Home / Blog January 18, 2023

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The Beauty Of The Eucalyptus Tree

It’s no secret that we’re a fan of plants. From using them in our blanket fabric to supporting tree-planting organizations, we love all plants, big and small. Most of all, we love the humble, but fruitful eucalyptus tree.

The Beauty Of The Eucalyptus Tree

Bearassentials

Eucalyptus trees aren’t just koala’s favorite hangout - you can experiment with this beautiful plant by using the oils or vapors to treat everything from stress to scratches to sore muscles.

Eucalyptol, the main compound in eucalyptus, is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal, which can help you nip itchy skin, dandruff, and bad breath, in the bud (plant pun intended!).

While you can’t eat eucalyptus leaves, you can use it diffused as a vapor or topically on the skin with a carrier oil. Eucalyptus spa showers are a fancy, friendly way to breathe in the goodness!

Did you know?
Koalas can eat up to 2 pounds of eucalyptus leaves every single day! They have specially designed digestive systems to help them digest all that fiber and reduce the toxic load. But us humans should simply stick to the oil!

It’s no secret that we’re a fan of plants. From using them in our blanket fabric to supporting tree-planting organizations, we love all plants, big and small. Most of all, we love the humble, but fruitful eucalyptus tree. Not only does it house and feed our cute and cuddly Bearaby mascot, Kikko the koala, but it also provides us with the sustainably soft tree fabric used to make our Tree Nappers. The eucalyptus oils can also provide you with a myriad of health and wellness benefits. Whether you are dealing with stress, stuffed-up sinuses, sore muscles, or sunburns, eucalyptus has got you covered.

Before we get into the benefits of this leafy beauty, there are some caveats. Consuming raw eucalyptus leaves or oils is a no-no for humans, as they are very toxic. Koalas can munch all day long on the eucalyptus leaves, but people don’t have the stomach for it (literally). That being said, the oils can be used topically or steamed up in a diffuser. Keep in mind that eucalyptus oil should be mixed with a carrier oil before you apply it on your skin. Carrier oils are used to dilute oils that can be too strong to put directly on the skin. Be sure to combine eucalyptus oil with coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil before topical use.

eucalyptus

Photo by Nine Koepfer on Unsplash

You Can Use Eucalyptus As A…

Stress Reducer

Eucalyptus oil has a minty yet woody scent from the compound eucalyptol that can be both calming and invigorating. Studies have found that inhaling eucalyptus oil can reduce blood pressure and lower levels of anxiety. This is due to a decrease in your sympathetic nervous system, also known as “fight or flight”, and an increase in your parasympathetic nervous system, or the “rest and digest” system. (Fun fact: weighted blankets do the same thing!) The oil’s cooling scent also boosts mood and productivity. An increase in productivity will undoubtedly lead to a reduction in stress so long as you solidify that practice as a mainstay on your to-do list!

Sore Muscle Reliever

When applied topically, eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory effects on sore muscles and joints. The oil works wonders for both acute pain, like from a tough exercise class, as well as chronic pain, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. Along the same lines, eucalyptus can help to heal minor scrapes, cuts, and bug bites.

massage

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Skin And Scalp Soother

Skin and scalp ailments can range from eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, or just dry, itchy skin. For scalp-related itchiness, eucalyptus oil can soothe dandruff and dryness with its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. You can add a drop of oil to your shampoo before sudsing up, or make a simple hair mask. Here’s how: mix 3 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, generously apply to your scalp, relax for 20 minutes, and wash it out very, very well.

For the dry skin crowd, eucalyptus oil can relieve itchiness with its ability to promote ceramides in your skin. Ceramides are fatty acids that your skin produces to retain moisture and keep a strong barrier. People with dry skin, psoriasis, or dermatitis tend to have lower ceramide levels, so using eucalyptus oil can help your body naturally produce more of the helpful fat. Say hello to smooth and soothed skin!

Sunburn Fighter

Out in the sun too long? While we all know the benefits of slathering on the sunscreen in this day and age, sometimes a sunburn just happens. When it does, trust that eucalyptus is your savior yet again. The combination of pain-relieving and skin-soothing works to treat the sunburn before the peeling stands a chance. The natural cooling sensation is an added benefit to feeling better. If it’s a really bad burn, the antibacterial properties of eucalyptus can prevent any infection from occurring. Want the ultimate sunburn fighting formula? Combine 2 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 or 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel for immediate relief. And next time, try not to forget the SPF...

sunburn fighter

Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash

Stuffy Sinus Reliever

Whether your allergies happened to flare up or the cold and flu season snuck up on you, a steamy eucalyptus diffusion can help clear you up in no time. When the oil mixes with hot water, the vapor can break up mucus and release any congestion. The easiest way to get quick benefits is by creating a eucalyptus steam bath. To do this, drop some of the eucalyptus oil in a large bowl of hot water, drape a towel over your head, and hang out with your face near the steam for as long as you can handle! Prepare to breathe easier when you emerge. If your stuffiness is more on the mild side, you can put eucalyptus into an essential oil diffuser and keep it nearby while you rest or sleep.

Stinky Breath Fighter

While we can’t actually eat eucalyptus leaves, we can use it in a mouthwash (don’t forget to spit it all out!). The eucalyptol extract is what helps to keep your breath fresh from its minty flavor. Eucalyptol is also added to some chewing gums because it’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. For these reasons, eucalyptus has been shown to reduce gum disease and plaque buildup. Some kinds of toothpaste add eucalyptus in, or you can create a DIY version at home by mixing 6 tablespoons each of coconut oil and baking soda, plus 20-25 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. You could also try a mixture of half peppermint and half eucalyptus for an extra minty kick!

Spa Shower Decoration

Fresh eucalyptus leaves are the shower decoration you never knew you needed. But once you experience the spa-like tranquility that a eucalyptus shower provides, you may never go back. To do this, you’ll want to hang a bunch of eucalyptus leaves around the showerhead, but not directly in the water path. The steam will waft up to you without soaking the leaves through and through. There are quite a few benefits to partaking in a spa shower: not only does it look pretty, but the aromatherapy can help reduce stress. If you’ve got a cold or any of the other ailments mentioned above, the eucalyptus steam can help you heal. Sounds nice, no?

shower decoration