As the cold season approaches, the prevalence of sniffles and congestion increases, prompting individuals to seek relief. One great way to alleviate these symptoms is the use of DIY shower bombs specifically designed for colds. Not to be confused with toilet cleaning bombs, these shower soothers harness the power of aromatherapy to help clear nasal passages and provide a sense of comfort when feeling under the weather. The practice of making your own aromatherapy shower steamers not only allows for a customizable aromatherapeutic experience but also ensures that the ingredients are natural and suited to individual health needs.
Creating shower bombs at home is a straightforward process that involves combining baking soda, corn starch, citric acid, and a selection of pure essential oils known for their decongestant properties, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil. By following simple DIY recipes and preparation tips, anyone can craft these therapeutic shower tablets. The shower bombs are then molded, cured, and stored properly to maintain their potency. In addition to providing relief from cold symptoms, the process of creating and using these shower bombs is a great way to relieve sore throats, nasal congestion and seasonal allergies.
Key Takeaways
Homemade shower steamers for colds provide aromatherapeutic benefits and can be made at home with natural ingredients.
Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint are key components for their decongestant effects.
Proper molding, curing, and storage are crucial for best results with DIY shower bombs.
What Are Shower Bombs?
Shower bombs also known as shower fizzies or steamers, are becoming an essential component for a revitalizing shower experience, especially during flu season when combatting cold symptoms. These tablet-like products are designed to dissolve in water, releasing essential oils and fragrances. Unlike bath bombs, shower bombs are crafted specifically for use during a shower. They are placed on the shower floor, where they gradually dissolve under the stream of water, creating a sensory experience with the shower’s steam.
Benefits for Cold Relief
The benefits of shower bombs for cold relief largely stem from the aromatherapy aspects associated with their use. Shower steamers typically include a blend of natural essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or menthol, that are known to help alleviate congestion and a stuffy nose.
Eucalyptus: Aids in decongesting the nasal passages.
Peppermint: Can provide a cooling sensation, helping to open up the airways.
Menthol: Often included for its cough-suppressant properties.
When activated by the hot steam of a shower, these components can create an environment conducive to relieving the symptoms of a cold. This makes shower bombs a popular, non-pharmacological option for those seeking natural alternatives to over-the-counter cold remedies.
Preparation and Safety Tips
When creating DIY shower bombs, particularly for relief during colds, it is crucial to prioritize preparation and safety. Ensuring you have all the necessary supplies at hand and are aware of the proper handling of ingredients will lead to a successful and safe DIY experience.
Gathering Your Supplies
The first step in making homemade shower bombs is to compile all the essential materials and tools. One will need a mixing bowl for blending dry and wet ingredients, silicone molds to shape the bombs, and a spray bottle to lightly mist the mixture with water.
Essential Supplies:
Mixing bowl
Silicone molds
Spray bottle
Baking soda
Citric acid
Essential oils (e.g., eucalyptus, peppermint)
Cornstarch
Water
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
In the context of shower bombs for colds, essential oils offer therapeutic benefits and can enhance the experience through aromatherapy, potentially providing relief from symptoms like congestion. You can also use the essential oils in the recipe to make DIY Poo-Pourri.
Choosing the Right Essential Oils
When selecting essential oils for shower bombs aimed at easing cold symptoms, one should opt for oils with decongestant properties. Eucalyptus essential oil is renowned for its ability to help clear nasal passages and provide sinus relief. Alongside it, peppermint essential oil can offer a cooling sensation that may help with congestion or cold and flu symptoms. Additionally, lavender essential oil is credited for its calming effects that can be beneficial for a restful state, which aids in recovery during a cold.
Lavender Essential Oil: Calming, aids in relaxation
Creating an Essential Oil Blend
An effective essential oil blend harnesses the strengths of each oil to create a powerful, synergistic effect. The method involves measuring and combining oils in specific ratios:
Start with 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil for its decongestant effect.
Add 5 drops of peppermint oil to enhance the blend with its cooling properties.
Finish with 5 drops of lavender essential oil for its soothing qualities.
These proportions yield a balanced blend that targets cold symptoms through inhalation during a steamy shower, enhancing the effectiveness of the shower bomb’s aromatherapy. It is important to mix the oils thoroughly before incorporating them into shower bomb mixtures. These oil blends are a great starting point. You can also create a custom blend with your favorite essential oil blends.
DIY Shower Steamers Recipes
Creating DIY shower bombs is an effective way to transform a mundane shower into a therapeutic experience, especially during cold season. These recipes will guide users through crafting the perfect blend of ingredients for relief and relaxation.
Basic Recipe for Beginners
For those new to making shower bombs, the basic recipe requires simple ingredients including baking soda and citric acid to create the fizz, cornstarch to slow the reaction, and water to bind the mixture.
Materials Needed:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
2-3 tablespoons water or alcohol
Instructions:
Combine and whisk 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of citric acid, and 1/2 cup of cornstarch in a bowl.
Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of water or alcohol, mixing until the consistency is similar to damp sand.
Press the mixture into molds and allow them to dry for 24 hours.
Eucalyptus and Peppermint Shower Bombs
This eucalyptus and peppermint shower bomb recipe is excellent for clearing congestion and refreshing the senses.
Materials Needed:
Basic shower bomb mix
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
Prepare the basic shower bomb recipe.
Before pressing the mixture into the molds, mix in 10 drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils.
Press the mixture firmly into molds and leave to dry.
Customizing Your Recipe
Customization allows for a personal touch according to one’s preferences or needs, with the option to add kaolin clay for a smoother texture or to infuse with different essential oils for varied therapeutic effects.
Options for Customization:
Add up to 1/4 cup of kaolin clay for a silkier texture.
Essential oils: Choose oils for their benefits and scents (lavender for relaxation, lemon for energy).
Press the mixture into a variety of mold shapes to match themes or preferences.
Instructions for Customization:
Start with the basic recipe as a foundation.
Add up to 1/4 cup kaolin clay if choosing to use it for a smoother texture.
Incorporate a few drops of your chosen essential oils as per their guidelines.
Place the mixture into molds of your choice and dry them accordingly.
Handling Ingredients Safely
Safety is paramount when handling the ingredients needed for shower bombs. One should wear gloves, preferably nitrile gloves, to protect the skin from irritation that may be caused by direct contact with citric acid or essential oils.
Safety Guidelines:
Wear nitrile gloves while mixing ingredients.
If there is accidental contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Keep the ingredients away from children and pets.
Store essential oils in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight to maintain their potency.
One must handle the mixture carefully, avoiding over-spraying with water to prevent premature fizzing. Mix the ingredients gently yet thoroughly to ensure an even consistency before tightly packing it into the silicone molds.
Molding and Curing Process
After creating the mixture for shower bombs, the molding and curing process is responsible for transforming the mixture into useable, solid shower bombs. They will need a mold to shape them and time to set into their final form.
Using Silicone Molds
Users should select silicone molds as they offer flexibility and non-stick properties, making them ideal for molding shower bombs. One should carefully spoon the mixture into each cavity of the mold, pressing down firmly to ensure that there are no air pockets. The flexibility of a silicone mold allows for easy removal of the shower bombs once they have hardened.
Drying and Curing Your Shower Bombs
Optimal drying of shower bombs is crucial for creating a product that holds together and releases effectively when used. They should be left in a dry environment with low humidity to cure. Typically, curing takes between 24 to 48 hours. Curing times may vary depending on the size of the shower bombs and the moisture in the air. Once dried, the shower bombs should be stored in an airtight container to preserve their integrity and prevent the absorption of moisture.
Shower Bomb Usage and Storage
Proper use and storage of shower bombs enhance their effectiveness and prolong their shelf life. Ensuring that shower bombs are kept in the right conditions will maintain their potency when it comes to alleviating symptoms associated with colds.
How to Use Shower Bombs
To utilize a shower bomb, place it on the floor of the shower, away from direct water flow, but where water can still splash it. The shower steam is crucial as it activates the bomb, releasing the therapeutic aromas. For optimal results, one should use them in a hot shower to create ample steam, which helps in dispersing the bomb’s essential oils into the air.
Storing for Longevity
Store shower bombs in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, to protect them from moisture and preserve their shelf life. They should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The use of an airtight storage solution is essential to prevent the premature reaction of the bomb with humidity in the air.
Storage Tip
Benefit
Airtight Seal
Prevents moisture and retains potency
Cool Temperature
Slows down degradation of ingredients
Dry Environment
Avoids unwanted activation of the bomb
Remembering these tips will ensure that your shower bombs remain effective until their next use.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Creating your own shower bombs can be rewarding, but sometimes you may encounter issues with the DIY recipe. This section provides solutions to common problems so your homemade shower melts turn out perfectly.
Solving Mixture Problems
The mixture is the foundation of a successful shower bomb. If the mixture is too wet and doesn’t hold shape, it may need more dry ingredients. Conversely, if it’s too dry, it will not stick together, signifying a need for additional wet ingredients. Follow these ratios:
For too wet: Add more baking soda and citric acid in a 2:1 ratio.
For too dry: Spritz with witch hazel or water using a spray bottle, mixing after each spritz until the consistency is like damp sand.
Addressing Crumbling or Weak Bombs
A shower bomb that falls apart is disappointing. To prevent this, consider these factors:
Compaction: Press the mixture firmly into the mold. Use the back of a spoon or a tamper for consistent pressure.
Humidity: If the air is too humid, it might prevent the bombs from setting properly. Dry the shower bombs in a cool, dry place or use a dehumidifier.
Curing time: Bombs may crumble if not left to dry long enough. Allow them to set for at least 24 hours before unmolding.
Remember, troubleshooting homemade shower melts involves patience and practice. Adjustments to the shower bomb recipe can lead to the perfect balance for coherent, fragrant, and effective results.
Enhancing Your Shower Experience
Creating a spa-like atmosphere and incorporating complementary shower products can transform one’s daily routine into a therapeutic session, especially when dealing with a cold.
Creating a Spa-Like Atmosphere
A meticulous setup can lead to an experience that rivals a professional spa. They can start by adjusting the bathroom lighting to a soft, gentle glow. Dimmable LEDs or waterproof candles are perfect for this. Next, they should consider adding plants such as eucalyptus or aloe vera to infuse the air with soothing scents and a touch of nature. Playing ambient sounds can further elevate the ambiance, providing an auditory backdrop that promotes relaxation.
Essential Elements to Enhance Atmosphere:
Lighting: Soft, dimmable lights or candles
Greenery: Eucalyptus, aloe vera, or other humidity-loving plants
Sound: Nature sounds or calming music
Complementary Shower Products
Shower steamers for colds work best when combined with compatible products. A mentholated body wash or a eucalyptus shower spray can complement the action of the shower steamers, amplifying their decongestant properties. It’s also worth investing in high-quality towels and bathrobes; the soft texture on the skin can continue the spa experience even after the shower.
Ideal Products for a Cold-Centric Shower Routine:
Shower Steamers: Eucalyptus or menthol-infused
Body Wash: Mentholated for added decongestion
Aftercare: Luxurious towels and bathrobes for continued comfort
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using shower steamers during a cold?
Shower steamers release therapeutic vapors that may help alleviate cold symptoms. Inhaling these vapors can be soothing and may assist in clearing nasal passages.
What essential oils are best to include in a DIY shower bomb for colds?
Eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils are widely regarded as beneficial for colds due to their decongestant and soothing qualities when inhaled during a steamy shower.
How can you create shower bombs that provide aromatherapy benefits?
Creating aromatherapy shower bombs involves incorporating essential oils with specific therapeutic properties into the shower bomb mixture. These oils release aromatic scents upon contact with shower water.
Are shower steamers good for colds?
Yes! Shower bombs can help with congestion, headaches, sinus problems, coughs and can help relieve many other cold and flu symptoms.
Does Vicks make shower steamers?
If you aren’t inclined to DIY your own shower steamer you can purchase ready made ones including Vicks brand shower steamers.
With cleaning trends and DIYs becoming more popular online every day, I feel like I am in my element. Hi, my name is Adrienne Carrie Hubbard and I have been finding creative hacks and tricks for cleaning for over 15 years now.
I enjoy looking for tips on how to clean the overall home, with a special interest in the bathroom. It’s the most difficult room to clean, after all! Yet the most important.
I run a Facebook group called Cottagecore DIY and Decor with over 18,000 members called Cottagecore DIY and Decor. We were even nominated for a Facebook Community Award in 2021!
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