If you have never tried a eucalyptus towel after a hard workout, you are missing one of the easiest ways to cool down and reset. I started making these towels last summer after a particularly sweaty hot yoga class, and they have been a staple in my gym bag ever since. A eucalyptus towel is simply a damp cloth misted with eucalyptus essential oil and chilled until cold. When you press it to your neck and face, the cooling sensation pairs with the strong, clear scent to relieve muscle tension and open your sinuses. It feels intentional and soothing, not like a standard ice pack. Best of all, you can make one in under a minute with ingredients you probably already have at home.
Why Eucalyptus Towels Work So Well After a Workout
Your body heats up during exercise, and your muscles hold tension long after you stop moving. A eucalyptus towel targets both of those problems at once. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation, which helps with soreness. Meanwhile, the eucalyptus aroma acts on your respiratory system and your nervous system. Studies have shown that eucalyptus essential oil contains a compound called eucalyptol, which can calm inflammation and help you breathe more deeply. That is why many athletes and yoga teachers recommend aromatherapy towels for post workout recovery. For me, the biggest difference is mental: the sharp minty smell signals my brain that the hard part is done, and I can finally relax.
What You Need to Make Your Own Aromatherapy Towels
You do not need any fancy equipment. Here is the short list of supplies I use every time:
- A clean, small washcloth or hand towel (cotton or bamboo work best)
- Distilled or filtered water (tap water is fine, but distilled keeps the towel from getting musty)
- A spray bottle (glass or plastic, as long as it is clean)
- Eucalyptus essential oil (look for 100% pure, undiluted oil)
- A ziplock bag or small container to store the towel in the fridge
I recommend starting with a 2 ounce spray bottle so you can mix small batches. If you plan to make several towels at once, you can use a larger bottle. Just keep the ratio the same: roughly 2 to 3 drops of essential oil per ounce of water. More than that can be too strong and irritate your skin.
Step by Step: How to Make a Eucalyptus Cooling Towel
This is the easiest DIY aromatherapy project you will ever do. First, dampen your washcloth with water until it is fully wet but not dripping. Wring it out slightly so it is just damp. Then lay it flat on a plate or a cutting board. Fill your spray bottle with water and add the eucalyptus essential oil. Shake it well, then mist the towel evenly on both sides. You want the scent to be noticeable but not overwhelming. Next, fold the towel into a square, place it in a ziplock bag, and put it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. If you want extra cold towels, you can put them in the freezer for 10 minutes instead. Just do not freeze them solid, because a stiff towel is uncomfortable on your skin. I usually make two or three towels on Sunday evening so they are ready to grab after my morning runs.
Where to Use These Towels for Best Results
Eucalyptus towels are versatile, but certain situations really let them shine. After hot yoga or a Bikram class, the towel feels amazing draped across your forehead and the back of your neck. The cold helps bring your core temperature down, and the eucalyptus clears that stuffy feeling you get from breathing warm humid air. After weightlifting or running, I press the towel against my shoulders and knees. The cold reduces swelling, and the scent helps me focus on deep breathing instead of the soreness. You can also use a eucalyptus towel during a long hike or a hot day at the park. It works just like a standard cooling towel, but with added aromatherapy benefits. I keep one in my car during summer for traffic jams. It keeps me calm and alert.
A Few Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Towel
Over time I have learned a few tricks that
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