The leaves of the eucalyptus tree are considered a natural remedy all over the world, thanks to their antibacterial and antifungal properties. They can be distilled and made into an oil, which can be inhaled or rubbed on the chest for beneficial effects. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the bath water to relieve pain and discomfort. Anyone can prepare this oil, just a few simple ingredients are enough.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use a Slow Cooker to Prepare Eucalyptus Oil
Step 1. Find a young eucalyptus tree
This plant grows spontaneously in warmer climates, while in colder regions it is on sale at nurseries as a plant or shrub to be grown in pots. You need a good handful of leaves, which is about 60ml in volume for every 240ml of oil you want to make.
- You can also find eucalyptus at the major florists, as it is a plant that is always gladly added in many floral compositions.
- In regions with warmer climates, it can be found for sale at farmer's markets or garden centers.
- Alternatively, you can also search for it online. Although technically a tree or shrub, it is often referred to as a "herb" for its fragrance and medicinal properties.
- The best time to cut the leaves is early in the morning, when they contain a high concentration of oil.
Step 2. Wash the leaves under running water
Rinse them well and then let them dry. You can also decide to dry them with a clean, dry cloth or towel.
- This step is especially important when buying the plant from a florist, as the leaves may have been treated with some preservative.
- Try to dry them as much as possible, but if there is any water left, let it evaporate.
Step 3. Measure 240ml of oil
The most suitable is a light carrier oil, such as cold-pressed virgin olive, coconut or almond oil. You don't have to take one with a too strong aroma, because the fragrance of the eucalyptus must predominate.
- If you want to make a smaller amount, reduce the amount of oil and leaves. For example, if you want to make 120ml, use an amount of leaves equivalent to 30ml in volume.
- You can also prepare a larger quantity, the important thing is to always respect the volumetric proportion of 4 parts of oil to one part of leaves.
Step 4. Tear the leaves off the stem and gently squeeze them with your hands
This step facilitates the oil extraction process and your hands will have the scent of the leaves.
- You can also shred the leaves with a sharp knife. If a few bits of stem or twigs remain, that's no problem.
- If you want to use a blend of herbs to make your oil, add them all at the same time.
Step 5. Combine the carrier oil and plant material in a slow cooker and set a low temperature
Make sure you close the pot with the lid. You should see a layer of oil floating on the leaves.
- Let the mixture steep for at least six hours. The longer the leaves are immersed in the oil, the stronger the eucalyptus oil will be.
- The scent of the steaming oil will quickly spread throughout the house. Make sure you prepare it at a time of day when you can appreciate its aroma.
Step 6. Pour the oil through a fine mesh strainer once it has cooled
Put it in a vase; in theory it should be dark glass, but any type of jar is fine as long as you store it in a dark room in the house.
- It is important to wait until the oil has cooled well before pouring it into the container, in order not to risk the glass breaking due to the thermal shock.
- Use an airtight glass jar that is thoroughly dry. If there is a little water or humidity, mold may form.
Step 7. Put a label on the container
You can be as creative as you like when it comes to labeling your home essential oils, but ultimately the important thing is to identify the content (eucalyptus oil) and the date you made it.
- The oil lasts about 6 months from the moment of preparation.
- If you include other herbs besides eucalyptus, list them on the label. The ones that are used most often are sage, lavender, mint and rosemary.
- If you want to keep the oil for a long time, store it in the refrigerator.
Method 2 of 2: Put the Eucalyptus Leaves to Macerate in the Oil in the Sun
Step 1. Get two airtight glass jars
The first is used for the infusion, the second to preserve the oil. The containers can be half a liter, a liter or even more capacious, depending on how much product you want to make.
- Make sure the jars are clean and dry, as traces of water or moisture could trigger mold growth.
- The jar used for the infusion can be of dark or transparent glass, while the one intended for storage should be dark.
Step 2. Collect the eucalyptus leaves as described in the first part of the article
Respect the same proportion as indicated in the slow cooker method (four parts of carrier oil for one of leaves). For every 240ml of oil, use 60ml volume of leaves.
- Place the leaves in the vase by covering them with a light layer of sea salt. Salt favors the extraction of oils from plant matter.
- Press the leaves into the bottom of the bowl using the wooden handle of a long spoon to help release the natural oils.
Step 3. Pour the oil over the crushed salt and eucalyptus mixture
Leave it to macerate for at least two weeks, exposing the container to the sun. The longer you wait, the more intense the oil will be.
- Check that the jar is airtight and shake it from time to time to mix the contents. Shake it every 12 hours or so until the process is complete.
- The place where you leave the leaves to macerate should be exposed to direct sun for at least 8-12 hours a day; in this way, you optimize its effectiveness. Keep the jar in a prominent spot so you don't forget to shake it.
Step 4. Filter the leaves from the oil by pouring it through a colander or cheesecloth
Hold the cloth or filter over the opening of the jar and pour the oil.
- The colander holds the leaves, which you can then throw away.
- Clean the jar of excess oil using a wet cloth.
Step 5. Add a label to the container
You can be creative regarding the aesthetic aspect of the label of homemade essential oils, but ultimately the basic information is the content (eucalyptus oil) and the date of manufacture.
- The oil lasts about six months from the date of preparation.
- If you've used other herbs besides eucalyptus, list them on the label. Typically, sage, lavender, mint or rosemary are used.
- For longer-lasting storage, store the oil in the refrigerator.
