For those of us who live in California, the scent of eucalyptus is familiar: it’s the sweet, crisp aroma of San Francisco’s lush Golden Gate Park. It’s refreshing, uplifting and camphoric. The scent is often used in spas and meditation centers for a deeply relaxing aromatherapeutic experience.
Originally from Australia, the globose eucalyptus tree (locally known as the Tasmanian Blue Gum) was brought to California during the gold rush days. Eucalyptus leaves are not only refreshing; their extracts and oils are also popular forms of alternative medicine with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
In short, this ingredient is a wonder for skin, hair, lips and more – follow us as we guide you through the therapeutic and sensory world of eucalyptus!
What is eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus essential oil comes from the steam distillation of eucalyptus leaves. The leaves come from the myrtle family, which can grow up to 200 feet tall. These fast-growing trees produce a combination of oil that is released into the air, sometimes so strong that a blue haze is visible in the air (see Australian Blue Mountains).
Diffusing the oil, especially during cold and flu season, is an excellent home remedy for fighting cold symptoms. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your massage oil provides a cooling and soothing experience while relieving congestion. In fact, eucalyptus is the inspiration for many popular topical pain relievers (like Vicks VapoRub)!
In mid-summer, when bugs are abuzz, diffusing eucalyptus with lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint essential oils will help keep mosquitoes away. In a first aid kit, eucalyptus is also useful as a disinfectant or for skin irritations.
Top Health Benefits of Eucalyptus
The benefits of eucalyptus don’t stop at protecting against colds and insect bites; This herb also has major beauty benefits! Eucalyptus is best known to help treat and prevent acne. Eucalyptus also stimulates circulation, an essential element for healthy vitality and radiance. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and other inflammatory conditions, making the oil super soothing to the skin.
If you are looking to use eucalyptus in your beauty routine, always be sure to dilute the essential oil before applying it to the skin. We use our Argan Oil as a carrier oil that will simultaneously nourish and soothe skin, cuticles and hair.
Eucalyptus benefits extend to helping keep lips healthy against cold sores, thanks to its natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. With a combination of lysine, peppermint, lemon balm, licorice, propolis and eucalyptus essential oils, our Lysine + Herbal Lip Balm will soothe, protect and heal lips.
Using eucalyptus body care products is also a great way to incorporate aromatherapeutic stress relief into your daily skin routine. The invigorating sensation of eucalyptus and peppermint on the skin can also help stimulate circulation and purify pores.
Benefits of eucalyptus for hair
Eucalyptus benefits for hair include strengthening, increasing shine, and stimulating follicles for healthier hair growth. From a healthy scalp grows healthy hair, and eucalyptus is a powerful botanical scalp treatment.
It is important to use the correct concentration of eucalyptus oil for the scalp because too much can strip the hair of beneficial oils. Burdock and Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner Duo has been expertly formulated with both herbal and eucalyptus benefits, to support daily maintenance of healthy hair and scalp. scalp.
Neem, an antifungal and antimicrobial plant, helps protect the scalp. Burdock helps soothe and detoxify the scalp. Nettle helps strengthen hair, while peppermint and eucalyptus help stimulate hair growth. The result is a newly nourished, clean scalp that helps support stronger hair.
Benefits of eucalyptus for the body
Shower
There’s nothing quite like the refreshing, invigorating aroma of eucalyptus. It is the perfect complement during the shower, bath and hydration to invigorate body and mind.
Eucalyptus Shower Gel contains soothing aloe, rose hydrosol and antioxidant-rich green tea to tone and hydrate dry, thirsty skin. Humectant red algae are added to detoxify and hydrate the skin. Invigorating and circulation-boosting herbs like eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme and oregano are included for purifying and soothing skin benefits.
Bath
For a luxurious at-home spa bath, incorporate eucalyptus-infused salts into your nighttime decompression routine. The salts in our therapeutic eucalyptus marine bath are not really “salts”; these are nutrient-rich crystallized seaweed from the coast of Brittany in France.
This herbal infused kelp bath contains over 60 different trace minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. These trace minerals from the sea can deeply nourish and detoxify the body while revitalizing the mind. This bath blend also contains botanicals like ginger and rosemary, with energizing oils of peppermint and eucalyptus for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Odor control
Once you’re fresh and clean after your soothing shower or bath, eucalyptus is also a smart choice for odor control. Stay fresh until your next shower with a deodorant that contains eucalyptus as a key ingredient.
A popular choice is Salt & Stone Eucalyptus & Cedarwood – Formula Nº 1 Deodorant. This natural deodorant is free of parabens, aluminum, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances and dyes – while still having a super refreshing scent. It contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize and probiotics, which help neutralize odor for two days.
Many eucalyptus enthusiasts also opt for Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree Eucalyptus Clean Deodorant. This plant-based clean pick contains tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil to fight bacteria and neutralize odors. Coconut water helps soothe underarms and keep skin soft.
Humidity
For your after-bath routine, look for a softening body cream that offers tangible eucalyptus benefits. Soften and protect super dry skin with cocoa and avocado butters in our Mega Rich Eucalyptus Whipped Body Butter. This thick, emollient butter is ideal for very rough or dry areas, such as elbows and knees. Rich in antioxidants from acai, vitamin E and goji berries, it will deeply nourish while providing anti-aging benefits to the skin.
For a lightweight, easy-to-spread daily body lotion with an invigorating scent and a cooling sensation, our pick is Nourishing Eucalyptus Body Cream. The soothing benefits of Peppermint and Eucalyptus soothe tired hands and feet; this is especially useful after activities that sap moisture like washing dishes or going barefoot to the beach. Anti-aging antioxidants and comforting botanical oils in both body moisturizers nourish and tone while you wear them.
Eucalyptus is a healing, soothing and uplifting ingredient, which is why we couldn’t resist giving it the spotlight! It is a fragrance that suits everyone and soothes both mind and body. Formulated by experts in natural ingredients, these formulas nourish the body without being too sticky or harsh on the skin.
100% PURE never uses artificial fragrances, fillers or synthetic chemicals. We only use the highest quality nutrients for your skin and your body. Enjoy this Australian wonder, your favorite way, and let us know your favorite eucalyptus tips and tricks by tagging us at #100percentpure or #nodirtybeauty.
For more information on essential oils, check out our pick of the 6 best carrier oils and essential oils for skin.
