Taking a shower is one of life's simplest pleasures, and the best way to make it even better? Adding aromatherapy and essential oils! Whether you want to relax after a long day or just take a moment to destress, shower steamers are the perfect way to do just that.
If you're looking for an easy DIY project that will help you unwind while also creating something useful and beautiful, then making your own shower steamers with essential oils is the way to go. Making your own shower steamers with essential oils is simple and requires minimal effort! All you need is some baking soda, citric acid, and your favourite essential oils.
So grab your supplies and follow our easy guide on how to make your own shower steamers with essential oils below!
What Is Carrier Oil and Its Benefits
Whether you're new to the world of essential oils, or already a pro, one thing you must understand is the importance of carrier oil. Carrier oil is a type of plant-based oil that is used to dilute essential oils so that they can be applied to the skin safely.
Carrier oils are also known for their own therapeutic properties and have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine to treat a range of health problems. They are high in vitamins and fatty acids, and serve as an excellent moisturiser for the skin. Plus, they allow essential oils to be more easily absorbed into the skin which increases their effectiveness.
When it comes to making your own aromatherapy shower steamers, you'll want to use a carrier oil like almond oil or jojoba oil as they are both light and absorb quickly into the skin. Just be sure not to use too much carrier oil as it can make your steamers too oily and may not be as effective.
Types of Essential Oils to Use for Shower Steamers
When it comes to choosing essential oils for your shower steamers, you have a wide selection to choose from. Eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint oil are all great choices that can help purify the air in your bathroom and cleanse your skin. If you're looking for something with a more uplifting scent, try lemon or orange oils—or combine multiple essential oils to create a unique scent of your own.
You can also create shower steamers with therapeutic benefits. Cosmetagora essential oils of lemongrass, Palmarosa and Ylang Ylang are known as anti-stress agents, while Frankincense and Geranium are used for their antiseptic properties. Combine one or more of these to create a custom blend perfect for both inhalation and therapeutic skin care. To learn more about which essential oil works best for you, ask an aromatherapist or consult an aromatherapy book.
An Easy Recipe for Making Aromatherapy Steamers at Home
Making aromatherapy steamers at home is actually quite easy, and there are a few different recipes you can use. One of the recipes we recommend here at SHIORA requires just three simple ingredients: baking soda, citric acid, and essential oil.
The Recipe
-
First, mix together 6 tablespoons of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of citric acid in a bowl.
-
Then, add 18 drops of your selected essential oil into the dry ingredients.
-
Stir the dry ingredients until all of your essential oils are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
-
Finally, press the mixture firmly into moulds and set aside to harden overnight before using.
Once your shower steamers have hardened in the moulds, they’re ready to be used! Simply place one steamer tablet in your shower and as it slowly dissolves it’ll slowly release your chosen scent into the air. Enjoy!
How to Balance Essential Oils for Blended Steamers
For blended shower steamers, getting the right balance of essential oils can be tricky. While there aren't any fixed rules, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to craft the perfect blend.
Essential oils are categorised according to their therapeutic effects (stimulating, calming, sedative and decongestant), as well as their chemical components. To create a balanced blend for your shower steamer, you should choose at least one essential oil from every category.
For instance, a stimulating blend that can help to wake you up in the morning might have energising peppermint paired with soothing lavender and energising eucalyptus. Whereas for a relaxing blend that can help you drift off to sleep at night might have calming chamomile paired with woody sandalwood and uplifting bergamot. The possibilities are endless!
However, it's important to remember that essential oils should be used in moderation—a good rule of thumb is to always use fewer than 8 drops of essential oils per steamer. Too much essential oil can be overpowering or irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
Happy mixing!
Usage Tips and Safety Precautions With Essential Oil Steamers
Now that you know how to make your own shower steamers, it's important to know a few usage tips as well as safety precautions.
Usage Tips
For the best shower steamer experience, avoid using too many essential oils—stick with about 5-6 drops per aromatherapy steamer. If you're using more than one essential oil, use the same amount of drops for each one. Also remember that when shower steamers are used correctly, they will disperse scents in the bathroom within minutes after turning on the hot water.
Safety Precautions
Be sure to only use high-quality essential oils and not synthetic fragrances or perfumes. It's also important to remember never to eat or drink essential oils, so store your aromatherapy steamers out of reach of children and pets. Additionally, it's wise not to let water directly touch your steamers when taking a shower—instead, situate them away from direct water contact where possible.
Top 5 Refreshing Essential Oil Blends for Shower Steamers
Ready to get started with essential oils for your shower steamers? Great, here are five of our most refreshing blends that you can try!
Citrus Blend
Mix 30 drops of lemon oil, 30 drops of orange oil, and 10 drops of grapefruit oil with 2 cups of baking soda. Add a few tablespoons of cornstarch and some witch hazel to make a paste that can be scooped into moulds.
Floral Blend
This one's perfect for when you need a bit of extra calm and relaxation. Mix 25 drops of lavender, 15 drops of ylang-ylang, and 10 drops of jasmine with 2 cups of baking soda. Add a few tablespoons of cornstarch and some witch hazel to make a paste that can be scooped into moulds.
Earthy Blend
For those who prefer woodsy aromas, you can mix 30 drops pine essential oil, 20 drops cedarwood essential oil and 10 drops spruce essential oil with 2 cups baking soda. Add a few tablespoons cornstarch and some witch hazel to make a paste that can be scooped into moulds.
Spice Blend
This spicy blend is ideal for energising your mornings! Mix 15 drops cinnamon bark essential oil, 15 drops cardamom essential oil and 10 drops clove bud essential oil with 2 cups baking soda. Add a few tablespoons cornstarch and some witch hazel to make a paste that can be scooped into moulds.
Herb Blend
Mix 25 drops rosemary essential oil, 15 drops basil essential oil and 10 mint essential oils with 2 cups baking soda. Add the same blends as the rest.
Final Touches & Storage Techniques
Now that you've made your aromatherapy shower steamers, now comes the fun part—final touches and storage techniques. Here are a few tips to make sure your shower steamers look and smell great for a long time:
Add Glitter or Colourant
Add a touch of glitter or a colourant to your mix that adds vibrancy and sparkle to your products. A bit of shimmer will do wonders for your shower steamers! Just be sure to use safe and eco-friendly glitter, as anything else may be harmful for you and the environment.
Essential Oils Are Flammable
Always remember that essential oils are flammable, so make sure you store the oil-based shower bowl away from any direct heat or flame. If you plan on gifting these creations, it’s important to remind the recipient regarding this factor as well.
Storing Your Shower Steamers
Since essential oils evaporate over time, it’s best to store them in an airtight container with low humidity and temperatures lower than 120°F (49°C). Do not expose them directly to sunlight either; give them some shade!
Conclusion
Making your own aromatherapy shower steamers is an easy, inexpensive way to enjoy the therapeutic power of essential oils. Whether you’re looking for a way to relax and destress, or to rejuvenate your body and mind, there’s an essential oil blend that will fit your needs. Plus, the more you experiment, the more you’ll discover the wide range of therapeutic benefits each essential oil has to offer. So why not give it a try and see what aromatherapy shower steamers can do for you? With the right ingredients and information, you’ll be steaming your way to a more fragrant, relaxful shower in no time.
