How to Hang Eucalyptus in the Shower

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Looking to relax and unwind in the shower after a long day? A eucalyptus shower bundle could be exactly what you need! Eucalyptus leaves and oils are often used to regulate the nervous system, boost the immune system, and open sinuses—making it the perfect plant to hang in your shower for a rejuvenating pick-me-up. In this article, we’ll teach you how to hang eucalyptus in the shower, explain the benefits, and even share some other creative ways to use eucalyptus. So, head to your local florist or grocery store and pick up some fresh eucalyptus because we’ve got some self-care DIYing to do!

Things You Should Know

Remove the leaves from the bottom of 7-10 eucalyptus branches to make them easier to hang.
Use a rolling pin or hammer to gently press on the leaves to release their oils and produce a stronger scent.
Tie the eucalyptus into a bouquet and hang it up under your showerhead, keeping it out of the stream of water.
Shower as normal and replace your eucalyptus bundle every 3 to 4 weeks.

Section 1 of 3:

How to Hang a Eucalyptus Shower Bundle

1
Remove the leaves from the bottom of 7 to 10 eucalyptus branches. When you buy eucalyptus, the leaves often start at the end of the stem. Pluck the leaves off with your hands until you have about 7 inches (18 cm) of bare stem. This will help you gather the branches later.^{[1]
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- Trim stray branches away with scissors or pruning shears, so the stem is smooth and bare. This will make hanging the eucalyptus easier.
- Popular grocery chains like Walmart, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Kroger sell fresh eucalyptus leaves in store.
2
Roll over or hammer out the eucalyptus leaves to release their scent. Lay the eucalyptus leaves on a cutting board or flat surface. Use a rolling pin or hammer to flatten the leaves gently.^{[2]
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- Try not to roll or hammer too hard as you don’t want to break the leaves apart.
- You’ll notice that the eucalyptus fragrance is stronger now. That’s because you’ve helped release all those natural healing oils.
- If you don’t have a rolling pin or hammer, press the leaves out with a wine bottle or other cylindrical container.
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3
Cut 5 feet (1.5 m) of twine or string and fold it in half. This gives you plenty of string to work with as you tie and hang your eucalyptus.^{[3]
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4
Group the eucalyptus into a bouquet and tie it in place with a knot. Gather your eucalyptus branches together with the ends roughly at the same height. Then, wrap your cut twine or string around the ends of the branches, securing it in place with double and triple knots. Leave about 20 inches (51 cm) of excess string.^{[4]
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5
Tie the eucalyptus bundle up in your shower under the showerhead. Use the excess twine or string to tighten your bouquet in place.^{[5]
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Research source} Where you hang your eucalyptus will depend on your shower, but make sure it’s high up and not in a direct stream of water.
- If you have a handheld shower head, try hanging the eucalyptus on or over the head’s faucet.^{[6]
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- If you have a fixed shower head, try draping the eucalyptus over the top of the head.
- If you have a waterfall shower head, try hanging the eucalyptus on the head’s wall extension or on a shower hook.
- If you have a shower caddy under your shower head, try tying the eucalyptus to the outer or inner pole away from the water stream.
6
Shower as normal and replace the eucalyptus every 3 to 4 weeks. Every time you shower, the heat and steam from the water will activate the eucalyptus, releasing an awakening fragrance.^{[7]
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- If you stop smelling the eucalyptus before 3 weeks, consider replacing it sooner.

Section 2 of 3:

Benefits of Hanging Eucalyptus in the Shower

1
The strong fragrance improves sinus pressure and eases coughs. Have a stubborn cough you can’t seem to get rid of? Struggling with seasonal allergies? Hanging eucalyptus in your shower can help open your sinuses, thin mucus, and soothe lung and throat irritations.^{[8]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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2
The calming effects of eucalyptus can ease aches and pains. Eucalyptus naturally suppresses cytokines, which are peptides that cause inflammation and pain.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Because of this, breathing in eucalyptus in the shower can help block and reduce arthritis, muscle, and joint pains.^{[10]
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3
The eucalyptus oils can reduce your risk of infection. Studies show that eucalyptus oil acts as an antioxidant and antibacterial.^{[11]
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Research source} If you’re feeling under the weather, hanging eucalyptus in the shower can potentially give your immune system a boost.

Section 3 of 3:

Other Ways to Use Eucalyptus in the Shower

1
Make a eucalyptus shower spray to smell the fragrance instantly. Put a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a spray bottle full of water. Spray the mixture all around the shower before you get in for a calming and reviving shower.^{[12]
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- Some people suggest that the hanging bundle method doesn’t release enough of the eucalyptus oils fast enough, so they’ll use this method instead.
2
Drip eucalyptus essential oil in the corners of the shower. Consider placing a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in the shower if you don’t have or can’t find fresh eucalyptus leaves. Flick the oil on the walls or in the corners away from the direct water stream before you shower.^{[13]
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- This trick can also help you in a pinch if you crave that soothing smell, but your eucalyptus branches have dried out.
3
Try a DIY shower steamer to diffuse eucalyptus essential oil. Making shower streamers is a fun and easy craft that’s super simple. Plus, it can give you all the aromatherapy benefits of eucalyptus without the actual plant! Simply follow these steps, and place the finished product in the corner of your shower:^{[14]
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- Preheat an oven to 325 °F (163 °C).
- Add 1 c (128 g) of baking soda and 1/3 c (2.7 oz) of water to a mixing bowl.
- Mix the baking soda and water until a thick paste forms.
- Fill 4 cupcake liners with the paste and place in a cupcake baking tin.
- Put the filled tin in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Take the tin out of the oven and put 25 drops of eucalyptus essential oil (or a combination of oils) on top of the semi-dry paste.
- Place the tin in the fridge for 30 minutes or until the molds are set.
- Peel the cupcake liners away from the molds gently.
- Store leftover pods in an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap.

Warnings

Eucalyptus can be toxic for dogs and cats, so hang it high enough where they can’t reach it.^{[15]
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American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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If you start having an allergic reaction after handling or showering with eucalyptus (skin redness, itching, burning, or hives), take the bundle down and contact a doctor immediately.^{[16]
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Do not ingest eucalyptus oil, as it can cause seizures and toxicity poisoning.^{[17]
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Although eucalyptus oil is recognized as safe to use while pregnant, it’s best to talk to your doctor before using an essential oil or natural remedy if you’re pregnant or nursing.^{[18]
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