As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Full Disclosure Here
Transform your everyday shower into a luxurious, spa-like retreat with homemade eucalyptus shower steamers.
These effervescent shower fizzies release the refreshing aromas of eucalyptus into the steam, providing a naturally powerful way to feel refreshed and clear sinus congestion.
Unlike bath bombs, which are designed for long soaks, shower steamers work with the natural heat and steam of your shower, making them a quick and easy way to enjoy the benefits of eucalyptus for congestion even on your busiest mornings.
While I generally prefer making aromatherapy shower steamers with essential oils, I wanted to experiment with herbs for a change. I love the way these turned out!
Eucalyptus leaves and lavender buds are some of the most calming and refreshing combinations to use in a shower steamer recipe.
Table of Contents
Why Eucalyptus And Lavender Are The Best Herb Combination For Shower Steamers
The combination of eucalyptus and lavender in shower steamers creates a powerful synergy that amplifies the benefits of both herbs.
Eucalyptus brings a crisp, invigorating aroma that helps clear sinuses and open up airways, perfect for those days when you’re feeling congested or need to wake up the senses.
Lavender buds, on the other hand, offer a contrasting yet complementary effect. They introduce a gentle floral scent to create a soothing experience that promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
Together, these two herbs balance each other beautifully. While eucalyptus is refreshing and invigorating, lavender is calming and grounding.
In a shower steamer, they work in harmony to create an aromatherapy experience that is both energizing and relaxing, helping you feel both mentally refreshed and physically soothed.
Whether you’re looking to start your day on a refreshing note or wind down in the evening, lavender and eucalyptus shower steamers are versatile enough to use any time of the day.
Homemade Eucalyptus Shower Steamers Recipe Ingredients
2 tablespoons Eucalyptus Leaves
2 tablespoons Lavender Flowers
½ cup Epsom Salt
½ cup Baking Soda
1 ½ tablespoon water
1/4 cup Citric Acid (optional for fizzing)
10-15 drops Essential Oils (optional)
Silicone Mold
This makes around 6 if using the same mold.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Shower Steamers
Step 1: Gather All Your Ingredients
Make sure you have everything you need within reach – consumables, mixing bowl, measuring cups, a spray bottle with water (for controlled moisture), and silicone molds or ice cube trays to shape your steamers.
Keeping everything ready will streamline the process and ensure accurate measurements.
Step 2: Mix the Epsom Salt & Baking Soda
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt and baking soda. Mix in the citric acid if you’re using it.
Stir the dry ingredients thoroughly until the texture is even and smooth with no visible lumps.
Step 3: Add Essential Oils and Mix Until Well Combined
If you’re using essential oils, now is the time to add them. Eucalyptus and lavender essential oils work best for this shower steamer recipe, but that’s just a suggestion. You can adjust the scent profile by adding other oils – see customization ideas below.
Start with 10-15 drops essential oil. Add more if you want a stronger scent.
Step 4: Grind the Eucalyptus Leaves & Lavender Buds
Grind the eucalyptus leaves and lavender buds to a fine powder in a food processor. Your homemade shower steamers will hold their shape better when the herbs are ground down to a powder.
Grinding the herbs to a fine powder also gives you a more potent scent and makes cleanup easier as there won’t be any residue left on the shower floor.
Step 5: Add the Powdered Herbs
Add in the powdered eucalyptus leaves and lavender buds. These herbs enhance the visual appeal of the steamers and also release natural aromas when activated by the steam.
Step 5: Add Water to Bind the Mixture
This step requires precision. Using a spray bottle, slowly spritz water onto the mixture, a little at a time. Stir continuously as you add water. You’re aiming for a consistency similar to wet sand—just moist enough to hold its shape when pressed into a mold.
You do not want it too wet, as it will not harden properly. So be sure to go slow.
Step 7: Press the Mixture Into Molds & Allow to Dry Overnight
Transfer spoonfuls of mixture into your chosen silicone molds or ice cube trays.
Press down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure each steamer is tightly packed. The tighter you pack the mixture, the better it will hold together once dry.
Let the steamers dry in the molds overnight or longer in a cool, dry place. The longer you leave them to dry, the harder they’ll become, making them last longer in the shower.
Step 8: Remove From Molds and Store Shower Steamers In An Airtight Jar
Gently remove the completely dried shower steamers from the molds.
They should pop out easily if fully dried. Store them in an airtight container to keep moisture out, which can cause them to prematurely fizz. A mason jar or sealed container works well, and be sure to place them in a cool, dry location until ready to use.
How to Use Homemade Shower Steamers
Using shower steamers is a simple but effective way to enhance your shower with calming or invigorating aromas, turning your daily routine into a spa-like experience.
Here’s how to get the most out of your DIY eucalyptus and lavender shower steamers.
Place the Steamer in the Shower
Place one homemade shower steamer on the floor of your shower.
The best spot is in the corner or near the edge, where it will get splashed with water but won’t be fully submerged.
This allows the steamer to release its fragrance slowly and consistently without dissolving too quickly.
Let the Water Activate the Steamer
As the water from your shower hits the steamer, it will slowly fizz (if you’ve added citric acid) and dissolve, releasing the essential oils from the eucalyptus leaves and lavender buds.
The natural steam created by the shower helps disperse the oils into the air, creating an aromatherapy mist that fills the shower.
While showering, you’ll get the refreshing scent of eucalyptus mixed with the calming aroma of lavender, making your shower both rejuvenating and relaxing.
Breathe in the Aromatherapy Benefits
Once the steamer starts fizzing, take a few moments to inhale deeply and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of eucalyptus and lavender.
Eucalyptus helps clear your sinuses, reduces congestion, and refreshes your mind, while lavender’s calming properties help reduce stress, making it ideal for unwinding after a long day.
This combination creates a balanced sensory experience that refreshes both body and mind.
Adjust for Desired Effect
If you want a more intense aromatherapy experience, you can move the steamer slightly closer to the direct stream of water to make it dissolve faster.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle fragrance, keep it farther from the water flow so it lasts longer.
Each shower steamer typically lasts for the duration of a single shower, but moving it around can help you adjust the scent release according to your preference.
Enjoy the Spa-Like Experience
With the shower steamer releasing soothing scents, take a moment to relax and fully immerse yourself in the spa-like atmosphere you’ve created.
Whether you’re starting your day with a burst of energy or ending it with a calming ritual, shower steamers make every shower a more luxurious and enjoyable experience.
Benefits of Each Ingredient In The Shower Steamer Recipe
Eucalyptus Leaves: Naturally rich in essential oils, eucalyptus leaves are known for their ability to clear sinuses and reduce nasal congestion. The leaves release a fresh, minty, refreshing aroma that boosts respiratory health, making them perfect for steam showers.
Lavender Buds: Lavender buds add a soothing, floral scent to the steamers, helping to calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Inhaling lavender in the shower can also promote relaxation and a sense of well-being, turning a simple shower into a calming ritual.
Baking Soda: A key ingredient in shower steamers, baking soda softens the water and helps distribute the essential oils more evenly in the steam. It also creates a slightly alkaline environment that can benefit the skin by gently cleansing and soothing irritation.
Epsom Salt: Epsom salt helps to relax sore muscles and relieve tension, making your shower even more rejuvenating. It also works to soften the skin and improve circulation, enhancing the overall spa-like experience.
Citric Acid (optional): When combined with baking soda, citric acid reacts to create the fizz that releases the eucalyptus and lavender aromas into the steam. This fizzy reaction not only makes the shower steamer more fun to use but also enhances the diffusion of essential oils, allowing for a more potent aromatherapy experience.
Essential Oils (optional): Adding a few drops of essential oils (such as eucalyptus or lavender) enhances the fragrance and therapeutic benefits of the shower steamers. Essential oils help intensify the effects of the herbs, providing a more robust aromatherapy experience.
Homemade Shower Steamer Recipe: Customization Ideas
Get creative with shapes: Use different molds to create unique and fun shapes for your shower steamers, such as hearts, stars, or spheres. You can also use cookie cutters or ice cube trays.
Want to experiment with different scents? Here are some ideas for customizing your shower steamers:
Herbal Combinations:
Rosemary & Peppermint: This invigorating blend combines the fresh, herbaceous aroma of rosemary with the stimulating coolness of peppermint, creating a refreshing and energizing experience.
Chamomile & Lemon Verbena: For a calming and uplifting scent, combine chamomile, known for its soothing properties, with lemon verbena, which offers a bright and citrusy aroma.
Sage & Thyme: This purifying combination features the earthy, herbaceous scent of sage and the fresh, slightly spicy aroma of thyme, making it ideal for cleansing and revitalizing the skin.
Essential Oil Additions:
Tea Tree: Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil can help soothe irritated skin and promote a healthy scalp.
Young Living Thieves Blend: A synergy blend with eucalyptus, clove, rosemary, lemon, and cinnamon, Thieves essential oil has powerful decongestant properties and is a great addition to this shower steamers recipe.
Frankincense: With its grounding and balancing aroma, frankincense oil can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
Ylang-Ylang : This romantic and sensual aroma can help uplift your mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
Remember to always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil before adding them to your shower steamers. This helps prevent skin irritation.
Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect scent.
How To Store Homemade Shower Steamers
Proper storage is key to maintaining the effectiveness and longevity of your shower steamers. To ensure they stay fresh and ready to use, follow these simple tips:
Store in an Airtight Container
Transfer completely dried shower steamers to an airtight container such as a mason jar or a sealed plastic container.
Keeping them airtight helps preserve the essential oils and herbal aromas, ensuring that the scents remain potent until you’re ready to use them.
This also prevents any moisture from getting in, which can cause the steamers to lose their fizz or activate prematurely. Moisture may also encourage mold formation.
Keep in a Cool, Dry Place
Store your airtight container in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight or humidity. Excess heat and moisture can cause the steamers to soften or dissolve prematurely, reducing their effectiveness when you place them in the shower.
Optional: Add a Silica Packet
To further protect against moisture, add a silica gel packet (like the ones found in shoe boxes or vitamin bottles) to your storage container. This will absorb any excess moisture and help keep your shower steamers dry for longer.
Related Reads:
Research-Backed Benefits Of Aromatherapy For Respiratory Health
Oatmeal & Chamomile Herbal Bath Tea Recipe+ Customization Ideas
DIY Luxurious Homemade Rose Petal Bath Bombs With Essential Oils
How To Use Bath Bombs: A Comprehensive Guide
Melt & Pour Shea Butter Soap Recipe with Floral Essential Oils
Easy Bentonite Clay Detox Bath Recipe With Essential Oils
Home Remedies For Congestion: 17 Natural Decongestants That Work
Shower Steamer Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh eucalyptus leaves and lavender buds?
Yes, you can, but shower steamers made with dried leaves and buds dry faster and have a longer shelf life. Moreover, they don’t add extra moisture to the steamers.
How long does each shower steamer last in the shower?
Each shower steamer will typically last one use. However, the longevity can vary depending on the size of the steamer and the amount of water used in your shower.
How long do homemade shower steamers last?
Homemade shower steamers can last up to 6 months provided they are completely dried and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Can I use other herbs or essential oils in a shower steamer recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and essential oil combinations to create unique scent combinations. Just be sure to choose herbs and oils that are suitable for use in bath products. I have provided some suggestions above under customization ideas.
Can I use shower steamers in a bath instead of the shower?
Shower steamers are designed for use in the shower. While you could use them in a bath, they won’t have the same fizz and impact as bath bombs. Bath bombs are designed for use in a bath.
Are these safe for children?
Eucalyptus can be strong, especially for young children. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before using it for children under the age of 10.
Do shower steamers leave residue on the shower floor?
Some shower steamers may leave some residue on the shower floor, but this can easily be cleaned with soap and water. It’s important to rinse the shower floor after use to prevent any oils or residue from building up.
How often should I use shower steamers?
You can use shower steamers as often as you like. However, it’s important to listen to your body and use them as needed.
Shower steamers offer an easy and enjoyable way to turn your everyday shower into a rejuvenating, spa-like experience.
The combination of eucalyptus and lavender creates the perfect balance of refreshment and relaxation—clearing your mind and soothing your senses all at once. Eucalyptus helps with congestion and provides an invigorating burst of energy, while lavender works to calm your nerves and reduce stress, making this duo ideal for both morning and evening showers.
Making your own shower steamers is surprisingly simple and also allows you to customize the experience by experimenting with different herbs and essential oils.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
