It’s that time of year again. Sniffles, coughs, and sneezes infest germy classrooms, dorm rooms, and the library. This cold season, instead of dosing up on Mucinex, turn to Pinterest’s new, more creative solution. Introducing, the eucalyptus shower.
The idea is simple. Next time you’re at a plant shop or even your grocery store, pick up a few sprigs and fasten them to your shower head. You will want to tie them so they are facing away from the water flow (you can position them how you want with a rubber band). Bonus: The decorative, sophisticated touch of having plants in your shower improves your overall bathroom aesthetic.
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So why eucalyptus? Well, eucalyptus is a common ingredient in over-the-counter chest rubs (think Vicks). And by placing it in the shower, the idea is that the hot steam and minty eucalyptus come together to make a minty aroma that opens nasal passages one deep breath at a time. According to Shape, you should stand in the shower for at least 5 minutes to reap the aromatherapies full benefits.
Mayo Clinic says that aromatherapy is “thought to work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system-the part of the brain that controls emotions.”
Going the extra mile to improve your shower experience not only helps you breathe easier, but it can help you relax and de-stress after winter days.
