Shower Steamer DIY + 5 Aromatherapy Recipes

This DIY shower steamers recipe is simple and easy to follow. Turn your shower into a refreshing aromatic rejuvenation or a cool and calming cleanse with shower bombs.

Bath vs shower, bath bomb vs shower bomb? The answer will depend on you. You will only need a few ingredients and five minutes to make your own DIY shower steamers. Unlike bath bombs that dissolve directly into the water your body is bathing in, shower bombs should not be used in direct contact with the skin. They are designed to dissolve in your shower, releasing essential oil fragrances and their health benefits into the steam — and stimulating the senses.

DIY Shower Steamers Recipe

Combining baking soda and citric acid causes the mixture to solidify which allows your shower bombs to be easily molded. Once they are exposed to water though, this combination falls apart and they dissolve — making them ideal ingredients for your DIY shower steamers recipe. 

DIY Shower Steamer Supplies:

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup citric acid
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 3-5 tbsp witch hazel
• Essential oils of your choice
• Sustainable molds — like cookie cutters, jar lids, ice cube trays, egg cups, muffin tins, or measuring cups. 
• Sieve or strainer
• 1 fork 
• 1 large bowl

Instructions:

1. Pour the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch together in a large bowl and gently mix them together with your fork.
2. if lumps are present, sift the powder through a sieve or strainer.
3. Add a total of 80 drops of essential oils to the mixture.
4. Mix slowly with your fork or hands.
5. If your mixture feels has a similar consistency to damp sand, you’ll need only a few drops of witch hazel. Add the drops very slowly so that your mixture doesn’t fizz. 
6. When your mixture reaches this consistency and can hold its shape, fill your molds.
7. Leave overnight to solidify.
8. Use in your shower or store in a cool, dark place for up to six months.

Aromatherapy Benefits

According to Josh Hopkins Medicine, the fragrance compounds in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves in the nose, directly to the brain. There they influence the amygdala — the emotional center of the brain and a primary driver of our stress response, threat perception, emotional behaviors, anger, and anxiety. Research exists to support their versatile properties that include emotional regulation, calming effects, circulatory benefits, and immune-boosting properties. 

Many essential oils are considered safe and natural sources of fragrances that do not carry any health risks. Studies conducted across the US, Australia, the UK, and Sweden have uncovered a huge range of adverse health outcomes associated with exposure to fragranced products — including respiratory, skin, neurological and gastric, among many others. Just another reason to make your own safe DIY shower steamers.

Aromatic Blends for Your DIY Shower Steamers

1. Morning Citrus Zest

Let nature’s favorite cleansers give you a fresh and zesty start to the day by adding citrus oils to your shower steamers recipe. Try a mixture of equal parts of lemon, lime, and sweet orange to sharpen your senses. Sweet orange might also help boost your mood for the day and has been shown to help manage anxiety. Citrus essential oils have been scientifically proven to be generally safe to use with negligible toxicity to humans. You can also use orange peels by sprinkling them at the bottom of your shower to boost that aromatic citrus experience.

2. Breathe In The Day Ahead

If you want to open your eyes and your airways in the morning, mix equal parts eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil into your shower bomb recipe. Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties will also help fight off bad odors for longer. For the complete shower spa experience, learn how to dry eucalyptus at home. Shower steam helps to activate and release the scented compounds in eucalyptus, so why not add this touch too? 

3. Florals and Fragrances

If you are a floral fan, rose geranium, an anti-inflammatory, has a particularly elegant mixture, but you can mix and match to suit your own nostrils’ favorites. Patchouli has a very distinct scent and pairs well with vanilla, orange, and sandalwood.

4. Kick Back and Relax

If you want to wind down after your shower, try mixing oils with relaxation properties into your DIY shower steamers recipe. Ylang-ylang radiates a beautiful fragrance and is associated with sedative and relaxing properties, and pairs very well with cedarwood, sweet orange, and lavender. 

5. Wind Down 

For those looking for a shower steamer recipe to help get them ready for bed, this one’s for you. Try a blend of lavender with Roman chamomile and neroli at a ratio of 6:2:0.5 drops. This mixture has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety in patients in intensive care settings. 

You will find your favorite blend by mixing, matching, and experimenting with your DIY shower steamers recipe.

How To Use Your DIY Shower Steamer

Now that you’ve got your DIY shower steamer ready, it’s time to put it to use. Here’s how to do it:

1. Dampen your shower bomb slightly in the shower to begin the fizzing process.
2. Place it away from the running water to prolong its longevity, and place it low enough so that as the steam rises, the aromatics of your DIY shower steamer can spread throughout your shower. 
3. Shower and enjoy!

Caution: The oils in your shower bomb recipe may create a risk of slipping. Using a shower mat is advised and step onto a towel or mat when getting out.

Read more:

• Make Your Own Laundry Detergent in 6 Steps
• What is Castile Soap? 9 Uses & Benefits
• DIY Recipe for Homemade Bubble Bath – 2 Easy Steps

Important Information regarding Health-related Topics.

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Tags: Cosmetics Guide self care