• Total Time:

  • 15 minutes

  • Yield:

  • 1 bundle

  • Skill Level:

  • Beginner

  • Estimated Cost:

  • $10

If you want to freshen up your shower routine and transform your bathroom into a relaxing personal spa—all while keeping your carbon footprint low—eucalyptus might be just the thing.

Eucalyptus leaves contain a fragrant oil that is often extracted for use in essential oils. When released into the air, and especially when activated by shower steam, eucalyptus can help produce a calming effect.

To make a DIY eucalyptus bundle for your shower, just follow the easy step-by-step instructions below. You’ll be breathing in the feel-good fragrance in no time.

Eucalyptus Varieties

The genus eucalyptus encompasses over 800 plant species across the world. For the purposes of aromatherapy, however, Eucalyptus globulus—also known as “blue gum”—is the most common source of those fragrant oils. This is what you’ll likely find in your local grocery store or florist shop.

Eucalyptus radiata may appear as the listed ingredient in some eucalyptus essential oils, often described as providing a gentler scent.

If you have access to multiple eucalyptus varieties, experiment with what you find to be most soothing to your senses.

What You’ll Need

Tools

  • Gardening/pruning shears
  • A small rolling pin or mallet hammer
  • Cutting board (optional)

Materials

  • 5-10 eucalyptus stems
  • Twine, water-resistant string, or a rubber band
  • Wall or showerhead hook (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare Eucalyptus Branches
  • Treehugger / Valerie de León
  • Place eucalyptus branches on a cutting board or other flat surface. Gently roll over leaves and stems with a rolling pin (or lightly hammer) to crush and release aroma.
  • Cut Branches
  • Treehugger / Valerie de León
  • Use pruning shears to cut branches to your desired length. Leave enough space (2-3 inches) to tie stems at the bottom.
  • Tie Bouquet
  • Treehugger / Valerie de León
  • Gather branches into a small bouquet and tie together with twine or string. Be sure to wrap stems multiple times before securing it with a knot.
  • Place in Your Shower
  • Treehugger / Valerie de León
  • Hang your bundle from a hook on your shower wall or directly from your showerhead. Make sure that the stems are close to the showerhead but not in direct contact with water.
  • Replace Periodically
  • Treehugger / Valerie de León
  • When you no longer smell the eucalyptus aroma as you turn on the hot water, compost the entire bundle and create a new one. The same goes for any brown spots or mold on the leaves. In general, you should replace your eucalyptus every few weeks as the scent fades — or, at minimum, once a month.

Variations

For an especially relaxing twist, add a few sprigs of fresh lavender to your eucalyptus bundle. The aroma will leave you feeling calm and stress-free. 

Prepare Eucalyptus Branches

Place eucalyptus branches on a cutting board or other flat surface. Gently roll over leaves and stems with a rolling pin (or lightly hammer) to crush and release aroma.

Cut Branches

Use pruning shears to cut branches to your desired length. Leave enough space (2-3 inches) to tie stems at the bottom.

Tie Bouquet

Gather branches into a small bouquet and tie together with twine or string. Be sure to wrap stems multiple times before securing it with a knot.

Place in Your Shower

Hang your bundle from a hook on your shower wall or directly from your showerhead. Make sure that the stems are close to the showerhead but not in direct contact with water.

Replace Periodically

When you no longer smell the eucalyptus aroma as you turn on the hot water, compost the entire bundle and create a new one. The same goes for any brown spots or mold on the leaves. In general, you should replace your eucalyptus every few weeks as the scent fades — or, at minimum, once a month.

If the thought of a hanging eucalyptus bundle feels too fussy for your bathroom, you can simply place a few branches in a jar or vase on your sink or toilet tank. Remember to roll or hammer the leaves and stems beforehand to get the maximum aromatherapy benefits.

Another option, particularly if you don’t have access to fresh eucalyptus or lavender, is to place a few drops of eucalyptus and lavender essential oils on a wet washcloth. Hang the washcloth from your towel rack or off the side of your bathtub, and breathe in the refreshing aroma as you shower. 

Where to Find Eucalyptus

The majority of eucalyptus species are native to Australia—the colorful rainbow eucalyptus is a notable exception—so you might be wondering where to pick up a few branches locally.

Before you order online, check at your neighborhood florist or grocery store. If you’re an experienced gardener, it’s also possible to grow your own in certain climates.

  • How often should you replace your eucalyptus shower bundle?
  • Replace your fragrant shower bouquet at least once per month to maintain a fresh scent and prevent mold from growing.
  • Do you have to use hot water to activate eucalyptus in the shower?
  • Steam is a key factor in activating eucalyptus and other plants in the shower. If you take cool or cold showers, you might not experience all the benefits, and your plants could dry out faster because humidity makes them last longer.
  • Does eucalyptus help you sleep?
  • The scent of eucalyptus has been shown to promote relaxation and stress reduction; therefore, it could help you go to sleep.
  • Is eucalyptus good for skin?
  • Eucalyptus can actually be very irritating to skin, so it’s important to keep it out of the water when showering.
  • Is eucalyptus an eco-friendly crop?
  • Eucalyptus grows easily and abundantly in areas with high rainfall—namely the wet regions of Australia. Consumers should consider where their eucalyptus comes from to determine how eco-friendly it is. If it’s imported, its embodied carbon content is likely high due to fossil-fueled shipping. If it’s been forced to grow outside of its ideal zone, it could be competing with other plant species for water.

Replace your fragrant shower bouquet at least once per month to maintain a fresh scent and prevent mold from growing.

Steam is a key factor in activating eucalyptus and other plants in the shower. If you take cool or cold showers, you might not experience all the benefits, and your plants could dry out faster because humidity makes them last longer.

The scent of eucalyptus has been shown to promote relaxation and stress reduction; therefore, it could help you go to sleep.

Eucalyptus can actually be very irritating to skin, so it’s important to keep it out of the water when showering.

Eucalyptus grows easily and abundantly in areas with high rainfall—namely the wet regions of Australia. Consumers should consider where their eucalyptus comes from to determine how eco-friendly it is. If it’s imported, its embodied carbon content is likely high due to fossil-fueled shipping. If it’s been forced to grow outside of its ideal zone, it could be competing with other plant species for water.

  • Kahaan, Patel, et al. “Testing the Effects of Exposure to Eucalyptus Oil Upon Cognitive Performance.” Journal of Advanced Student Sciences. 2019.