Decorating Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas Shower & Baths How to Make DIY Eucalyptus Shower Bundles Transform your shower into a soothing spa-like experience using store-bought eucalyptus and simple household tools. By Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Instagram Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 8, 2023 Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email Project Overview Working Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $10 A steamy shower can be a refreshing start to your day or a soothing nighttime ritual that helps you wind down before bed. It's an easy way to fit self-care into your everyday routine. With a few tweaks, it brings the same feeling of serenity as stocking your bathroom with fluffy towels or organizing your essentials in a pretty bath caddy. Recently, eucalyptus shower bundles have taken off as a no-fuss way to add a little luxury to your bathroom. According to Etsy's 2021 trend report, searches for eucalyptus shower bundles jumped 7,466% as people looked for ways to achieve the comfort of a spa at home. BHG / Adrienne Legault Eucalyptus gives off a refreshing scent that can both calm you and open your breathing, while adding a natural touch to your bathroom. When combined with the steam and heat from your shower, the essential oils in the leaves release into the air, delivering a refreshing pine-like fragrance and powerful aromatherapy benefits. Research shows that eucalyptus can help boost your immune system, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation, making it a favorite for those suffering from congestion due to colds or allergies. Making a eucalyptus shower bundle is easy, but it's not quite as simple as tying a few stems to your showerhead. Just as you would take care when arranging flowers, a little prep work helps ensure that your eucalyptus stems remain fresh and fragrant for as long as possible. Start with a small bundle of branches from your local florist or grocery store floral department. Trader Joe's, for example, sells eucalyptus bouquets for less than $5. (For a few more dollars, you can also purchase already prepared eucalyptus shower bundles ($12, Etsy) that come tied and ready to hang.) The variety of eucalyptus you choose depends on your personal preferences—and, of course, what's available at the store—but silver dollar and baby blue eucalyptus varieties work well for bundling. To customize your shower bundle, consider adding lavender, mint, rosemary, lemongrass, or other fragrant stems to create your own unique scent blends. Follow these steps to create a eucalyptus shower bundle that fills your bathroom with refreshing fragrance. Note that some eucalyptus branches release a sticky sap when handled, so you might want to wear gloves to keep your hands clean or to protect your skin from the oils. And be sure to keep eucalyptus away from pets or small children, as it can be dangerous when ingested. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Rolling pin Pruning shears Materials Small bouquet of eucalyptus branches Twine Waterproof self-adhesive hook (optional) Instructions How to Make a Eucalyptus Shower Bundle Follow these steps to create a eucalyptus shower bundle that fills your bathroom with refreshing fragrance. Note that some eucalyptus branches release a sticky sap when handled, so you might want to wear gloves to keep your hands clean or to protect your skin from the oils. And be sure to keep eucalyptus away from pets or small children, as it can be dangerous when ingested. BHG / Adrienne Legault Prepare Eucalyptus Branches Before you take the eucalyptus branches out of their packaging, lay the bouquet on a flat surface and gently roll over the stems a few times with a rolling pin. This helps release the oils and ensure a strong scent. Use pruning shears ($13, Amazon) to trim the branches to your desired length. Varying the stem lengths slightly will create a fuller effect when bundled. Remove any leaves around the bottom three to four inches of stem, so you'll have room for tying. BHG / Adrienne Legault Secure the Bundle with Twine Arrange the eucalyptus branches in a loose bundle. Wrap a length of twine around the stems about two inches from the bottom end. Wind the twine around, several times, as you work up the stems about one inch, then secure the bouquet with a knot or bow. Thread another length of twine through the strands and tie a loop for hanging. BHG / Adrienne Legault Hang the Bundle in the Shower Attach a waterproof self-adhesive hook ($4, Amazon) about 5-8 inches below your showerhead's connection to the wall. You want the eucalyptus bundle to be close to, but not directly under, the flow of water. You can also tie it directly onto your shower arm with twine. Replace your eucalyptus bundle every few weeks, or as the scent begins to fade. Frequently Asked Questions Is fresh or dried eucalyptus better? It depends on what you're using it for. Fresh eucalyptus is better for adding scent to a room, but dried eucalyptus will last longer in floral arrangements and crafts projects. Will my eucalyptus bundle grow mold in the shower? To prevent mold from growing on a eucalyptus bundle in your shower, place it away from the showerhead to keep it out of the way of the direct water flow. Too much water on the leaves will make them lose their scent more quickly and can cause mold spores to grow. Sources Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Sadlon, Angela E. and Lamson, Davis W. "Immune-Modifying and Antimicrobial Effects of Eucalyptus Oil and Simple Inhalation Devices." Alternative Medicine Review. 2010. pp. 33-47. Sitaraman, Ramakrishnan and Rao, Gangotri. "A Pediatric Case of Accidental Eucalyptus Oil Poisoning from New Delhi, India: Emergency Measures, Historical Context, and Implications for Practice." Cureus. 2019.