bay hill florist orlandoEucalyptus makes a beautiful addition to a flower arrangement (we keep it in stock all of the time), and its fresh scent perks me up. But there are many benefits to eucalyptus beyond how it pleases the senses.

Last month, my indoor/outdoor cat came home with fleas, and I went through the hassle of washing all the linens in the house, vacuuming the house twice and sprinkling Borax under the sofa cushions. Kitty got a flea bath and a fresh dose of Revolution. But I was still worried about fleas coming back. Our shop’s owner Jo Ann told me to keep stems of eucalyptus in vases around the house, which I’ve now done, and so far the fleas haven’t come back.

The scent of eucalyptus–the very thing that attracts humans–repels fleas.

What are some of the other benefits of eucalyptus?

CURE SKIN CONDITIONS
Adding eucalyptus leaves to a hot bath and soaking in it helps cure skin rashes and athlete’s foot.

REPEL MOSQUITOS
Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil (available at health food stores and Whole Foods) to your body lotion makes an amazing insect repellent.