Eucalyptus leaves have been a significant part of many traditional medicines for hundreds of years, owing much of their benefits to its aromatic oil which contain potent compounds that are known to promote relaxation, relieve pain, clear nasal congestion, suppress cough and many other more. It is also because of its minty and earthy aroma that made eucalyptus an intrinsic tool in the world of aromatherapy.
And this may also be the reason why the “bath bouquet” trend took so well among many people. In case you’re wondering, the bath bouquet trend is where a bunch of eucalyptus leaves are hung in the shower, with claims that they are beneficial for health in many different ways. And despite the fact that this may seem like one of those hacks that are either “too good to be true” or just simply done for aesthetic purposes, interestingly enough, it may not be a bogus one after all!
Many studies have now claimed that hanging a bouquet of eucalyptus in the shower may be beneficial for health, not just because of its fragrance but also in many other ways. Read on to find out all there is to know about the incredible benefits of hanging eucalyptus leaves in your shower. You just might want to try it out for yourself after this.
How It Actually Works
Taking a relaxing warm shower after a long hectic day can be satisfying and stress-relieving in itself but hanging eucalyptus can help elevate and amplify your shower experience and improve your health in ways more than one. Apart from its minty refreshing aroma, eucalyptus leaves contain oil with potent compounds. The steam from the shower helps activate and release the oil compounds into the air, allowing you to breathe them in. Several studies have shown that this is beneficial for clearing nasal congestion and inflammation related to sinus and bronchial infections, at least temporarily. This is also why eucalyptus oil is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter chest rubs as well as humidifiers.
Its Benefits
If you think the benefits of hanging a bundle of eucalyptus leaves in your shower are limited just to respiratory health, you are wrong. You’d be surprised to know some of these other benefits.
Here are some of the incredible benefits of hanging eucalyptus in your shower:
1. It fights nasal congestion.
Feeling a little stuffy on the nose? Inhaling eucalyptus oil released by the steam of the shower might help. Eucalyptus oil contains rich anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties that are beneficial in a situation such as these. It helps open up the airways, helps thin out the mucus and ease the breathing process. A study published in the Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science has also shown that eucalyptus aromatherapy is effective against nasal congestion that results from seasonal allergies.
2. It promotes stress relief.
A long, hot shower can help you destress after a stressful day. But did you know that adding eucalyptus leaves in the process can make the experience more calming? This may be because of the anti-anxiety effects of eucalyptol, a chemical compound found in eucalyptus oil. Moreover, a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that inhaling oil was shown to decrease anxiety and promote relaxation in patients awaiting surgery.
3. It helps treat sinus infections.
The benefits of eucalyptus oil for respiratory health are not something new. But what you may not know is that it can help reduce treat sinus congestion and sinus infections. When you inhale the eucalyptus oil released by the steam, it travels up into the sinuses thereby reducing inflammation-causing viruses and/or bacteria that are growing there. This way, it helps treat sinus infections. It also helps clear out mucus from nasal passages and relieves coughs.
4. It relieves aches and pain.
Eucalyptus has been used as a topical treatment for body aches and pains in many traditional medicines all over the world. Modern studies have shown that inhaling the oil may also be just as beneficial as applying it topically. The same above mentioned study has also found that inhaling eucalyptus oil for 30 minutes is shown to help reduce the sensation of pain in patients after knee replacement surgery. Thus, hanging eucalyptus in your shower just might help reduce the pain in your knees, back or shoulder.
Speaking of relieving body pain, Preserva’s Arthrogold Oil is the one true solution to relieving joint, bone and muscle pain that works deep beneath the skin rather than masking the symptoms. Not only does it contain eucalyptus oil, but it also contains a mixture of pure and potent oils of 17 other Ayurvedic herbs that work wonders when it comes to relieving pain, swelling and stiffness in muscle, joints and nerves in all kinds of arthritis, injuries, migraine and sciatica.
5. It helps treat bronchitis.
Breathing in eucalyptus oil activate and released by the steam can help kill the viruses that create bronchitis. Several studies have also suggested that the strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties of eucalyptus oil can help loosen the mucus and help fight the infection that causes bronchitis.
6. It boosts alertness.
Hanging a bundle of eucalyptus leaves in your shower might be the solution to beating the morning sluggishness. The essential eucalyptus oil that is released by the steam from the shower can help dilate your airways, which will, in turn, improve oxygenated blood flow to your organs, including your brain. In doing so, you will feel more awake and alert all through the day.
7. It helps control asthma.
Among the many respiratory conditions, asthma is one of the most common and well-known ones. Several studies have suggested that eucalyptol, the chemical compound present in eucalyptus oil may be beneficial in improving asthma symptoms. The anti-inflammatory effects of the oil can help open up the airways and promote easier and better breathing. And hanging a bundle of eucalyptus leaves is also known to be just as beneficial.
8. It might improve your mental health.
It has been proven that indoor plants can have a positive impact on mental health. They help calm the mind and soothe the nervous system. They also exude a sense of comfort and making us feel better in times of stressful situations. And this is exactly what hanging a bundle of eucalyptus in the shower can do to you.
The takeaway
Now that you know what a simple bundle of eucalyptus leaves can do for your health, make sure to grab yourself a few twigs the next time you get the opportunity so that you reap the benefits and joy of eucalyptus. It could be just the thing to clear you right up when you are feeling a little congested from a nasty cold or allergies and give you a sense of calm. Plus, it is simple, easy and does not take extra effort to execute and not to mention, they are super pretty and is sure to lighten up your bathroom, adding a little liveliness to it.