You've Heard of a Luxurious Bath, but How About a Self-Care Shower?
Shower therapy at its finest
Being confined to our homes during quarantine, we’ve all wanted to transport to a luscious spa… but what if I told you, you can! All you need is a few branches of eucalyptus, an elastic band or twine, and—well—a shower. Considering how easy and inexpensive a Eucalyptus Shower is, it is no wonder why people are tapping into the aromatic properties of the plant to elevate their shower experience.
Photographed by Cody Guilfoyle
Aside from the aesthetic benefits of adding eucalyptus to your bathroom and creating a natural ambience, eucalyptus reaps many health and wellness benefits (but the beauty of this bath bouquet is truly reason enough). Aromatherapy is an ancient and effective Ayurvedic method for balancing the doshas—which we call Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. Due to factors in one’s life, an imbalance of the doshas can lead to many health and wellness issues, which oil properties can prevent in order to restore balance. The eucalyptus plant’s main functions are decongestant, diaphoretic (increases sweating and detoxification), expectorant (cleanses the body of toxins), and stimulant (relieves stress and fatigue).
From an Ayurvedic perspective, eucalyptus has a very warming energy. This healing plant is beneficial for the immune system, circulation, metabolism, and calming the nervous system. Eucalyptus specifically calms the sympathetic nervous system, meaning it helps soothe stress and anxiety. Since the aroma prompts us to take deep breaths, it can also promote mental clarity, and this connection to our breath encourages relaxation. However, eucalyptus is most commonly known to relieve upper respiratory issues and clear congestion, meaning just five minutes of breathing in eucalyptus-scented steam can make you feel relieved—even if you’re not sick. Plus, who doesn’t want the sweet minty and pine scent of eucalyptus drafting through their bathroom?
By placing your eucalyptus plant in your bathroom during a warm shower, the steam from the shower will release the plant’s volatile oils and act as a form of aromatherapy. Do not be afraid to elevate this shower experience with some lavender as well, which can be used alone or in conjunction with eucalyptus. This self-care shower practice that smells (and looks) magnificent will be sure to transport you to a lavish, forest paradise.
HOW TO?
Purchase a bunch (approximately 7-12 branches) of fresh or dried eucalyptus from your local floral shop or grocery store.
To enhance the smell, smooth over your eucalyptus bunch with a rolling pin. This activates and releases the plant’s aroma.
Tie together your bunch at the stems with an elastic band or twine. Then, turn the plant upside down and hang the eucalyptus bunch from your shower head using the elastic band or twine. Ensure the plant is not directly under the stream of water.
Enjoy your self-care shower. Once you turn on the warm water, the hot steam will release the plant's natural oils and stimulate an all-natural shower diffuser.
Your eucalyptus bunch can last from anywhere between 2-3 weeks up until 2 months – which sounds like plenty of shower therapy to me.
NOTE: If you have a dog or cat, please be aware that eucalyptol oil can be toxic to them.
BENEFITS OF EUCALYPTUS:
FIGHTS NASAL CONGESTION AND INFLAMMATION
RELIEVES PAINS AND ACHES
IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION
BOOSTS IMMUNITY BY FIGHTING INFECTIONS
PROMOTES STRESS RELIEF AND SOOTHES ANXIETY
BOOSTS ENERGY AND STIMULATES ALERTNESS
IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH
OH, AND DON’T FORGET, IT SMELLS AMAZING!