Aromatherapy and Essential Oils for the Shower

You can use essential oils for the shower in many ways. Perhaps the simplest is to place 3 to 5 drops of essential oil on the shower floor before you turn on the water. The hot water then causes the scent to steam into the air.

Other options to enjoy aromatherapy in the shower include making aromatherapy steamers or bath products such as gels or scrubs. You can also use a shower diffuser to diffuse your favorite essential oils.

DIY Essential Oil Shower Steamers

Make your own aromatherapy shower steamers, also called melts, tablets, or bombs.

Uplifting Aromatherapy Steamer

Makes 8 to 12 steamers.

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup fine-grain Epsom salt
• 15 drops roman chamomile essential oil
• 15 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon carrier oil
• 3/4 teaspoon distilled water

1. In a large bowl, use a whisk to mix together the dry ingredients.
   
2. In a small bowl, blend the essential oils, carrier oil, and 3/4 teaspoon water.
3. Very slowly, add the liquid ingredients to the dry one, whisking rapidly. If fizzing occurs, whisk until it's mixed in. If needed, add a spray or two of water to get the desired consistency.
4. Working quickly, so the mixture does not dry out, shape the mixture into balls, using molds if desired.
5. Let the balls dry, uncovered, for 12 to 24 hours. Then store in an airtight container (for up to 6 months).

To use, place one steamer in the shower.

Gratitude-Promoting Shower Melts

Makes 8 to 12.

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup fine-grain Epsom salt
• 15 drops frankincense essential oil
• 15 drops myrrh essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon carrier oil
• 3/4 teaspoon distilled water

Follow the directions for the uplifting steamers.

Source: Essential Oils for Emotional Wellbeing

Congestion-Relief Aromatherapy Shower Tablets

Makes 20 to 24 one-ounce tablets.

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1-ounce silicone molds or ice cube trays

1. Combine baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl.
2. Mix in water to make a paste. If needed, add more water to get the right consistency.
3. Mix in essential oils.
4. Transfer mixture to molds and let sit for at least several hours to harden.

Source: Essential Oils for a Clean and Healthy Home

More Essential Oils for the Shower

The basic recipe for these shower steamers/melts is 1 cup baking soda, 1/3 cup distilled water, and 25 drops essential oil. Mix all ingredients, make small balls, and let them set to firm up. Store in a cool, dry place.

Essential oils for waking up/feeling energized/invigorating:

• peppermint + orange + lemon + lime
• lemon + peppermint
• grapefruit
• orange + lemongrass

Essential oils for calming/relaxing/unwinding:

• lavender + orange + frankincense
• lavender + bergamot + ylang ylang
• eucalyptus + spearmint
• ylang ylang + orange + cedarwood
• patchouli + sandalwood

Essential oils for uplifting/finding your happy place:

• lemon + orange + grapefruit
• lime + spearmint
• lavender + clary sage + bergamot
• geranium + lemon + orange

Essential oils to support clear breathing:

• peppermint + eucalyptus + lavender
• rosemary + eucalyptus + lavender
• thyme + lime + eucalyptus
• cedarwood + rosemary + orange + frankincense
• lemon + eucalyptus

Aromatherapy Shower Gels

You can make an aromatherapy shower gel by adding essential oils to a natural, organic, unscented shower gel that you purchase. Use 7 to 10 drops for each one ounce (2 tablespoons) gel, depending on the essential oils you choose, your sensitivity to them, and how strong you want the scent.

If you prefer to make your own gel, here are some suggestions.

Here's a simple essential oil shower gel:

• 1/2 cup unscented liquid soap
• 1 teaspoon almond oil
• 4 to 5 drops essential oil of your choice

1. Stir all the ingredients together until well mixed.
2. Pour the mixture into a clean plastic bottle with a push/pull cap.

Use in the shower. Or for a bubble bath, pour a little of the mixture under running water while drawing the bath.

Source: EcoBeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, and Bath Bombs

Make either of the following gels in a two-ounce (60 ml) PET plastic bottle that has a flip cap.

For a centering aromatherapy shower gel:

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) aloe vera gel
• 5 drops vetiver essential oil
• 6 drops patchouli essential oil
• 10 drops mandarin essential oil

For a refreshing morning shower gel:

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) aloe vera gel
• 14 drops copaiba essential oil
• 7 drops frankincense essential oil
• 9 drops rosemary essential oil (For a relaxing evening shower, replace the rosemary with lavender essential oil.)

Source: Aromahead Newsletter

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Photo Credit: Karolina Grabowska