If you live in Chicago, then you know how long the wait has been for warm weather (and it seems Mother Nature is never really fully committed, either)! The change in season feels great for many reasons, but along with the beautiful weather comes a necessary adjustment or adaptation process within the body and mind. During this time, allergies and congestion can develop or worsen in many people. And did you know that allergies can increase levels of stress within the brain and body and that high emotion, feelings of overwhelm and increased stressors can further impact allergy symptoms?
The symptoms you may be experiencing can be contained and even relieved by an anti-stress eucalyptus shower. Including an essential oil component to your self-care regimen or (even better) including fresh eucalyptus into your daily routine can help.
Eucalyptus is an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. The eucalyptus leaves combined with the steam of a shower can:
- Awaken your senses
- Clear your nasal passages
- Clear your mind
- Reduce anxious feelings
- Promote or encourage healthy a self-care practice
This rejuvenating shower trick is extremely easy to do yourself:
Locate some fresh eucalyptus leaves, we’ve purchased them at both Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, your local flower shops should have them too, Bunch them together toward the end of the stem with a rubber band and hang them on your shower head with twine, along your shower wall BEHIND the stream of water. You can leave them there for multiple uses, eucalyptus leaves last for 2-3 weeks.
CAUTION: Eucalyptus leaves can be toxic to animals, therefore keep your bathroom door closed!
pc Megan Schnell
