Eucalyptus trees have been used by Indigenous (Aboriginal) Australian cultures for thousands of years for both food and medicine. Various species were prepared in various forms to treat gastrointestinal complaints, lung problems, and many other maladies. In today’s world, eucalyptus oil is used commercially for everything from fragrance to insecticide, flavoring, medicine, and beauty products. Try it for yourself! Eucalyptus, in its various forms, can be used to enhance your personal care and everyday wellness. A word of caution: According to WebMD, it is not safe to take pure eucalyptus oil by mouth. Eucalyptus poisoning can cause stomach pain, dizziness, muscle weakness, feelings of suffocation, drowsiness, seizures, coma, and even death. When used appropriately, eucalyptus are powerful tools for wellbeing. Find out how to grow your own at home here and here.
Eucalyptus Facial Steam. Place a handful of fresh of dried eucalyptus leaves in a pot full of hot water. Drape towel over head and carefully steam face at least 8 inches away from water.
Eucalyptus Shower Steam. Bundle fresh or dried eucalyptus branches with twine and hang below your shower head.
Hair & Body/Massage Oil. Use ¼ cup of fresh eucalyptus leaves for every 1 cup of carrier oil. Chop the leaves up finely, and place in a crockpot on low for 6 hours. Cool. Strain. Bottle.
Linen Sachet. Cut 2 squares from remnant fabric or an old t-shirt. Place a few eucalyptus leaves, cloves, and dried lavender in the center of one of the fabric squares. Place the other fabric square on top using fabric glue along the perimeter. Voila! A modern, eco-friendly linen sachet.
Potpourri. Dried leaves can be mixed with other fragrant plants (such as cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, lavender, mint, rose, etc.)
Bouquet. Simply having fresh or dried sprigs artfully displayed in a vase can elevate your space.
Household Cleaner. Pour 3 tablespoons of castille soap and 20 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Fill with water. Spray to combine.
Foot soak. Add ½ cup epsom salt or sea salt and 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil to a large basin of warm water for a refreshing soak. Alternately, steep a handful of fresh leaves in hot water for 15 minutes, then add to a large basin of warm water with salts as previously described.
Bath soak. Add a few fresh and dried leaves to a hot bath for an uplifting experience.
Ointment. Make your own vapor rub! Many commercially available vapor rubs contain by-products of the oil industry: petroleum, spirits of turpentine, etc. To make a homemade, high-quality version, mix 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/8 cup beeswax, ¼ cup oil (almond, sunflower, jojoba or olive oil), 10 drops camphor essential oil, 10 drops wintergreen essential oil, 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil, and 10 drops rosemary essential oil. Melt coconut oil and beeswax over very low heat or in a double boiler. Remove from heat and stir in other oil and essential oils. Pour into a desired heat-proof container. Lay the lid over the jar to stop the essential oil from evaporating. Cool at room temperature before tightening the lid.
Mouthwash. Fill an 8 oz. jar with water. Then, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 6 drops eucalyptus oil, 6 drops clove oil, 2 drops tea tree oil, and 6 drops of peppermint oil. Shake well and use as a mouth rinse.
We hope that you enjoyed this article. For more ways to level up your life, be sure to check out our Free Resources as well as The DuBose Self-Empowerment Course.
