As we move through the seasons of fall and winter, also known as “flu season”, most people will come down with some sort of cold or flu. What is one thing that makes everyone feel better when they’re sick? a hot steamy shower, of course! Making your own DIY shower steamers for congestion will help bring comfort and relaxation while fighting off your cold or flu.
Shower steamers can provide benefits to our bodies whether we are sick or not, simply depending on the herbs used in the homemade shower steamer. If you don’t have dried, or fresh, herbs on hand you can also make homemade shower steamers with essential oils.
How do you make a homemade shower steamer?
First, lets start with: What is a DIY shower steamer? These small tablets are similar to bath bombs but are designed to be placed in the bottom of your shower, where they dissolve and release fragrance into the steam.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own shower steamers:
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup epsom salt
- 1-2 Tbsp dried herbs or 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil
- 2-3 Tsp of water
Supplies:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Ice cube tray, silicone mold, or muffin tin
- Airtight container for storage
Instructions:
- Begin by combining the baking soda and water in your mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture forms a thick paste.
- Add your essential oils or dried herbs to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Is using dried herbs, be sure to grind them in a coffee grinder or blender first as you do not want it to clog your shower drain.
- Spoon the mixture into your ice cube tray, silicone mold, or muffin tin. Fill each compartment about 3/4 of the way full. You can also use your hands to form the mixture into small rounds or other shapes if you don’t have a mold on hand.
- Place it in the freezer for at least 2 hours (or until the mixture is fully hardened).
- Once the DIY shower steamers are fully hardened, remove them from the mold and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.
- To use a shower steamer, simply place it on the floor of your shower (not in direct contact with the water) and let the steam do the rest! Enjoy the relaxing aroma and inhalation benefits as you shower.
Notes:
- It is important to use unscented epsom salt. Typically scented epsom salt has artificial fragrance which can be harmful to our health.
- If you do not have epsom salt, you can replace it with sea salt in this recipe.
- YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! Essential oils might stain your fiberglass shower, which is why I use dried herbs.
DIY Shower Steamers
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Baking Soda
- ½ Cup Epsom Salt
- 1-2 Tbsp Dried Herbs or 20-30 Drops of Essential Oils
- 2-3 Tsp Infused Herbal Tea or Water
Instructions
- Begin by combining the baking soda and water in your mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture forms a thick paste.
- Add your essential oils or dried herbs to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Is using dried herbs, be sure to grind them in a coffee grinder or blender first as you do not want it to clog your shower drain.
- Spoon the mixture into your ice cube tray, silicone mold, or muffin tin. Fill each compartment about 3/4 of the way full. You can also use your hands to form the mixture into small rounds or other shapes if you don’t have a mold on hand.
- Place it in the freezer for at least 2 hours (or until the mixture is fully hardened).
- Once the DIY shower steamers are fully hardened, remove them from the mold and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.
- To use a shower steamer, simply place it on the floor of your shower (not in direct contact with the water) and let the steam do the rest! Enjoy the relaxing aroma and inhalation benefits as you shower.
Notes
- It is important to use unscented epsom salt. Typically scented epsom salt has artifical fragrance which can be harmful to our health.
- If you do not have epsom salt, you can replace it with sea salt in this recipe.
- YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! Essential oils might stain your fiberglass shower, which is why I use dried herbs.
Best DIY Shower Steamers with Herbs
DIY shower steamers offer a range of benefits beyond simply pleasing your sense of smell. The heat and steam from your shower help to release the fragrance into the air, creating a spa-like shower experience. Furthermore, inhaling the aromas can have various effects on your mood and well-being.
When it comes to the aromatherapy of your DIY shower steamers there are various options you can choose to use. I personally suggest, and prefer, to use dried herbs for many reasons. Essential oils can often times stain fiberglass showers (I learned this the hard way!). Although essential oils will provide more fragrance than dried herbs due to it being more concentrated, there are still many benefits to using the herb itself.
If you want to intensify the fragrance when using dried herbs, you can make a tea with water and the herb to use in place of plain water in this recipe.
Herbal Shower Steamers
If you are looking to relieve congestion during a cold with these DIY shower steamers, try using dried eucalyptus and peppermint in your recipe. These both contain strong scents that can help clear your nasal passage when used in combination with a hot shower.
If you are looking to relax at the end of a long day, try adding dried lavender and rose petals to your herbal shower steamers.
Best DIY Shower Steamers with Essential Oils
You might not be concerned about essential oils staining your fiberglass shower, or maybe you don’t have a fiberglass shower at all. Either way, if you choose to use essential oils in your DIY shower steamers rather than herbs, here are some great tips.
Similar to using dried herbs, lavender essential oil is well-known for its calming properties and can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Adding a lavender shower steamer to your routine can be a wonderful way to unwind after a long day. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an energizing boost, consider using a combination of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils. These invigorating scents can help clear your sinuses and revive your senses.
The best thing about DIY shower steamers is that you have complete control over the ingredients and scents you use. You can experiment with different essential oil combinations and find the perfect blend that suits your preferences and needs. Furthermore, making your own shower steamers allows you to avoid any potentially harmful ingredients that may be present in store-bought alternatives.
Once you’ve mastered the basic shower steamer recipe, feel free to get creative! You can add flower petals or even natural coloring agents to your mixture for an extra touch of beauty and customization. Just be careful to choose ingredients that will safely dissolve in water and won’t pose a hazard in your shower.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, DIY shower steamers are a quick and easy way to elevate your shower routine and experience the aromatherapy benefits of dried herbs or essential oils. Give it a try and see for yourself! Your shower will be transformed into a soothing oasis, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
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