To say we are in love with Eucalyptus trees is an understatement. Not only are they super fashionable for their leaves at the moment, they are also evergreen, grow really quickly and can tolerate our wind and rain despite being native to Australia.
The Most Amazing Value for Money Tree!
As you know, we have been busy planting trees for every order we receive, and some of them have been Eucalyptus. You can find them in most garden centres and they are generally very cheap. They seem to be amazing value for money too!
The young foliage looks amazing in vases, bouquets and used in garlands/ wreaths, they grow quickly and will screen anything you might want to hide, they give year round interest, their bark peels away revealing different colours underneath it and you can turn their older leaves into home made eucalyptus oil very easily.
We have both lived in Australia and so the Eucalyptus reminds of our second home, of balmy walks in the Blue Mountains and warm summer evenings. Who couldn't become addicted?
Easy Home Made Eucalyptus Oil
Cut approx. 1/4 cup of fresh, older leaves in the morning (the oil is strongest then)
Wash & dry the leaves
Crush the leaves to release the oil
Add to a crock pot/ slow cooker
Add 1 cup of olive, almond or coconut oil to the crock pot/ slow cooker
Put the lid on and set it to low for approx. 6 hours. The longer it cooks, the stronger the oil will be
Once cool, strain the oil into a jar, discarding the leaves
Label with the date & sterilise the crock pot to remove any residue
It should last for around 6 months
Uses For Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties, has been well known as a natural decongestant and a few drops in a bath can relieve aches and pains (or simply hang a branch in your shower). What more could we ask from something so beautiful just growing in our gardens?
Try a quick internet search of home made Eucalyptus cleaning products - there are so many! From window cleaning to kitchen and bathroom cleaners - plus it also smells great. Another way we can use natural products, reduce our consumption and minimise waste without breaking the bank - it's so easy!
Do you make your own essential oils from your plants? Any recipes you would like to share? We would love to hear from you & try your suggestions.
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Hoping everyone is healthy and happy,
Keelly & Arianne xxx
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