Cold and flu season can be challenging, with symptoms like nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and aches often taking their toll. Combining aromatherapy with a hot shower is a great way to alleviate these symptoms. And these DIY aromatherapy shower steamers are just what you need.
PinWhat are Aromatherapy Shower Steamers?
PinAromatherapy shower steamers are like bath bombs for your shower. They are compact discs made from baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils.
When placed on the floor of your shower, these steamers dissolve in the presence of water and heat, releasing essential oils into the steam. This creates a spa experience that can soothe the body and mind after a long day.
How Shower Steamers Help During Cold and Flu Season
PinHere are a few ways shower steamers (or shower bombs) can help during cold and flu season.
Ease Congestion: The steam combined with eucalyptus and peppermint oils in these aromatherapy steamers helps in loosening congestion.
Relieve Sinus Pressure: Warm steam mixed with the therapeutic aroma of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil may alleviate sinus pressure.
Soothing Effect: The overall experience can have a calming effect on the body, reducing aches and pains.
Home Remedies and More
PinOver the past few years, our family has become increasingly interested in natural, herbal, and home remedies for common ailments. And I've shared many ideas for home remedies using natural ingredients along the way as we continue to pursue a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.
I've written about making your own Oregano Oil. I've also shared recipes for Elderberry Syrup and Ginger Honey Syrup with Lemon and Turmeric.
We include foraging and many DIY projects, homestead recipes and hands-on learning as part of our off grid homeschooling activities.
How to Make Your Own DIY Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
PinIt's really easy to make these homemade shower steamers. Just remember to follow the directions carefully the first time you make them.
Then, you can experiment with different shower steamer recipes using lavender essential oil, orange oils, citrus oils, or pure essential oils. Creating your own aromatherapy recipe is a fun way to enjoy your favorite essential oils.
⬇️Want the printable recipe card? It's at the bottom of this post.⬇️
DIY Aromatherapy Shower Steamer Ingredients
PinHere are the simple ingredients you need to make your own shower steamers. (Note: Some people call these shower steamer tablets homemade shower bombs.)
- 1 cup baking soda
- ¼ cup citric acid
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon coconut/almond oil
- 30 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 drops of peppermint essential oil
- Water in a spray bottle
- Mica powder (optional for coloring)
Directions for Shower Steamers
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Pin- Mix baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch in a large bowl.
- Add drops of essential oils and mix well.
- Gradually spray water onto the mixture using a spray bottle, stirring continuously to avoid an excessive fizzing reaction. Don't add too much liquid.
- Press it into molds Once the mixture is damp enough to hold its shape.
- Optional: Add mica powder for coloring.
- Allow the steamers to harden overnight.
- Store in a dry, airtight container.
To use, place the steamer on the shower floor away from direct hot water flow. Sprinkle with water to activate the release of essential oils.
Eucalyptus and Peppermint Shower Steamers FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions about making your own shower steamers.
Can I Use Different Essential Oils?
You can customize your shower steamers with your favorite essential oil blend based on your preferences or specific needs. Add more drops of essential oil if you prefer a stronger scent.
How Long Do These Shower Steamers Last?
For best results, use the essential oil shower steamers within three months to enjoy the optimal benefits of the essential oils. Remember to place your steamer in the bottom of your shower, away from the direct stream of water. This will help it last longer.
Are Shower Bombs Safe for Kids?
While generally safe for use, remember to choose child-friendly essential oils and ensure that children do not eat, drink, or chew on the steamers. Make sure to put the steamer on the floor of the shower so it can release the fragrance oils away from little feet!
Creating your own DIY aromatherapy shower steamers is a simple and enjoyable way to enhance your shower experience, especially during cold and flu season. They offer therapeutic benefits and make thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.
One surefire way to help lessen your symptoms is with aromatherapy and a hot shower. The aroma of the essential oils in a hot shower helps to loosen up congestion, soothe an aching head, and help you breathe better.
You can keep them on hand, and they also make an excellent gift for a sick friend or family member, along with homemade soup during cold and flu season.
DIY Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
Yield: 6 small shower steamers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $20
One surefire way to help lessen your symptoms is with aromatherapy and a hot shower. If you can combine the two, it's even better, and that's one reason we love these Cold and Flu Shower Steamers.
Materials
- 1 cup baking soda
- ¼ cup citric acid ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon coconut/almond oil
- 30 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 drops of peppermint essential oil
- Water in a spray bottle
- Mica powder-optional to color
Tools
- Silicone soap mold
- Glass measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Add in essential oils and mix again to incorporate fully.
- To get your shower melts just damp enough where the citric acid doesn’t react and fizz you want to use a spray bottle, dampening the dry ingredients a little at a time. As you wet it the acid will fizz a bit like this.
- Stir each time you add water and mix. It is best to mix with your hands, so you know when it is just wet enough to hold together. Squeeze some in your hands, and if the mixture holds its shape, it is damp enough.
- At this point, I decided to add a bit of green mica powder to color it. This is helpful to keep them straight if you like to make them in various scents for different purposes. Especially when gifting, I like to add a little color to make them more unique.
- Press the mixture into molds. The size of your mold will determine how many shower steamers you get out of it. Be sure to press in firmly and fill all the corners and edges.
- Allow to harden overnight.
- Carefully remove from mold, and store in a clean, dry, airtight container until ready.
Notes
To use: Place in the shower out of direct spray, sprinkle with water and splash occasionally as you shower to activate and melt them, releasing the oils. You should use your shower melts within three months for optimal benefits of the oils.
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