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Wondering how to use essential oils in the shower? You’ll be surprised at how easy it can be to relax, energize, unwind, and boost your mood just by using essential oils in the shower.
While using essential oils in the bath may seem like the ultimate spa therapy, the fact is not everyone has the luxury of time. But that doesn’t mean you should give up the idea of a spa experience altogether.
Using essential oils in the shower comes a close second. Yes, you can get the benefits of essential oils by using them in your daily showers as well.
How It Helps To Use Essential Oils In The Shower
Using essential oils in the shower offers a wide range of benefits depending on which essential oil you use in the shower.
Some essential oils can help you relax, calm down, and unwind at the end of a long day, while others can help boost your mood when you’re feeling low, and still others can help you feel more energized and focused at the beginning of the day.
The key is to know which are the best essential oils to use in the shower for the desired effect.
Here’s how it works – The heat from the shower disperses the essential oil molecules into the air around you. The ingredients in the oils work on you as you inhale the aromatic vapors swirling around you. It’s almost similar to the way an essential oil diffuser works.
Once you see how to use essential oils in the shower, you’ll be surprised that it doesn’t take much time, nor does it cost a lot. But the results are simply astounding!
From simple diffusion to using shower bombs, shower melts and aromatherapy showerheads, here are 9 creative ways to use essential oils in the shower.
9 Creative Ways To Use Essential Oils In The Shower
1. Create A Steam Cup Diffuser
This is one of the simplest ways to get the benefits of essential oils in the shower. Think of it as using a makeshift diffuser.
Fill a glass or ceramic cup with 1oz. warm water. Do not use a plastic mug.
Add 6 drops of your preferred essential oil.
Place the cup in the shower caddy, a shower ledger, or any other space near the showerhead but not exactly under it. Make sure it’s in a steady place to avoid any accidents.
Build up the steam by turning the shower to a high temperature for a few minutes. As the shower cubicle heats up, the steam will diffuse the essential oil and circulate its aromas.
Now lower the heat of the water to your preferred temperature and enjoy your shower. Inhale the aroma as the warm water from your shower vaporizes the essential oils.
2. Make Your Own Tea Ball Essential Oil Diffuser
This is a fun way to use essential oils in the shower. You’ll need 3 things:
– A tea ball infuser (the ones listed below are great quality),
– Essential oil (scroll below to see the best essential oils to use in your shower
Fill one half of the tea ball infuser with Epsom salt and add 5 drops of your chosen essential oil.
Hang your DIY tea ball essential oil diffuser from your shower caddy or showerhead. That’s it!
As you shower, the essential oil will vaporize and you’ll get its unmistakable within a few minutes.
3. Use Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
Aromatherapy shower steamers, also known as aromatherapy shower bombs or shower melts, are similar to bath bombs but are meant to be used in the shower.
You cannot use shower bombs in the bath or vice versa. They are both formulated differently.
Shower bombs contain higher concentrations of essential oils. You need that to get the benefits of the essential oil in the shower as a lot of it gets evaporated with the steam. But the higher concentrations may have an adverse reaction on your skin as you soak in the tub.
Here’s how to use aromatherapy shower steamers. Place one on the shower ledge, shower caddy, or on the far end of the shower floor where only small sprays of water can reach it. You want the shower melt to get slightly wet but not soaked.
As the water comes in contact with the disc it will start to melt slowly, releasing the essential oil vapors into the air. This allows you to savor the aromas while you shower.
Do not place the shower steamers directly under the showerhead. They will melt too quickly and you won’t get the benefits of the essential oil.
Aromatherapy shower melts allow you to enjoy a luxury aromatherapy shower experience even if you don’t have a bathtub. Or don’t have time to sit in one. No matter how much of a rush you’re in, you’re sure to have time to quickly grab a shower steamer.
Shower melts are easy to use and smell delightful too. You can make your own aromatherapy shower steamers with essential oils or buy them online.
4. Use An Aromatherapy Showerhead
Aromatherapy showerheads give you the ultimate spa-like experience every time you step into the shower. No extra steps. Nothing to remember. Just step in, open up the shower and let the aromatic water cascade over you.
An aromatherapy showerhead is similar to an ordinary showerhead with one crucial difference. It uses little essential oil capsules that melt with hot water. This releases the oils right into the water, surrounding you in a sensational aromatic mist.
Moen Aromatherapy Showers are my top choice. Unlike many other brands that use fragrance capsules, Moen uses pure essential oils. That makes a huge difference. Fragrance capsules will fill the shower cubicle with sweet scents but you won’t get the benefits of essential oils.
You can choose from two options – a hand shower and rain shower combo or a hand shower only.
When you buy a Moen Aromatherapy Shower, you can buy the capsules separately so you never run out. They have 4 very interesting scents – Zen time, Tropical Day, Energetic Morning, and Sweet Morning.
5. Use An Exfoliating Scrub With Essential Oils
Using an exfoliating scrub with essential oils is another cool way to use essential oils in the shower. You can use a salt or sugar scrub. As you apply the scrub, the salt or sugar grains exfoliate the dead cells and grime. The result is softer, smoother skin.
The essential oils and carrier oils in the scrub also nourish your skin so you get double the benefits.
Sugar scrubs are better for the face and hands because of the finer grains. Salt scrubs are great for the legs and feet.
These are some of the best natural sugar scrubs with essential oils, all from reputed brands that you can trust. Alternatively, you can make your own sugar scrubs with essential oils.
6. Use A Body Wash With Essential Oils
This is among my favorite ways to use essential oils in the shower. There are so many fantastic natural body washes that are formulated with essential oils. They smell divine and you also get the benefits of the essential oils. After all, why use ordinary bath products when you can use a body wash with essential oils?
You can find body washes for all skin types and in a wide range of aromas. My favorite body washes are the ones by Bath & Body Works and Dr. Teal. Both brands offer a range of body washes with different essential oil combinations and all have wonderful aromas.
When choosing a body wash with essential oils, decide whether you want one to energize you in the morning or to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.
7. Use A Spray Bottle To Mist The Shower Cubicle
To be honest, this is among my least favorite ways to use essential oils in the shower but I thought I should include it.
You will need an 8-ounce spray bottle, white vinegar, and essential oil. Fill the spray bottle with 2 oz. white vinegar and 5 oz. water. To this add 20 drops of the essential oil you want to use.
Turn on the shower and let the steam build. Shake the spray bottle and mist the area around you and on the walls. As the steam circulates it will diffuse the aroma of the essential oils.
The vinegar won’t come into contact with your skin so you don’t have to buy a very expensive brand. However, you will be inhaling the vapors so you do want to choose a decent-quality white vinegar.
8. Use Direct Washcloth Infusion
When you want to use essential oils in the shower but don’t have any of the items you need, this works as a nice-enough alternative.
Mix 5 drops of your chosen essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Fractionated coconut oil is the best carrier oil for this purpose.
Sprinkle this oil blend on the washcloth. Hold the washcloth in your hand or place it on your chest as you shower.
If you choose the direct infusion method, you must mix the essential oil with a carrier oil before placing it on your chest. Essential oils are very potent and can irritate the skin when used topically in a concentrated form.
Mix one part essential oil with 20 parts coconut or sweet almond oil and place on a washcloth. Place the washcloth on your chest when you shower. Inhale the aroma as it wafts up with the shower steam.
8. Use Indirect Washcloth Infusion
This is another way to use a washcloth if you don’t want to bother with carrier oils or holding a washcloth in your hand. With the indirect washcloth infusion method, you apply 5 to 20 drops of your selected essential oil onto a dry washcloth. You can also use a large cotton ball or sponge.
Place the carrier material with essential oils on the shower floor or in the shower caddy. Or tie it around the faucet. Place it somewhere so that the shower spray just grazes it gently.
The hot water and steam will cause diffuse the essential oil and its aroma and lift it upwards.
Note- Don’t place the washcloth directly under the shower or the essential oil will evaporate very quickly. This won’t allow you to get its benefits.
Best Essential Oils To Use In The Shower
There is no easy answer to this question. Every essential oil offers a unique set of benefits. The best essential oils to use in the shower will depend on the outcome you’re hoping for.
The best essential oils to use in your evening shower are those that have relaxation properties.
In your morning shower, however, you want to use essential oils that are energizing and will wake you up.
Best Essential Oils for a Relaxing Shower
These essential oils for relaxation are a gentle way to unwind, de-stress, and get ready for bed at the end of the day:
Lavender
Rose
Spearmint
Roman Chamomile
Ylang ylang
Sandalwood
Best Essential Oils to Boost Energy During Your Morning Shower
These essential oils for energy are great to get going first thing in the morning:
Peppermint
Rosemary
Juniper Berry
Lime
Best Essential Oils To Use In The Shower To Uplift Your Mood
You’ll step out of the shower feeling more cheerful with these uplifting essential oils:
Bergamot
Sweet Orange
Spearmint
Grapefruit
Clary Sage
Best Essential Oils For Headache Relief
Use these essential oils in the shower to soothe that headache
Lavender
Peppermint
Spearmint
Roman chamomile
Best Essential Oils For Sinus Congestion
A hot shower with eucalyptus oil is the best home remedy for sinus congestion.
Eucalyptus is rich in menthol and is the best essential oil to use in a shower to ease congestion. Breathing in the hot steam with menthol vapors opens up your airways so you feel less congested and can breathe more easily.
If you don’t like the strong aroma of eucalyptus, these are some other essential oils that can also help with sinus congestion:
Last, but not least, you do want to make sure that you’re using the best quality essential oils in the shower. These are my top three brands in terms of high quality, decent price, and great aromas.
Barefut
You may also be interested in
How To Use Essential Oils In The Bath – Turn An Ordinary Bath Into A Relaxing Spa Experience
Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Stress Relief Lotion & Body Wash Review
List Of Essential Oils And Their Benefits: Handy Reference Guide
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. Read Full Disclaimer here.
