Many say that fresh eucalyptus has various epidermal and medicinal benefits, and scientific research confirms many of these benefits. Eucalyptus is popular in the essential oil world for its aromatic and topical benefits and smells divine. Here’s what we know about the benefits of eucalyptus and why you need to incorporate it into your shower routine right now.
What Is Eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus is a tree native to Australia and its neighboring islands. These trees, also referred to as gum trees, grow very quickly and to great heights. Eucalyptus contains many chemicals that may help combat bacteria and fungi and support conditions such as asthma, influenza, and bronchitis. It is an active ingredient in many cough medicines and medical inhalants and is a prevalent essential oil. Eucalyptus also supports the skin in many ways too.
Health Benefits of Using Eucalyptus Soap in the Shower
Eucalyptus benefits your respiratory tract and mental clarity in the following three ways when used as aromatherapy in the shower. If you need to get creative, you can use a eucalyptus bundle from your local florist tied with a rubber band or twine and hung over your shower head.
- Eucalyptus may support relaxation
- Eucalyptus may relieve nasal and chest congestion
- Eucalyptus may encourage mental clarity & provides energy
The eucalyptus plant is a common ingredient in many aromatherapy products. A bunch of eucalyptus contains chemical compounds (eucalyptol) that benefit the respiratory tract and nasal passageways when used in the bath or shower. Eucalyptus also helps the skin. We’ll describe each of these amazing benefits below.
1. Eucalyptus Soap May Support Relaxation
The scent of eucalyptus has long been known to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. In one study, people experienced decreased pre-surgery anxiety when they each inhaled eucalyptus oil. The eucalyptol in the eucalyptus proves again that it is excellent as a part of your self-care routine. Eucalyptus clears the breathing passages; therefore, it may help with stress relief and provide some calming bedtime vibes.
2. Eucalyptus Soap May Relieve Nasal and Chest Congestion
Eucalyptus is one of the most common ingredients in salves, inhalants, decongestants, and other cold remedies.
- Research indicates that the eucalyptol in eucalyptus may relieve cough, headache, nasal congestion, and headache by decreasing mucus and inflammation.
- Eucalyptus lessened the effects of bronchial asthma in a 12-week study performed on 32 people with the condition.
- Eucalyptus oil contains antibacterial properties that help clear the respiratory tract due to congestion. Its therapeutic benefits also help sinusitis and allergies when inhaled through the essential oil’s steam. Daily hot showers or steaming with eucalyptus oil or its extract encourage consistently clear nasal passages.
3. Eucalyptus Encourages Mental Clarity and Provides Energy
Eucalyptus clears the mind by improving brain function, invigorating the senses, and improving concentration and focus. Studies indicate that eucalyptus oil may support increased energy levels. Incorporating eucalyptus oil in your shower may increase your brainpower and energy in the morning.
Do you prefer to take your showers in the evening before bed? Eucalyptus also helps support mental fatigue, clearing your thoughts and prepping you for a good night’s rest with a relaxing spa-like experience.
What Are the Benefits of Eucalyptus for the Skin?
Eucalyptus benefits the skin in the following seven ways:
- Acts as an astringent
- Moisturizes the skin
- May relieve eczema and acne
- Protects the skin
- May lighten dark spots
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- May repel insects
Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in many bath products and skincare items, and it contains many benefits for the skin when used as instructed.
Eucalyptus may be a skin allergen to some people, which means hanging eucalyptus branches in your shower might cause a reaction in your immune system. Always perform a patch test before using any product containing its oil.
Patch testing involves placing a small amount of the product on your inner arm or another hidden area of your skin to monitor for reactions. Always talk with your dermatologist or healthcare provider before using eucalyptus oil on your skin or using the eucalyptus shower method.
1. Eucalyptus Contains Astringent Properties
Eucalyptus oil contains tannins which contain astringent properties. These compounds help control oiliness and keep your hair clean and shiny when added to skin and hair care products.
2. Eucalyptus Is Moisturizing
Some studies indicate that eucalyptus oil may strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier. Eucalyptus boosts ceramide fatty acid production in the skin and helps it retain water, protecting it from dryness, flaking, and irritation. People with skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema often have low ceramide levels in their skin. So, topical applications of eucalyptus may help support these conditions.
3. Eucalyptus May Help Relieve Eczema and Acne
Eucalyptus contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial agents.
- These may help reduce inflammation associated with breakouts and rid the skin of impurities such as dirt and oil that cause acne.
- The antimicrobial properties in eucalyptus fight against the bacteria that cause acne and help reduce excess facial oil.
- The cleansing and astringent properties may also support the relief of eczema and other skin irritations.
- The antimicrobial properties in eucalyptus fight against the bacteria that cause acne and help reduce excess facial oil.
4. Eucalyptus May Help Protect the Skin
Eucalyptus contains antioxidants, and these compounds are fantastic for helping the skin with rejuvenation. Antioxidants also have anti-aging benefits because they help protect the skin against environmental aggressors.
5. Concentrated Applications Eucalyptus May Lighten Dark Spots
For those seeking a solution for dark spots, eucalyptus may help lighten the skin. Studies indicate that eucalyptus oil decreases melanin production and inhibits tyrosinase activity, an enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis.
6. Eucalyptus Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol, an anti-inflammatory agent that promotes rejuvenation of the skin. This oxide also helps reduce pain and blood flow to inflamed areas.
7. Eucalyptus May Repel Insects
Eucalyptus may repel insects due to the eucalyptol it contains. Some research indicates that eucalyptus is effective in repelling mosquitos and other insects. At concentrated amounts, it works for more extended amounts of time. The CDC lists lemon eucalyptus oil as an effective and powerful insect repellant.
Is It Safe To Ingest Eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus is a powerful plant that has many health and skin benefits. Although it is unsafe to ingest in many cases, teas made from eucalyptus leaves that you’ll find at the grocery store are safe.
However, ingesting eucalyptus oil made for diffusers can be dangerous. Check with your healthcare provider before consuming any eucalyptus product, including its oil, or making DIY eucalyptus tea. Eucalyptus may also interfere with certain medications and must be administered appropriately to be safe and effective.
Bottom Line
Eucalyptus is a plant with many skin, health, and medicinal benefits. It may help relieve cold symptoms, support skin moisture, and repel insects. It also clears the nasal passages and may allow you to rest better at night. Spongellé Eucalyptus Rain offers a gentle, relaxing bathing experience.
The essence of eucalyptus and cashmere woods envelop your senses, leaving you calm and clean — no hanging eucalyptus sprigs in the shower required.
It is imperative to talk to your doctor before using eucalyptus to support any medical condition, especially if you are taking other medications. Always perform a patch test before applying its essential oil to your skin to ensure no allergies occur.
Sources:
eucalyptus | Description, Major Species, & Uses | Britannica
How to perform a patch test for skincare products | Medical News Today
Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases | Hindawi
Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidence | NCBI
Suppression of Inflammatory and Infection Response | NCBI
Eucalyptus: MedlinePlus Supplements | Medline Plus
Eucalyptus Information | Mount Sinai - New York
Eucalyptus essential oil as a natural pesticide | ScienceDirect
Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods - Chapter 3 - 2020 Yellow Book | Travelers' Health | CDC
