Eucalyptus is found at most florists, as it is a favorite addition to many floral displays. In warmer climates, you might find eucalyptus for sale at farmer’s markets or gardening stores. You may find eucalyptus for sale online. Although it’s technically a tree or shrub, it’s also labeled as an herb for its fragrance and medicinal properties. The best time of day to cut eucalyptus is early in the morning, when its leaves contain a high concentration of oil. [2] X Expert Source Lorena BarcalClinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist Expert Interview. 28 June 2020. [3] X Research source
This step is particularly important when buying eucalyptus from a florist, as the leaves may be sprayed with preservative. Get the leaves as dry as you can, but if there’s a little water left it will evaporate,
If you’d like to make less than 8 oz of eucalyptus oil, use less oil and fewer leaves. For example, if you’d like to make 4 oz (1/2 cup) of oil, measure 4 oz of oil, and use approximately 1/8 cup eucalyptus leaves. If you want to make more, just keep the proportions the same: 4 parts oil to 1 part leaves.
You can also chop the leaves with a sharp knife. If there are bits of stem and twig in the mix, that’s okay. If you want to use mixed herbs to create your oil, you should add them at this time.
Allow the mixture to steep for at least 6 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger your eucalyptus oil will be. The scent of the steaming oil will be fairly strong throughout your home. Make sure you’re making your eucalyptus oil at a time you can enjoy it.
It’s important to wait until the oil has cooled before pouring, so the glass doesn’t crack from the sudden heat. Use clean, glass jars with tight fitting lids. Make sure they are dry as well. Any water or moisture in the jars can cause mold.
The oil will be good for approximately 6 months from the time you make it. [7] X Research source If you’ve included other herbs to your eucalyptus oil, include this on the label. Some popular additions are: Sage, Lavender, Spearmint, or Rosemary. To store oil for a longer time, keep in the refrigerator.
Make sure your jars are clean and dry, as any water or moisture can result in mold. The jar you use for making the oil can be clear or dark glass. A dark glass jar is best for storing the eucalyptus oil.
Place the eucalyptus leaves in the jar, followed by a thin layer of sea salt. [9] X Research source The salt will help to extract the oil from the leaves. [10] X Expert Source Lorena BarcalClinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist Expert Interview. 28 June 2020. With the handle part of a long spoon, smash the eucalyptus leaves into the bottom of the jar, releasing their natural oils.
Make sure your jar is tightly sealed, and give it a good shake to stir the leaves together with the oil. Continue to shake the jar every 12 hours or so until the steeping is finished. [11] X Expert Source Lorena BarcalClinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist Expert Interview. 28 June 2020. The spot where you keep your mixture while it’s steeping should receive 8-12 hours of direct sunshine per day for maximum benefit. Keep it in an area that’s not hidden from site, so that you don’t forget to shake it.
The strainer will catch the leaves, which you can discard. Wipe down any excess oil from your storage jar with a damp cloth.
The oil will be good for approximately 6 months from the time you make it. [12] X Research source If you’ve included other herbs to your eucalyptus oil, include this on the label. Some popular additions are: Sage, Lavender, Spearmint, or Rosemary. To store oil for a longer time, keep in the refrigerator.
