Whether you take it at night to relax before bed or in the morning to wake up before work, a shower can be the perfect moment to take a little extra time for yourself.
Taking it to the next level often involvesartificially scented soaps and hair products, but there are natural ways to improve your shower routine. One simple and yet very effective trick is to hang eucalyptus from your shower head.
WHAT IS EUCALYPTUS?
Eucalyptus is a powerful plant known for its ability to relieve symptoms of respiratory issues. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help open up the airways in your nose and throat. You can easily harness the anti-inflammatory powers of fresh eucalyptus simply by taking a shower.
EUCALYPTUS AND STEAM
Bringing a few branches of fresh eucalyptus into a steamy shower will activate and release the beneficial oils in the leaves. The combination of steam and eucalyptus will clear up your inflamed airways and congestion in no time.
MEDICINAL USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF EUCALYPTUS
Antibacterial properties –One study, published in Clinical Microbiology & Infection found that eucalyptus oil may have antibacterial effects on pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract.
However, results of the research “suggest that further studies to clarify the possible therapeutic role of E. globulus leaf extract in the treatment of respiratory tract infection are warranted.”
Relieving pain – there is research to indicate that eucalyptus oil has analgesic properties. A study published in theAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation involved applying Eucalyptamint on the anterior forearm skin of 10 different subjects.
The authors of the study concluded that “Eucalyptamint, produced significant physiologic responses that may be beneficial for pain relief and/or useful to athletes as a passive form of warm-up.”
Promoting good dental health –eucalyptus has antibacterial activity against cariogenic (causing tooth decay) and periodontopathic bacteria. The use of eucalyptus extract chewing gum may promote periodontal health, according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology which examined the effect of chewing-gum containing eucalyptus extract on periodontal health.
Stimulating immune system response – eucalyptus oil extract is able to implement the innate cell-mediated immune response, according to a study titled “Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response” which was published in BMC Immunology.
Other possible conditions that eucalyptus can treat include:
Arthritis
A stuffed nose
Wounds and burns
Acne
Ulcers
Bladder diseases
Diabetes
Fever
Flu
MAKING YOUR OWN SHOWER
It is incredibly easy to give yourself the healing powers of eucalyptus.
Go to your local flower shop to locate some fresh eucalyptus. You can sometimes find it at health food stores like Whole Foods.
Once you have a few eucalyptus branches, use a string or twine to tie them together. Use another piece of twine or string to the end of your bundle and hand it off your shower head. As close to the wall as you can get it. Make sure the steam is the closest to the shower head with the leaves hanging downward.
Adjust the leaves so they don’t get hit by too much water. This will increase amount they seep into the steam. Climb into the tub and enjoy your hot shower. You can leave your eucalyptus in the shower for up to one week.
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