During cold and flu season, eucalyptus can be an absolute life-saver. That cooling, menthol-y sensation works wonders at clearing up sinuses, plus sucking on a minty cough drop can freshen up your breath as well. While you've got the stuff around, you might as well start using eucalyptus oil for hair, skin, and other parts of your beauty routine — that tingling sensation is just as addicting on your scalp as when it's soothing your throat. Of course, you don't want to go smearing Vicks VapoRub all of your hair, but some pure eucalyptus essential is definitely something to consider adding to your natural beauty supply cabinet.
Eucalyptus is a natural ingredient used in many household cleaning supplies because of the antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-viral, and anti-septic properties. Yes, something that can clean your shower like a boss can also remove all those gross germs and bacteria the world has left all over your body. Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted by the dried leaves of the tree, which is native to both China and Australia. The smell is woody, sweet, and slightly minty; if you are looking for a powerful antiseptic with anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus is a great alternative with a much more soothing scent. Nature is seriously filled with choices for our skin care.
While lacking in western standards of scientific data, the healing properties of eucalyptus oil have been used for centuries by aboriginals and subtropical regions around the world. Today, homeopathic remedies for home and beauty contain this evergreen tree for the soothing aroma and the health benefits.
Here are just a few reasons to purchase a bottle of eucalyptus essential oil to add peace and calm to your grooming experience. Even if it doesn't make your hair grow an extra foot in a month (I can guarantee it won't, in fact), the tingly sensation can be a great addition to any relaxing, at-home spa session.
1. Tingling Hair Conditioner
Aura Cacia Eucalyptus Oil, $7, Amazon
According to Stylecraze, eucalyptus is a great way to stimulate hair follicles. This is likely because eucalyptus can bring down inflammation in the scalp which helps create an ideal environment for hair growth. I use one avocado, 1/4 cup of coconut milk, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and added eucalyptus and lavender essential oils for my conditioner, but you can definitely add eucalyptus oil to any of your favorite conditioners for a little more growth potential. Plus, that tingly feeling is divine.
2. Spot Treatment for Boils and Cysts
Aura Cacia Eucalyptus Oil, $7, Trader Joes Apple Cider Vinegar, $14, Amazon
If you've ever been the victim of these types of skin conditions, you know how shaming they can feel. So, it's nice to have a go-to home remedy that's effective enough to shave off the time it takes any major breakouts to heal. Apple cider vinegar has amazing astringent properties, and some sources suggest using ACV and eucalyptus to treat a boil. This mixture is super drying, so make sure you only put it on the infected area. Just like any treatment, do a test strip and stop use after a few days if your treatment worsens or doesn't improve.
3. Shower Drops
Aura Cacia Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, $15, Aura Cacia Renewing Lemon Oil, $13, Aura Cacia Brightening Sweet Orange Oil, $9, Amazon
If you are looking to treat yourself to a spa experience every time you shower in the comfort of your own home, the folks at Aura Cacia have a DIY recipe for shower drops that will peak all your senses. Mix the following amounts of essential oil to make a batch of invigorating shower drops.
- 48 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
- 30 drops lemon essential oil
- 22 drops sweet orange essential oil
Use a dark container with a dropper top (an empty essential oil container works best), to store your new shower drops for future use — you'll definitely want to leave this scent lingering behind you every day.
Image: May Wong/Flickr; Giphy; Kristin Collins Jackson
