Last winter, when I visited my sister who lived in Italy (I know, lucky!) their showerheads had fresh sprigs of Eucalyptus casually tied on. When you took a hot bath or shower, the steam made the fragrance amazing and it looks like Maxwell has also experimented with Eucalyptus In the Bathroom. It's inexpensive and easy to do, especially this time of year.
If you've never smelled Eucalyptus, it's sort of a combination of minty and mediciney. For me, it smells clean and fresh, and makes me instantly relax — especially in the bath. Even our Thanksgiving (male) guests commented on how much they loved it! The sprigs will last for weeks and even after they dry, the shape holds and the smell lingers. I just tied it on with a random ribbon which is easy to take off, but you can use jute or even red for a more festive look.
And like Maxwell noted, be sure NOT to buy the dyed eucalyptus — that would be a messy disaster!
Images: Jeanine Brennan
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My mom always keeps a vase of eucalyptus in the guest bathroom. It smells LOVELY!
I want to go home and do this right away! Where can I find eucalyptus branches? (Somerville/Cambridge area would be best)
Great idea! I'm going to go find some eucalyptus branches right now. If you like the scent, try Thymes' Eucalyptus scented products. they're wonderful only I wish I could still get the shampoo and creme rinse.
http://www.thymes.com/ProductSearch.aspx?keywords=eucalyptus&page=Home
It's inexpensive and easy to do
So how much does it usually run and where would one find it?
This is a great idea, lots of branches in my yard.
I take eucalyptus essential oil and put about 8 drops into an old tea kettle (non whistle kind) with water let simmer on stove, makes a nice steam and fills the room a great smell. This really helps if you live in a dry climate.
I buy fresh eucalyptus at Whole Foods for around $4 for a bunch.
If you have a Trader Joe's nearby they have Eucalyptus branches or you can order online from http://www.eucproducts.com/branches.html.
"So how much does it usually run and where would one find it?"
If you live in California, many parks have Eucalyptus trees - Just pick up the fallen branches from the ground.
sorry bep, Brooklyn, ny
Thank you, clare and hue, I have trader joes by work.
I have tried the eucalyptus oil in the bath but never the real thing. Interesting.
hey funstraw, they don't have eucalyptus as the brooklyn trader joe's but there are a few florists on court street and one on atlantic that have it (that big grocery on atlantic, i think it's a met foods?)
if you're in Brooklyn, support your farmers' market and get it there.
This is such a fantastic idea! I can't wait to try it.
Kinda jealous of the folks who can stop by a park and pick some up. I'll have to hit up Whole Foods. I don't think a farmer's market will be of any help if you're looking for something that grows far away from Brooklyn.
I do this, and I'd like to testify: It is fabulous. Good for the bronchial passages, good for the soul. Amen.
I usually buy mine at the farmers' market in Union Square (NYC). It's sold in huge batches, which you can divide among friends and neighbors.
If you live in Boston and anywhere near Russo's in Watertown (on the border of Newton), I bought mine there. Huge fresh fragrant bunches (I split mine in half for my two bathrooms) for about $5 I think (?)
Do you put it in a vase or do you hang it upside down as it is in the photos?
@creative licesnse: You can do it either way. It'll stay fresher longer in a vase with water. The stems are woody, so be sure to open them up on the bottom, so they can take up water.
er...creative license. sorry. long day.
Or if you live in Australia like me we are surrounded by it! This is where it is from after all. Go for a walk in summer and you would get the effect described all around you in the air. Always makes me think of home when I see eucalypts growing in other countries.
hrhprincessfiona ...... that's a shame to hear about lavender. I love lavender, I may try it anyway! :)
I love it, but you don't need THAT much. LOL! About 1/3 of that is all you need, if even...
This is such a great idea. My Significant Other spent his childhood in Australia and this will make a nice surprise for him when he takes a shower tomorrow morning. Especially because we are both currently stuffy/ sickly lately. And thank you, Clarejr and LoriSF for your help in where to find them!
I used to get it in Union Square, but they sometimes had it at the market at Grand Army Plaza at the north entrance of Prospect Park.
great idea, especially in this season of head colds.
I am twitching to take my secateurs for a walk, I almost feel ashamed I haven't done this before, especially since I lug ti-tree and eucalyptus products back from Oz (and Vegemite!). What a brilliant, low-impact eco-idea.
http://cabinonthewater.blogspot.com
olee, thanks, yeah you're right I didn't see it at TJ's. I'll check the farmers market this weekend.
Great idea - we occasionally get unpleasant odors in the bathroom due, I think, to some problems with the seal around the base of the toilet. I think keeping something like this in the bathroom would also help keep the whole bathroom fresher.
meaganl-I live in your area-have a local florist get it for you from the Boston Flower Exchange.
I LOVE this idea-this was shown on the WE network a few years back...it was one of their commercials, I think.
Can you do this with lavender too? I love lavender so much.