Product Highlight: Eucalyptus!

Is there anyone who doesn’t love the smell of fresh eucalyptus? We’ve yet to meet them! This plant is more than just a lovely smelling koala snack – it can be used both decoratively and medicinally! Since eucalyptus is abundant at the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market, we wanted to give you more info so when you snag a big ol bunch, you know what you’re working with!

Medicinal Uses for Eucalyptus

Medicinally, the eucalyptus oil is taken from the leaves, roots, and bark of the plant. This spicy, cooling oil is used for its antiseptic and astringent effects. Eucalyptus oil is often used for respiratory ailments as the flavoring in cough drops and in decongestant type rubs.

Make an Herbal Chest Rub – Make an herbal salve and use eucalyptus as the herb while adding a little less beeswax than normal.

Make An Herbal Infusion – It is very similar to a cup of tea without the tea leaves and you do need to wait until the infusion has cooled completely. Simply add a few eucalyptus leaves and drink. Add a little sweetener or other herbs to improve the taste if you like. An infusion of eucalyptus leaves can also be used as a soothing skin antiseptic.

Make Your Own Herbal Cough Drops – The process is similar to making lollipops (without the stick), but you will use your herbal infusion as the flavoring. Pour the liquid candy into a baking sheet and cut it into squares before it hardens completely.

Make a Steam Inhalation – Simply inhaling steam infused with eucalyptus can bring relief from nasal congestion and other cold symptoms. You can also add eucalyptus essential oil to your aromatherapy diffuser and run it while you sleep.

Take an Aromatherapy Shower – Bundle a few branches and hang behind your shower head. The hot steam will activate the essential oils.

Other Uses for Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Toss – Forgo the traditional rice or petal toss and opt for eucalyptus, instead; it’s a more natural alternative that’s fitting for an outdoor event. It also look stunning in a wedding bouquet.

Garland and Wreaths – What’s better than something that looks gorgeous and smells great?

Hair Pieces – Unlike fresh flowers, a hair piece made out of eucalyptus will look perfect all day long!

Make a simple syrup – Enjoy it during cocktail hour or to sweeten your evening cup of tea. It pairs well with mint, honey, lemon, and lime.

Natural Dye – Make a natural dye using the leaves or bark! You will get greys and browns from the bark, and orange from the leaves!

Dry and Preserve – Eucalyptus branches can be dried on the stem by hanging the branches upside down in a small bunch, or you can also remove the leaves and place them on a paper towel or drying screen. With either method, allow the eucalyptus to air dry until the leaves are slightly leathery for older leaves and crispy for the smaller leaves. Once dry, store eucalyptus leaves in glass jars with a tight sealing lid.

Important note: fresh eucalyptus can be toxic to cats and dogs so keep away from pets who like to nibble!

How to Make Eucalyptus Oil

You’ll Need:
2 ounces of fresh eucalyptus leaves
8 cups of olive oil
Crock pot
Metal Strainer

Place the leaves in a crock pot and pour 8 cups of olive oil over the leaves to cover completely.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and allow the mixture to sit for 6 hours on low heat.
Strain the oil through a metal strainer to catch leaves.
Store the oil in a dark glass container.