Make DIY shower steamers, aka shower bombs, using menthol crystals, citric acid, and eucalyptus essential oil with this recipe. Indulge in a refreshing homemade aromatherapy spa that helps alleviate sinus congestion.

These eucalyptus shower bombs relieve a stuffy nose and provide sinus relief, allowing you to breathe easily and relax. Made of a few ingredients, these vapor tablets are straightforward to make.

Make your DIY shower steamers in a few easy steps, place one tablet in the shower corner, and enjoy a relieving and relaxing feeling.

Ingredients to make homemade shower bombs

What are DIY shower bombs with menthol?

DIY shower bombs with menthol are homemade shower tablets designed to offer a refreshing and invigorating experience in the shower. Menthol, known for its decongestant and expectorant properties, helps alleviate the symptoms of colds, allergies, and sinus issues, making it a key ingredient in these menthol shower bombs. Combined with eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil, they provide the ultimate solution for congested sinuses.

How to use shower steamers in the shower

How to incorporate menthol crystals into this shower bomb recipe

We used two effective methods to incorporate menthol crystals into this shower bomb recipe. Initially, as menthol crystals are oil-soluble, we diluted them in oil and seamlessly integrated them into the shower steamer mixture. Additionally, we utilized them for decoration, placing them on the top of each shower melt. This creates an aesthetic element and allows for the gradual release of menthol as the shower bomb dissolves.

Why do you love these homemade shower bombs?

Made of natural ingredients
Ideal for those without a bathtub, providing a spa-like experience in the shower
These menthol shower steamers provide Immediate congestion relief
Simple and cost-effective to make compared to store-bought alternatives
They make a great DIY gift
Elevate your daily shower routine with the soothing power of aromatherapy

Ingredients to make homemade shower bombs

Baking soda and Citric acid

Citric acid and baking soda work together to create a fizz that triggers the release of fragrant essential oils. This process transforms your shower into an aromatherapy experience, engaging the senses without direct contact with the skin.

These two ingredients are also used together when you make bath bombs.

What ingredients do you need to make DIY shower melts?

Witch hazel

Witch hazel or alcohol serves as a binding agent in the recipe. While baking soda and citric acid are dry powders, we need something to bind them together. Some recipes call for water but can cause a premature fizzing reaction. We also need a liquid that will easily evaporate to help the shower steamers dry. Witch hazel or 40% alcohol are good choices that meet these requirements. However, spraying them in small quantities is important to distribute them evenly.

Witch hazel or alcohol acts as a binding agent in the recipe. Unlike baking soda and citric acid, which are dry powders, they need a binding agent to hold them together. While some recipes suggest using water, it can trigger premature fizzing. Moreover, we need a liquid that evaporates easily to aid the drying process. Witch hazel is a suitable solution that fulfills these criteria. It’s crucial to spray them in small quantities for even distribution.

Natural colorant

Use of natural colorant is optional; I used a natural blue colorant, indigo, derived from the leaves of the indigofera plant.

Check the other natural green colors, that I used when making these DIY shower melts.

Menthol crystals

Menthol crystals are a natural ingredient obtained from Mentha arvensis, also known as corn mint or mild mint. Starting with distilling mint leaves, the process yields peppermint essential oil that is cooled to a freezing temperature, inducing crystallization and generating menthol crystals. Whether inhaled or used in steam distillation, menthol crystals provide immediate relief from congested sinuses or headaches.

Almond oil or sunflower Oil

We must use them to dissolve the crystals and bind the powder ingredients.

Essential Oil Blend

Essential oils are the aromatic essence of the shower steamer, released through the effervescent reaction. In this recipe, we will use a Peppermint and eucalyptus necessary oil combination to relieve nasal congestion. Alternatively, you can also combine them with lavender essential oil.

Why do you love these homemade shower bombs?

How to make shower steamers for aromatherapy shower

First step: Combine dry ingredients

Combine citric acid with baking soda and colorant in a mixing bowl to make a homogenous shower bomb mixture without glumps.

Second step: Dissolve menthol crystals in oil

Gently warm up 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil, add 1/2 of menthol crystal, and mix until the crystals dissolve. The second half is distributed at the bottom of the silicon mold.

Third step: Add the Essential Oils

Add 70 drops of essential oils into the oil with diluted crystals and pour it into the dry mixture. Mix well to distribute them evenly.

Fourth step: Spritz with Witch Hazel

With a spray bottle, lightly mist the dry mixture with witch hazel. Begin with a few sprays and mix rapidly. Repeat until the mixture sticks together when squeezed but isn’t excessively damp. Avoid spraying too much to prevent premature fizzing.

Fifth step: Mold the Shower steamers

Use a spoon or your fingers in gloves to add the mixture to the silicone mold and press down firmly.

Sixth step: Dry the shower steamers

Allow the DIY eucalyptus shower fizzies to dry and harden overnight. Once completely dried, gently remove them from the bath bomb mold and store your shower steamers in an airtight container.

How to use shower steamers in the shower

When you use the shower steamer, the warm water and steam make it work, releasing the fragrant essential oils. For the best shower experience, place the steamer on the shower floor and put the soother on the very outside of the shower stream so it gets wet slowly and releases the fragrance a bit at a time. The best is a corner of the shower or on a shelf where it gets a bit wet from splashes and steam.

Get into the shower and let the steam activate the steamer. As it fizzes and disappears, it lets out the nice-smelling eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils into the air, making the shower feel like a little aromatherapy spa. Take deep breaths and enjoy the sweet-smelling vapor in your nose and senses.

Shower steamer recipe without citric acid

You can make this DIY shower bomb recipe even if you don’t have citric acid. Most homemade shower steamers use citric acid to make the shower bomb fizz and release nice-smelling essential oils. Even though citric acid is common, it’s not necessary for making shower bombs. Just know that without citric acid, the bomb might not fizz as much, but it can still make your shower smell good. You can use 3/4 cup Epsom salt and 1/4 cup cornstarch to replace 1 cup of citric acid in this recipe.

How to incorporate menthol crystals into this shower bomb recipe

Equipment and supplies

Digital scale or measuring cups and spoons:
Spray bottle
Nitrile gloves I recommend wearing gloves to protect your hands.
Large glass mixing bowl

Can I use these shower bombs as bath bombs?

Unfortunately, these shower soothers are not suitable for the bathtub. Since we have used menthol crystals and essential oils in this quantity, it could cause skin irritation when used in a bathtub with hot water.

Yield: 6 large or 12 smaller shower bombs