Eucalyptus Oil

Commonly used as a fragrance and for its many medicinal and antibacterial properties, eucalyptus oil is also used with henna and jagua for body art applications. The natural solvents in essential oils help produce darker stains from these natural colorants.

Ingredients: 100% pure Eucalyptus Oil, distilled from the leaves of the Eucalyptus globulus tree.

To use with Henna powder:

• Mix equal parts henna powder and water in an applicator bottle.

• Add 0.03 fl oz/1ml eucalyptus oil (mordant) per 0.14 oz/4g henna powder and mix well.

• Let the mixture age for 45 minutes and stir well before use. For best results, use within 24 hours. If it is difficult to squeeze the paste out of the applicator, the addition of a few drops of water may be necessary.

• Thoroughly wash skin before applying.

• After application, allow the paste to dry on skin (10 to 15 minutes).

• Moisten the design by lightly applying a citrus/sugar solution with a cotton ball. This will set the henna for a long lasting, dark color. Do not oversaturate the design with the citrus/sugar solution as this will thin the paste and cause fine lines to spread.

• Once the henna assumes a black and glazy appearance, reduce or stop the application of the citrus/sugar solution. Leave henna on skin as long as possible (up to 12 hours for the best results) for a long-lasting, dark design (3 hours of set time usually results in a dark, solid color). If you plan on going to bed before removing the henna paste, wrap the area with a paper towel or cloth to protect the design and avoid staining your bedding.

• After setting, remove the henna with a cotton ball and vegetable oil. Avoid wetting the area for a day. Color will darken overnight.

If you are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, do a small test design and wait a day before proceeding with something more elaborate.

To use with Jagua powder:

Recommended ratios by volume:

• 1 part Jagua powder

• 3 parts water

• 0.3 parts Eucalyptus Oil

Instructions to make approximately 2.75 fl oz/81.33 ml Jagua gel):

• Thoroughly mix 3 tablespoons/44 ml water with 1 tablespoon/15 g jagua powder. Once the paste is consistent and smooth, wait 5-15 minutes before proceeding.

• Mix in 1 teaspoon/5 ml eucalyptus oil (or other essential oil) to create the gel. Wait at least 10 minutes before using.

• Apply generously to the skin with a fine line applicator, cone, brush or stencil. Allow jagua to dry completely (approximately 30 minutes) before removing.

• Peel dried jagua from skin and wash with soap and cold water.

Don’t be alarmed if you can’t see the tattoo at this stage: the design will darken to its final bluish-black color over the course of 24-48 hours. Designs last 1-2 weeks.If you are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, do a small test design and wait a day before proceeding with something more elaborate. 

NOTE: The mixed jagua gel will keep for at least one month before losing potency. Refrigerate or freeze to extend its shelf life.