Whole dried eucalyptus leaves, eucalipto, for tea and steam

How to Make Eucalyptus Tea (and the Shower Trick): The Method and a Safety Note

By Suhail Rivera, JD, founder of Alkaline Herb Shop

To make eucalyptus tea, add 1 teaspoon of dried eucalyptus leaves to 8 ounces of boiling water, cover, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Use it in moderation, and use the dried leaf, never the essential oil, which is not for drinking. The rest of this guide covers the method, the popular shower steam trick, and what eucalyptus smells and tastes like.

How to make eucalyptus tea, step by step

  1. Add 1 teaspoon of dried eucalyptus leaves to an 8 ounce cup.
  2. Pour boiling water over them.
  3. Cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes. Covering holds the aromatic oils in the cup.
  4. Strain and drink, in moderation.

An important safety note

Two things worth knowing. Brew only the dried leaf, and only in small amounts. And never drink eucalyptus essential oil: the concentrated oil is not for swallowing, and the leaf tea is a different, much milder thing. If you are unsure, or you have a medical condition, ask your doctor first.

The eucalyptus shower trick

Many people use eucalyptus for its aroma rather than as a drink. Tie a small bundle of dried leaves to your shower head, away from the direct water stream. The steam warms the leaves and releases that fresh, clean scent while you shower. You can also drop a few leaves into a bowl of hot water to scent a room.

What does eucalyptus smell and taste like?

Bright, fresh and cooling, with a clean pine and mint aroma. The scent really is the main event, which is why so many people reach for eucalyptus for the steam as much as the cup.

Does eucalyptus tea have caffeine?

No. Eucalyptus is naturally caffeine free.

What is eucalyptus, or eucalipto?

Eucalyptus is the aromatic leaf of the eucalyptus tree, called eucalipto in Spanish. Ours are whole organic or wildcrafted dried leaves from Mexico, one ingredient with nothing added. We make no health claims for it. Enjoy it for its fresh aroma, in the cup in moderation or as steam.

Who should not use eucalyptus

  • Do not drink eucalyptus essential oil. Use only the dried leaf, in moderation.
  • Do not use it during pregnancy or while nursing.
  • It is not recommended for anyone under 18.
  • If you have a medical condition or take prescription medicine, speak to your doctor first.

How to store dried eucalyptus

Keep it sealed and away from heat and light to hold the aroma. Kept dry and closed, the leaves stay good for a couple of years.

Suhail Rivera is the founder of Alkaline Herb Shop, which sources and sells the eucalyptus leaves described in this article.

Suhail Rivera

Suhail Rivera

Suhail Rivera, JD, is the founder of Alkaline Herb Shop. She has spent years sourcing, handling, and selling the herbs she writes about, working directly with growers and third party testing labs. She holds a Juris Doctor. She is not a medical professional, and her articles are for general information, not medical advice. Read more about her and the store on the About page.