DIY Health & Wellness Shower Steamers

By Irena Saro & Cyna Riley-Rank

Found in Willow and Sage by Stampington

You will need:

Basic Shower Steamer

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup citric acid

1/3 cup arrowroot powder

1/4 cup kaolin clay

Bowl: Large non-metallic

Spray bottle with water

Nitrile gloves

Silicone mold: cylinder

Headache Shower Steamer

45 drops rosemary essential oil

45 drops peppermint essential oil

30 drops chamomile essential oil

Dried leaves/herbs (optional)

Eucalyptus Shower Steamer

150 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Dried eucalyptus leaves, crushed (optional)

Mica: green (optional)

Peppermint Shower Steamer

120 drops peppermint essential oil

2 TB. menthol crystals Mica: Agua (optional)

How to Make

Add all the dry ingredients to a large, non-metallic bowl and whisk until blended. Drop the essential oils on the dry ingredients, and stir to combine. The essential oils can create droplets, which will dissolve in the following step.

Spray the mixture with a little water and incorporate it immediately to avoid a reaction. If you don’t have a spray bottle, sprinkle water on the mixture using a teaspoon.

Put on nitrile gloves to protect your hands when kneading the mixture as the citric acid can irritate sensitive skin and nail polish. The mixture should feel like damp sand and be wet enough to hold its shape when pressed together. If using a colored mica and dried herbs or flowers, add them to the mixture.

Fill the silicone mold with the mixture, and press firmly into the mold using your fingertips, paying attention to the edges. Let the mixture dry for 24-48 hours. Making shower steamers can be affected by the humidity; in a humid environment, the drying time may be longer. When they feel hard and solid, carefully peel back the mold and gently pop out of the disk. Store the steamers in an airtight container or jar, and ensure that the steamers aren’t exposed to water or moisture. The shelf life is one year.

Before use, let warm water run for several minutes to moisturize the air. It’s best to place the steamer away from the running water and the drain. Ideally, only the bottom of the tabs should be wet. You can also put a shower steamer in a soap dish. Breathe in deeply as the essential oils vaporize.

Melinda