Many people think of Eucalyptus Oil as a winter thing, but summer is here and we wanted to let you know that it’s not just for winter!
One of the great things about Eucalyptus is that it really is an year-round oil, with uses for just about anything related to health and wellness.
Here are our top five uses for Eucalyptus in the summertime.
- Getting rid of the stink. Whether it’s a stink that’s airborne or embedded in fabric, Eucalyptus can seem like pure magic when getting rid of it. Spray it on and inside shoes that have been on sweaty feet all day. Spritz a little on the inside of your trash can after those big weekend barbecues to eliminate the stink from meat packaging. Spray some on your camping gear after a long winter’s storage to get rid of any musty smells or leftover campfire smoke from last year.
- Having a healthier DIY hand sanitizer. Having a picnic or BBQ? Make sure your hands are clean first with your own portable hand sanitizer. Mix a few drops (about 2 spritzes each) of our Lavender-Infused and Citrus-Infused ShowerMist with 2-4 ounces of carrier oil (like almond oil) in a 2 or 4 oz spray bottle. Shake well to combine and then use liberally to kill germs before you chow down.
- Keeping the bugs at bay. A few studies have shown that eucalyptus is just as effective, if not more effective, than DEET in protecting you from bug bites. Make your own insect repellent by mixing 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil for maximum effectiveness. For this recipe, it’s best if you use a roller ball applicator. (If you want to use a spray bottle, you’ll need to use water and vodka instead of oil) Mix 3 spritzes of our Lavender-Infused ShowerMist with 15 drops of citronella essential oil, 5 drops of lemongrass oil, and 2 tablespoons of carrier oil like almond oil. Shake well, and apply liberally. Reapply every couple of hours (or less), depending on the intensity of your bug situation. You can also diffuse this mix (minus the carrier oil) in areas where you want to keep the bugs away. Did some get through and bite you? Use the Lavender-Infused ShowerMist with some carrier oil directly on mosquito bites to relieve the itch and reduce the inflammation.
- Easing motion sickness on your summer vacation. While ginger has been known to ease motion sickness and nausea from travel on planes, boats and cars, eucalyptus combined with peppermint and lavender will also do wonders for travel queasiness. The best application is to combine 10-12 drops (total) of our Mint-Infused, Lavender-Infused and Citrus-Infused ShowerMist per 2 ounces of carrier oil and then rub it on your belly, wrists, temples and collarbones. Alternatively, you can diffuse this mix in a car diffuser or personal inhaler. You can apply the mix on some cotton balls and let those sit where you can smell them while in transit.
- Relief from seasonal allergies. Eucalyptus oil opens up the lungs and sinuses, which improves circulation and reduces symptoms of allergies. Studies have shown that it produces a cold sensation in the nose that helps to improve airflow. Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can immediately unclog the sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats. Peppermint acts as an expectorant and provides relief for allergies, as well as colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis. It has the power to discharge phlegm and reduce inflammation — a leading cause of allergic reactions. To get some relief, diffuse a few drops of our Menthol-Infused or Mint-Infused Eucalyptus Oil ShowerMist in a diffuser, or fill a large bowl with boiling water, spritz 3-4 sprays of the ShowerMist into the water, place a towel over your head and inhale deeply for 5–10 minutes.
Did you find these tips useful? Tell us in the comments below! We’d love to hear your feedback.