The leaves of the eucalyptus tree are a popular health remedy around the world. This leaf has antibacterial and antifungal properties. When distilled into oil, eucalyptus makes an effective inhaler or chest rub. A few drops of eucalyptus oil in the shower will relieve aches and pains. Anyone can make eucalyptus oil with a few simple ingredients.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a Slow Cooker to Make Eucalyptus Oil
Step 1. Look for fresh eucalyptus leaves
Eucalyptus trees grow wild in warmer climates. In cooler climates, eucalyptus leaves are sold in nurseries as potted plants or shrubs. You only need a handful-about 1/4 cup-leaf-to make each cup of oil you want to make.
- Eucalyptus leaves can be found in most flower shops, as eucalyptus is a preferred addition to many flower displays.
- In hotter climates, you can find eucalyptus leaves for sale at farmer's markets or garden stores.
- You can find eucalyptus leaves for sale online. Although technically eucalyptus is a tree or shrub, it is also considered an herb because of its aroma and healing properties.
- The best time of day to cut eucalyptus leaves is in the morning, when the leaves contain a high concentration of oil.
Step 2. Wash the leaves with water in the sink
Rinse well, then set aside to dry. You can also choose to dry the leaves using a clean, dry cloth or towel.
- This step is especially important when purchasing eucalyptus leaves from a florist, as the leaves may be sprayed with preservatives.
- Dry the leaves as much as you can. However, if there is still a little water left, the water will evaporate.
Step 3. Measure the oil in 1 cup (236 ml)
The best oils to use as a light base include light olive oil, coconut oil, or cold-pressed almond oil. A strong scent is not necessary as the eucalyptus scent should dominate the oil.
- If you want to make less than 236 ml of eucalyptus oil, use less oil and fewer leaves. For example, if you want to make 118 ml (1/2 cup) of oil, measure out 118 ml, and use about 1/8 cup of eucalyptus leaves.
- If you want to make more, just keep the ratio the same: the oil and leaf ratio is 4 to 1.
Step 4. Cut the eucalyptus leaves from the stems, then gently crush them with your hands
This will start to produce an extract from the oil, and your hands will smell like the leaves.
- You can also chop the leaves with a sharp knife. If there are still a few sticks and twigs in the mix, that's fine.
- If you want to use mixed herbs to make oil, you'll need to add them at this point.
Step 5. Combine the oil and leaves in the slow cooker and choose a low setting
Make sure the lid is attached to the slow cooker. There will be about 1/4 cup of oil on top of your leaves.
- Let the mixture soak for at least 6 hours. The longer it is submerged, the stronger your eucalyptus oil will be.
- The aroma of the steaming oil will be quite strong throughout your home. Be sure to make eucalyptus oil at a time that you can enjoy.
Step 6. Pour the eucalyptus oil through a thin sieve when the oil has cooled
Place the bottle under it as an oil container. Ideally, the container should be a dark glass bottle, but any bottle can be used as long as it is stored in a dark place in your home.
- It is important to wait until the oil has cooled before pouring it, so that the glass does not crack from the sudden heat.
- Use a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Also make sure the bottle is dry. Any water or moisture in the bottle can cause mold to develop.
Step 7. Label the eucalyptus oil
You can be as creative as you like in designing labels for your home essential oils, but of course you need to identify them by type (Eucalyptus Oil) and date of manufacture.
- The oil will stay in good condition for about 6 months from the time you make it.
- If you include other herbs in your eucalyptus oil, include this information on the label. Some popular additions are: sage, lavender, spearmint, or rosemary.
- To keep the oil longer, store it in the refrigerator.
Method 2 of 2: Soaking Eucalyptus Leaves in Oil in the Sun
Step 1. Collect two glass bottles
One bottle will be used for making eucalyptus oil, and another bottle for storing it. You can use a 500 ml bottle, a 1 liter bottle, or a larger bottle, depending on how much eucalyptus oil you want to make.
- Make sure your bottles are clean and dry, as water or moisture can cause mold to develop.
- The bottle you use to make the oil can be clear or dark glass. A dark glass bottle is the best place to store eucalyptus oil.
Step 2. Collect the eucalyptus leaves, as in the previous steps
You'll need to use the same amount of leaves for the oil as you would in the slow cooker method - about 4 to 1 for the oil and eucalyptus leaves. Use 1/4 cup of eucalyptus leaves for one cup of oil.
- Place the eucalyptus leaves in the jar, followed by a small layer of sea salt. The salt will help extract the oil from the leaves.
- Using the long handle of the spoon, crush the eucalyptus leaves towards the bottom of the bottle, allowing the natural oils to escape.
Step 3. Pour the oil over the mixture of crushed eucalyptus leaves and salt
Let it soak for at least 2 weeks in warm sun. The longer you let the mixture soak, the stronger the oil will be.
- Make sure your bottle is tightly sealed, and shake it well to whisk the leaves with the oil. Continue to shake the bottle about every 12 hours until it's finished brewing.
- The place you store the mixture while it is brewing should receive 8-12 hours of sun exposure each day for maximum benefits. Keep it in a visible place so you don't forget to shake it.
Step 4. Strain the leaves from the oil by pouring them through a tea strainer or cheesecloth
Hold the strainer or cloth over the open mouth of the bottle, then pour the oil into your storage bottle.
- The strainer will retain the leaves, which you can then discard.
- Wipe off excess oil on the storage bottle with a damp cloth.
Step 5. Label the eucalyptus oil
You can be as creative as you like designing your homemade essential oil labels, but of course you need to identify them by type (Eucalyptus Oil) and date of manufacture.
- The oil will stay in good condition for about 6 months from the time you make it.
- If you include other herbs in your eucalyptus oil, include this information on the label. Some popular additions are: sage, lavender, spearmint, or rosemary.
- To keep the oil longer, store it in the refrigerator.
