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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
Equipment
Ingredients
- 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?
I’d never heard of shower soothers before, what a great idea! I’m Pinning these melts for when cold and flu season strikes again next winter 🙂
Hi I’m trying to heal my slow thyroid. I heard you did it. have been paleo on and off but am ready to try autoimmune Paleo today
These look wonderful and I’m dying to try them, but how? Thx!
Katie, I was just thinking about making some shower melts, but many recipes I came across seemed too complex. I love the simplicity of your recipe, I happen to have everything on hand 🙂 Also, thank you for promoting safe use of essential oils.
These sound great! I hope this isn’t a dumb question but how do you use them?
Just place them on the floor of the shower and let the water run over it.
Will the menthol affect subsequent use of the mold? Specifically, if I use a silicon mold to make these, do you think I can use that same silicon mold the next week to make kombucha gummies? I wonder if I’d be able to wash out all the menthol. Would YOU use the same mold for menthol thingies and edible goodies?
How do you use these exactly?
How do you use them? I know the concept of steaming (I think?) but can you provide some additional instructions? Thanks!
Can you please explain what you do with it in the shower? Set it on the floor? Under the running water? On the side? Thanks!
Either really works… You want it to dissolve in the water.
Does it not dissolve really fast when it’s in the stream of water? I’ve read other recipes that say to keep it out of the water, just to leave it to the side. Just wondering how long it’ll last if it does get wet.
I am absolutely trying this! Perfect for this time of the year. Thanks!