Melt away stress, feel more energized, and breathe easier with these aromatic Essential Oil Shower Melts. These DIY shower steamers are easy to make and and harness all the soothing powers of essential oils.
Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art. Essential oils have traditionally been used to heal a wide range of ailments, and are still popular for this purpose even in today’s modern world.
A shower steamer or shower melt is a type of aromatherapy designed to dissolve in the shower, diffusing pleasant and beneficial aromas in the steamy air. This is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils, even if you do not own a diffuser.
This shower steamer recipe is a blend of citrus oils and peppermint. It is one of my favorite essential oil blends because it is just what I’m looking for when I’m dealing with seasonal allergies or tiredness (what mom can’t relate to that!)
These citrus peppermint shower melts combine the energizing properties of lemon, grapefruit, and orange oils with the sinus-clearing power of peppermint oil. They are perfect for the winter months, for relief during cold and flu season. Or anytime you want a brain-boosting pick me up!
Aromatherapy Shower Steamers can be helpful for:
- Reducing feelings of fatigue
- Feeling more energized and alert
- Improving mood
- Lower tension
- Relieving nasal congestion
But you can also simply enjoy these shower melt tablets because they smell good — just like you might enjoy a scented body wash or bath fizz. You can transform your bathroom into a spa-like experience with these essential oil shower steamers!
This recipe makes 24 shower melts and can be used as a gift or a special treat for yourself! These are a great way to give you a quick pick me up when you don’t have time to take a bath.
Aromatherapy Shower Melts helps to overcome stress and refresh your spirit. The use of natural essential oils helps to achieve a subtle scent in your shower. Learn how to make these lovely Shower Melts, how to enjoy aromatherapy benefits and how to shop for natural ingredients.
DIY Shower Steamers Ingredients
For your convenience, I’ve included shop-able ad links to products used to make this project at home; read our disclosure policy here.
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons (6 teaspoons) water
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 10 drops orange essential oil
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
One batch makes 24 shower melts.
Additional Supplies Used:
- Wilton 24-Cavity Daisy Silicone Mold — Or feel free to use your own molds. Keep in mind that the size of the molds may change the amount of individual tablets made.
- Skin-Safe Soap Dye (We Used Yellow) — We used a skin-safe gentle soap dye, but this is optional.
What Does Each Essential Oil Do?
Below is a more detailed breakdown of the specific essential oils used in our recipe and what they do.*
Lemon Essential Oil
When diffused, lemon essential oil creates an invigorating citrus aroma that is said to create a positive atmosphere and improve one’s mood. Some go so far as to say it can even help fight depression, though I would urge anyone
Lemon essential oil is also lauded for its purifying properties, not only on surfaces, but in the air.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit essential oil is another mood booster. However, it is also said to help relieve stress. Grapefruit peels (like many other citrus fruits) contain a substance called limonene, known for its soothing properties.
Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil is one of the most popular of the citrus essential oils because its wide range of benefits. When diffused, orange oil can help create a positive mood and relieve stress.
Orange essential oil is also widely regarded as one of the most energizing oils. Not only does its sweet citrus aroma smell fabulous, but it can also increase feelings of alertness and vitality.
This is the “get up and go!” essential oil!
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is one of my favorite essential oils, especially during the winter months. That’s because it is so effective in relieving congestion.
Diffusing peppermint oil is an almost instantaneous way to open up nasal passages for deeper, less restricted breathing. I find that when my sinuses become swollen or blocked (perhaps from allergies or a change in the weather), nothing does the trick like peppermint oil!
I also use peppermint oil when my kids get snotty or congested. It works wonders to help them get rid of any “crud” they pick up!
Additionally, peppermint oil can be helpful in combatting fatigue, nausea, and headaches.
Related: Read more about the benefits and everyday uses of essential oils here!
How to Make Shower Melts with Essential Oils
Scented shower melts add a fragrant boost to your morning shower. Learn how to make shower melts in your own home here:
- Add baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add the essential oils and stir to incorporate.
- If using soap coloring, mix it with the water in a separate bowl. If not, skip to the next step.
- Sprinkle the water, 1 teaspoon at a time, over the mixture to slightly dampen it. Stir well until you have an even consistency.
- Transfer this mixture to your silicone molds. Use the back of a spoon or your fingertips to press down on each mold to make sure it is firmly packed. If needed, use a spray bottle of water to mist the tops of the molds to make sure they are not dry on top and they will stay together.
- Freeze for 2 hours, then pop each melt out of the molds and move to a storage container.
Can You Use a Different Blend of Oils?
Absolutely! This is my favorite recipe because I find it to be extremely versatile. The combination of energizing citrus and soothing peppermint is just amazing! Plus, I know that these fragrances pair well together.
However, there are a few other oils that you can try as well:
- Lavender Oil — Promotes relaxation and better sleep
- Eucalyptus Oil — Relieves congestion and helps reduce coughing
- Rosemary Oil — Aids in reducing mucus buildup
I wouldn’t recommend tossing them all together in one batch. Instead, I would try blending two oils total, for example: peppermint and lavender. (Our recipe has 4 oils, but 3 of them are citrus oils and similar in aroma and purpose).
How to Use Shower Melts
Place one of the shower melt tablets in the corner of your tub or shower. Make sure that it is not in direct contact with the stream of water from the shower, as this will cause it to dissolve quickly.
The steam will activate the invigorating vapors from the essential oils, releasing them slowly as you enjoy a relaxing shower. Over the course of your shower, the melts will dissolve completely and go down the drain — no clean up needed!
For extra strength, use two shower melts, one on each side of the shower.
How Do You Store Shower Steamers?
Your homemade shower melts can last up to a year when properly stored!
The most important thing is to make sure that they are not exposed to moisture. Keep them in an airtight container or jar and ensure that it is sealed at all times.
Will the Coloring Stain my Bathtub?
We used soap coloring for our shower tablets, as it is specific formulated for use in the bath. When used as directed, staining should not be an issue.
However, you’re more than welcome to omit the coloring all-together.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure any medical condition.
Grab a free printable copy of our Shower Melts Recipe:
If you like this recipe, please rate it! We’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Soccer Mom Blog
Aromatherapy Shower Steamers Recipe (Energizing & Sinus Relief)
Equipment
- Silicone Mold
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Baking soda
- 1/2 Cup Citric Acid
- 1/2 Cup Cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp Water
- Yellow Soap Colorant
- 10 Drops Lemon Essential Oil
- 10 Drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
- 10 Drops Orange Essential Oil
- 4 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions
- Add the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch in a glass or metal bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add each of the essential oils and stir well to incorporate.
- In a small bowl, add the water and yellow soap colorant. Stir to distribute the color.
- Sprinkle the water, 1 teaspoon at a time, over the mixture to slightly dampen it. Stir well to distribute the yellow color.
- Transfer to the molds, pressing down firmly.
- Freeze for 2 hours.
- Gently pop each shower steamer out of its mold and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Pin this Citrus Shower Melts Recipe on Pinterest:
You might also like:
DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelets
Cotton Blossom Homemade Sugar Scrub (Bath & Body Works Copycat)
- Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake - September 25, 2024
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies - September 24, 2024
- 20 Fall Bucket List Ideas for Families - September 23, 2024
Leave a Reply