DIY Gifting #6 Shower Steamers and Melts

 

If you live in a water scarce area where baths are a no-no or you just don’t have time for one, you can still enjoy all the benefits of bath bombs - in the form of shower melts!

Shower melts are similar to bath bombs in their aromatherapy benefits and similar to foot soaks in that they may also contain detoxing epsom salts. Turn your shower into a healing, aromatherapy session as the calming essential oil vapours merge with the shower steam. Plus, these make lovely gifts!

 

Shower Melts for Wellness

Essential oils can help relieve tension, stress and improve circulation, among many other benefits. Try the following oils for various uses:

Sinus issues and blocked or congested passages - peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, basil, thyme

Headaches - rosemary and lavender, stress relief blend

To destress and calm - lavender, rose geranium, chamomile

Inflammation - frankincense

Ultra cleaning and freshening - lemon, lemongrass

Energising and metabolism boosting morning shower - grapefruit, lemongrass

Anti depressing and uplifting - jasmine, sweet orange, ylang ylang or palma rosa

You may also add in teaspoon of menthol crystals to really open up passageways and assist in easier breathing. Combine the menthol crystals with rosemary, lavender, peppermint, lemon or eucalyptus or a blend. For decorative effects, add in some pretty dried flowers.

When using your shower melt (you will only need one at a time), place it towards the back or sides of the shower, not directly in the line of the water or it will fizz away too quickly. Let the shower water gently lap against the shower melt and breathe deeply as the essential oil aromas waft up.

 

Basic Shower Fizzy Recipe

¾ c baking soda

½ c  citric acid

½ c Epsom salts

+/- 1 T water

15 - 20 drops essential oils of your choice

Mix the baking soda and Epsom salts together in a bowl. Slowly add the water, mixing with your hands until the mixture sticks together when squeezed. Add the essential oils until you get a good, strong aroma. Tightly pack into molds or an ice cube tray and leave to dry out for 12 hours, then store in an airtight container. To use, place in your shower.

 

Energising Citrus Shower Bomb

½ c arrowroot powder or cornstarch

¼ c baking soda

¼ c   citric acid

¼ c Epsom salts

2 T water + more as needed

6 drops lemon essential oil

6 drops sweet orange essential oil

4 drops bergamot essential oil

3 drops grapefruit essential oil

Combine the water and essential oils together, then add to the arrowroot powder, baking soda and Epsom salt mixture and mix in by hand. You may need to add more water until a crumbly texture forms. Pack into molds or use an ice cube tray and dry out overnight. If you accidentally add too much water and the shower bombs ‘melt’, you can store them in the freezer until you are ready to use them.

 

Quick & Calming Lavender Shower Melts

1 c arrowroot powder or cornstarch

2 T Epsom salts

2 T water plus extra

5 - 7 drops lavender essential oil

Mix together the lavender oil, cornstarch and Epsom salts then add the water. You will need to add extra water to form a thick paste, but do so gradually. Once you have a paste, pour into ice cube trays or molds and freeze until set. As long as you didn’t use too much water, you may remove the melts from the molds and store in an airtight container. To use, place a melt on your shower floor and enjoying the calming lavender aroma.

 

Almond, Milk and Honey Melts

⅓ c mango butter

⅓ c almond oil

¼ c honey

1 c powdered milk

Melt the mango butter, almond oil and honey together gently. Then stir in the powdered milk. Roll into tight balls and roll in extra milk powder for a decorative effect. Let your feet enjoy the good-for-skin lactic acid in the milk powder as you inhale the soothing honey aroma. These melts can also be used in a bath or foot soak.

Place the shower melts in a mason jar or other large-ish jar, tie some ribbon or string around the lid and add a tag for a stunning gift.