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How to Make DIY Shower Steamers for Aromatherapy

Shower steamers are a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your daily routine. They are small disks that fizz and release fragrant essential oils when they come in contact with water. You can make your own shower steamers at home with a few simple ingredients and customize them according to your mood and preferences.

In this blog post, I will show you how to make shower steamers with a basic recipe and 8 different scent ideas for every mood. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your shower steamers last longer and work better.

What are Shower Steamers?

Shower steamers are also known as shower bombs, shower fizzies, shower tablets, or shower melts. They are similar to bath bombs, but they are not meant to be used in the bath. Instead, they are placed on the floor of the shower, away from the direct stream of water, where they slowly dissolve and release their aroma.

Shower steamers are made with baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Baking soda and citric acid are the main ingredients that create the fizzing reaction when they get wet. Essential oils are the natural extracts that provide the fragrance and the aromatherapy benefits.

Why Use Shower Steamers?

Shower steamers can enhance your shower experience in many ways. They can help you:

  • Relax and unwind after a long day
  • Boost your energy and focus in the morning
  • Soothe your sore throat and cough
  • Clear your sinuses and breathe easier
  • Sleep better and reduce stress
  • And more!

Depending on the essential oils you choose, shower steamers can have different effects on your mood and well-being. For example, lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties, while peppermint is stimulating and refreshing.

How to Make Shower Steamers

Making shower steamers is easy and fun. You only need a few basic tools and ingredients that you can find online or at your local grocery store. Here is what you need:

  • A large glass bowl
  • A whisk
  • A spray bottle with witch hazel
  • A silicone mold or an ice cube tray
  • Baking soda
  • Citric acid
  • Cornstarch
  • Essential oils of your choice
  • Mica powder or food coloring (optional)

Here is the basic recipe for making shower steamers:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup (221 g) of baking soda, ½ cup (125 g) of citric acid, and ¼ cup (40 g) of cornstarch until well combined.
  2. If you want to add some color to your shower steamers, you can either use mica powder or food coloring. Mica powder is a natural mineral pigment that gives a shimmery effect. Food coloring is a water-soluble dye that gives a more vibrant color. To use mica powder, add a few dashes to the dry ingredients and whisk well. To use food coloring, add 4-6 drops to the spray bottle with witch hazel and shake well.
  3. Add 12-24 drops of essential oils to the dry ingredients and whisk well. You can use one or more essential oils to create your own scent blend. See below for some ideas.
  4. Spray the witch hazel over the dry ingredients, one or two spritzes at a time, and whisk quickly. The mixture should be slightly damp but not wet. It should hold together when you squeeze it in your hand, but not fizz or crumble.
  5. Press the mixture firmly into the silicone mold or the ice cube tray. You can use any shape or size you like, but smaller ones will last longer and work better. You can also decorate your shower steamers with dried flowers, herbs, or glitter if you want.
  6. Let the shower steamers dry for at least 24 hours in a cool and dry place. Then, gently pop them out of the mold and store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.

How to Use Shower Steamers

To use shower steamers, simply place one on the floor of your shower, away from the direct stream of water. As the water hits the shower steamer, it will start to fizz and release its aroma. The steam will carry the scent to your nose and create an aromatherapy effect.

You can adjust the intensity of the scent by moving the shower steamer closer or farther from the water. The closer it is, the stronger the scent will be, but the faster it will dissolve. The farther it is, the weaker the scent will be, but the longer it will last.

You can also use shower steamers in a bowl of hot water as a facial steam. Just place one shower steamer in a large bowl of boiling water and lean over it with a towel over your head. Breathe in the steam for 10-15 minutes and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy for your skin and respiratory system.

How to Store Shower Steamers

Shower steamers are best stored in an airtight container or a ziplock bag, away from moisture and heat. They can last for up to 6 months if stored properly. However, they may lose some of their scent and fizz over time, so it is better to use them sooner rather than later.

You can also give shower steamers as a gift to your friends and family. Just wrap them in some tissue paper or cellophane and tie them with a ribbon. You can also add a label with the ingredients and the instructions for use.

8 Shower Steamer Scent Ideas for Every Mood

One of the best things about making your own shower steamers is that you can customize them with your favorite essential oils. Essential oils are natural extracts from plants that have different aromas and therapeutic properties. They can affect your mood, emotions, and well-being in various ways.

Here are some shower steamer scent ideas for every mood. You can use these recipes as they are or tweak them to your liking. You can also experiment with your own combinations and create your own signature scent.

Relaxation

If you need to relax and unwind after a long day, try this soothing blend of lavender, vetiver, and marjoram. Lavender is a classic calming and relaxing oil that can help you sleep better and reduce stress. Vetiver is a grounding and balancing oil that can help you feel more centered and calm. Marjoram is a warming and comforting oil that can help you ease tension and anxiety.

To make this shower steamer, add 10 drops of lavender, 6 drops of vetiver, and 6 drops of marjoram to the basic recipe. You can also add some purple mica powder or food coloring for a relaxing color.

Energy

If you need to boost your energy and focus in the morning, try this stimulating blend of peppermint, wild orange, and frankincense. Peppermint is a refreshing and invigorating oil that can help you wake up and clear your mind. Wild orange is a bright and cheerful oil that can help you uplift your mood and energize your senses. Frankincense is a powerful and sacred oil that can help you enhance your concentration and creativity.

To make this shower steamer, add 10 drops of peppermint, 10 drops of wild orange, and 5 drops of frankincense to the basic recipe. You can also add some green or orange mica powder or food coloring for an energizing color.

Sinus Relief

If you need to clear your sinuses and breathe easier, try this decongesting blend of menthol, eucalyptus, and coconut oil. Menthol is a cooling and soothing oil that can help you open your airways and relieve congestion. Eucalyptus is a cleansing and purifying oil that can help you fight infections and inflammation. Coconut oil is a moisturizing and nourishing oil that can help you soften your skin and protect it from dryness.

To make this shower steamer, replace the cornstarch with ¼ cup (40 g) of coconut oil and melt it in a microwave or a double boiler. Then, add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of menthol oil and 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to the basic recipe. You can also add some blue mica powder or food coloring for a soothing color.

Sleep

If you need to sleep better and reduce stress, try this calming blend of lavender, chamomile, and vanilla. Lavender is a classic calming and relaxing oil that can help you sleep better and reduce stress. Chamomile is a gentle and soothing oil that can help you ease anxiety and insomnia. Vanilla is a sweet and comforting oil that can help you feel more cozy and peaceful.

To make this shower steamer, add 10 drops of lavender, 10 drops of chamomile, and 10 drops of vanilla to the basic recipe. You can also add some yellow or pink mica powder or food coloring for a cozy color.

Happiness

If you need to uplift your mood and feel more joyful, try this cheerful blend of lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot. Lemon is a bright and zesty oil that can help you feel more optimistic and positive. Grapefruit is a tangy and refreshing oil that can help you feel more happy and confident. Bergamot is a citrusy and floral oil that can help you feel more balanced and calm.

To make this shower steamer, add 10 drops of lemon, 10 drops of grapefruit, and 10 drops of bergamot to the basic recipe. You can also add some yellow or pink mica.

Detox

If you need to detox and cleanse your body and mind, try this purifying blend of rosemary, lemon, and ginger. Rosemary is a herbaceous and stimulating oil that can help you improve your memory and concentration. Lemon is a bright and zesty oil that can help you boost your immune system and digestion. Ginger is a spicy and warming oil that can help you reduce inflammation and nausea.

To make this shower steamer, add 10 drops of rosemary, 10 drops of lemon, and 10 drops of ginger to the basic recipe. You can also add some green or brown mica powder or food coloring for a detoxifying color.

Romance

If you need to spice up your love life and feel more sensual, try this seductive blend of ylang ylang, jasmine, and sandalwood. Ylang ylang is a floral and exotic oil that can help you enhance your mood and libido. Jasmine is a sweet and intoxicating oil that can help you feel more romantic and attractive. Sandalwood is a woody and earthy oil that can help you feel more relaxed and grounded.

To make this shower steamer, add 10 drops of ylang ylang, 10 drops of jasmine, and 10 drops of sandalwood to the basic recipe. You can also add some red or purple mica powder or food coloring for a passionate color.

Adventure

If you need to break out of your routine and feel more adventurous, try this exciting blend of patchouli, lime, and cedarwood. Patchouli is a musky and earthy oil that can help you feel more confident and daring. Lime is a fresh and tangy oil that can help you feel more lively and playful. Cedarwood is a smoky and woody oil that can help you feel more adventurous and courageous.

To make this shower steamer, add 10 drops of patchouli, 10 drops of lime, and 10 drops of cedarwood to the basic recipe. You can also add some orange or yellow mica powder or food coloring for a fun color.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about shower steamers and their answers.

Q: How long do shower steamers last?

A: Shower steamers can last for up to 6 months if stored properly in an airtight container or a ziplock bag, away from moisture and heat. However, they may lose some of their scent and fizz over time, so it is better to use them sooner rather than later.

Q: How many shower steamers can I use at a time?

A: You can use one or more shower steamers at a time, depending on your preference and the size of your shower. However, using too many shower steamers at once may create a strong scent that could be overwhelming or irritating. Start with one shower steamer and see how you like it before adding more.

Q: Can I use shower steamers in the bath?

A: No, shower steamers are not meant to be used in the bath. They are designed to release their aroma in the steam, not in the water. Using shower steamers in the bath may not give you the same aromatherapy effect and may also leave a residue on your skin and tub.

Q: Are shower steamers safe for kids and pets?

A: Shower steamers are generally safe for kids and pets, as long as they are not ingested or touched directly. However, some essential oils may not be suitable for young children, pregnant women, or people with certain medical conditions. Always check the safety precautions and contraindications of the essential oils you use before making or using shower steamers. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult your doctor or a certified aromatherapist.

Q: Can I make shower steamers without citric acid?

A: Yes, you can make shower steamers without citric acid, but they may not fizz as much or as long. Citric acid is the main ingredient that creates the fizzing reaction when it gets wet. You can substitute citric acid with cream of tartar, lemon juice, or vinegar, but you may need to adjust the amount and the consistency of the mixture.

Conclusion

Shower steamers are a simple and effective way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your shower. You can make your own shower steamers with a few basic ingredients and customize them with your favorite essential oils. You can also use shower steamers as a facial steam or a gift for your loved ones.

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