Eucalyptus branch in the shower: should I put it? – GOOD SHAPE

Whether in photos on Instagram or videos on TikTok, you must have already come across this scene: a dry eucalyptus branch hanging in the shower. more than one beautiful aesthetics, they say that the fashion started because, in fact, it is good for health. Really? That’s what we’re going to find out today.

WHAT IS EUCALYPTUS AND WHAT IS IT FOR?

The favorite tree of koalas, eucalyptus is native to Australia and Tasmania, and encompasses about 900 species and subspecies cultivated in different areas of the planet.

Some of these species, such as E. polybractea, E. smithii and the E. globulusended up gaining the attention of the medical community due to their pharmacological properties.

“Its essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidantin addition to having healing properties,” explains the otolaryngologist. Dr. Maura Neves.

That’s why eucalyptus is so used in the treatment of respiratory diseasessuch as flu, colds, asthma and bronchitis. Regardless of the route of use, essential oils, after being absorbed, have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant action – and this is the most frequent use of the plant.

EUCALYPTUS IN THE SHOWER: YES OR NO?

According to the social media trend, keeping a eucalyptus branch in the shower helps to clear the airways. In contact with the steam from the hot water, the plant would supposedly release some of this diluted oil into the water, transforming the bath into a a big sauna with expectorant action.

The reality, however, is not quite like that. It all depends on your objective with the use of eucalyptus. “If it is to prevent or treat respiratory disease, there is no scientific evidence to support its use,” says Dr. Maura. “All evidence is with essential oils, and the dried plant does not guarantee the amount of active agents. Nor is it determined whether the species used has an action on the respiratory tract.”

That is, if you were caught by the trend, remember that it is more aesthetic than actually beneficial to health. But we do not deny that the idea is really, really interesting and, above all, very beautiful!