Eucalyptus oil's germicidal properties make it great for healing a number of ailments, from bug bites to fever. Those who have acquired a taste for its distinctive smell even use it as an aromatic oil. Whatever your intentions for eucalyptus oil, you’ll find that making it at home is a quick and easy process. And, if you have your own supply of eucalyptus leaves, your homemade oil will be much cheaper and fresher than the oil you can find at the apothecary.
Gently crush 2 ounces of fresh eucalyptus leaves with your fist to release the oil. Depending on the size of your crock pot, you may wish to use more or less.
Place the eucalyptus leaves in the crock pot.
Add 1 cup of olive oil for every 1/4 ounce of leaves in the crock pot.
Place the lid on the crock pot and turn it on at low heat. Let the mixture steep for 6 hours.
Strain the eucalyptus oil through a small-gauge mesh strainer and into an airtight jar made of dark glass.
Seal the jar and date it.
Store the eucalyptus oil in a cool, dry spot, where it will remain viable for 6 months. If you need it for longer, store it in your refrigerator's vegetable crisper drawer, where it will last for approximately 1 year.
Things You Will Need
- Kitchen weight scale
- Eucalyptus leaves
- Olive oil
- Crock pot
- Small-gauge mesh strainer
- Airtight jar made of dark glass
Tip
- If you do not have a crock pot and have a little extra time, put the leaves and olive oil in a clear airtight glass jar, leave it out in the sunlight for 2 weeks, then strain the oil into the dark jar and store it as described.
References
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