submerged in water for a short period of time, but the leaves will begin to brown and mold if exposed to water for too long.

Trim It

You prune your hedges and trees, and deadhead flowers, so why would your eucalyptus shower bundle be any different? As eucalyptus ages, it can become dead and dry, or leaves can go moldy.

This is why it’s important to trim off any dead leaves or branches that seem like they may fall off at any moment – which you should do every few days or once per week with pruning shears. And when more of the branches are bare than not, it’s time to switch this eucalyptus shower bundle out.

Attach With Care

When installing your bundle into your shower, avoid breaking off any leaves or branches by being careful with how you handle it (that means – try not to drop it or pull on the stems too hard). Make sure to use care when attaching the bundle so that its structure isn’t damaged either!

Final Thoughts

Eucalyptus is a great addition to your bathroom and shower space. It’s beneficial for your health, helps keep the air clean, and can help clear your sinuses and relieve stress. If you want to try using eucalyptus in the shower, there are plenty of options available for purchase online or at local stores. You can even make your own if you have some extra time on hand.

Either way, you’re sure to have a more enjoyable, relaxing shower that feels like a trip to the spa – right at home!