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A friend asked me if I had a DIY recipe for a natural version of shower melts (basically a bath bomb for the shower) since her favorite ones had been discontinued and she was looking for a cheaper and better homemade option. I’m so glad she asked because these little shower melts are a staple around our house now.
I also call these “shower soothers” because I infuse them with menthol and/or eucalyptus, rosemary, and other essential oils known to be soothing during a cold. Add hot water from the shower, and a soothing steam fills the air and eases coughs or congestion.
You don’t have to wait until you have a cold to use these, though. Aromatherapy is proven to reduce stress, so I sometimes make these just for fun using my favorite essential oil blends.
Therapeutic Shower Melts for Cold and Flu
I did a little research before attempting this recipe and found that there are some great natural options already available for purchase:
I wanted a recipe that would combine the best properties of both and realized I already had the base recipe from my homemade bath bombs.
I also had some essential oils and menthol crystals on hand from my homemade pain relief lotion bars and homemade vapor rub so I played around with proportions and found a great combination that is excellent for clearing out sinuses. I’ve also thought about experimenting with these in a bath for sore muscles but haven’t tried it yet.
I made these in little silicone candy molds and stored them in a glass jar for easy use if we get hit by a cold this year.
Natural Shower Aromatherapy (Anytime)
The real beauty to making natural recipes from scratch (besides knowing what is in your products) is you can make them to order! Make these shower melts with lavender or rose or citrus for an aromatherapy shower anytime. Makes a great gift, too!
CAUTION: In general, check with a qualified health practitioner or aromatherapist about essential oil precautions for children and pregnant mothers, especially menthol and strong essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. Using a kid-safe essential oil blend is a great way to take the guesswork out of using essential oils around kids, but personally I don’t use them on children under 2 and I dilute them even then.
Soothing Shower Melt Recipe
Yield
Equipment
Materials
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup sea salt (or Epsom salt)
- 2 tsp water (or less)
- 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 drops peppermint essential oil
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 20 drops rosemary essential oil
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 tsp powdered menthol crystals (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and salt or Epsom salt, and mix well until combined.
- Spray or drop small amounts of water into the baking soda mixture and stir until it is the consistency of slightly wet sand. The mixture should hold together without crumbling when squeezed, but should not appear wet at all. You may need to add slightly more water if it hasn't achieved this consistency yet.
- Add the essential oils and powdered menthol crystals and stir to combine.
- Quickly, press the mixture firmly into silicone molds, greased muffin tins, or any other greased container.
- Set aside and let sit at least 24 hours (48 is better) or until hardened.
- When dry, remove and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
To Use:
- Place 1-2 melts just outside of the shower stream on the floor of the shower.
- Let the hot water and steam do its work, and enjoy!
- If the melts dissolve too fast you may have added too much water in step 2. Stop adding water as soon as the mixture holds together without crumbling, but doesn't appear wet.
- If the melts dissolve too slowly, pack them a little more lightly on the next batch, allowing more space for the water to get in and dissolve the melt.
- Store away from moisture and light. Use within 1 month for the strongest scent and best results.
Notes
This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Have you ever tried shower melts? What natural remedies do you keep on hand this time of year?
Has anyone gotten these to work? I made half the recipe following the directions exactly, and mine had no scent whatsoever when put in the shower…
Can I just stick a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on the shower wall or floor where the water won’t hit?
Yep! Great idea.
I have coarse pink himalayan salt on hand, can I substitute the epsom salt with it?
I just made these using 20 drops of EACH of the essential oils you listed, like the recipe called for. I’m now realizing that’s 100 drops total and they seem VERY potent. Did I read that the wrong way? Should it be 20 drops total? I’m hoping they’re still safe to use…
How many does one batch make?
I think I messed up. I added too much water and I have no idea what to do. I still made them but I don’t know if they would have the same effect. I also didn’t have essential oils on me, since I used them up earlier and forgot to order some so all I had was fresh mint. Would that work, or have I already made too many substitutes?
Mine did not have a scent at all and I used what was recommended in the recipe. Not even a menthol scent. Any idea why??
Hello, I have loved the simplicity of this recipe and i made them using 2 kinds of pure essential oils and they set so nicely. But they melted, disappeared within 5 secs and had no smell at all as soon as a few drops of water splashed on them.
What am i doing wrong?
Note: I did not use powdered menthol crystal. Please help.
I’m planning on making these to send with a homemade spa basket for a friend. Do you think they will hold up in the mail?
What do you grease them with?
I really enjoy your recipes. I’ll try this one too.
These shower melts are safe for pipes, aren’t they? OK to use regularly?
Thank you! God bless you and yours.
This recipe sadly didnt work for me, mine all crumbled:(…
Did you make sure they were packed into your mold? Packing them together helps them stay together, the only other thing that might have caused this is if the recipe was too dry in which case you can add more water or oil, a little at a time.
What is the best brand of oils to buy?
I like these: https://wellnessmama.com/go/essential-oils/
1 melt per shower.
Do you need 1 per shower? Or can one melt be used for multiple showers?