When allergies start acting up, the discomfort from itchy eyes, a runny nose, or sneezing fits can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a natural way to ease those symptoms, allergy relief shower melts might just be your answer! These melts, infused with essential oils, transform your shower into a soothing, spa-like experience that helps open airways and calm allergy symptoms.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through making these fragrant, therapeutic shower melts using a few simple ingredients. This DIY project is easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for anyone seeking a natural remedy for seasonal allergies.
What Are Shower Melts?
Shower melts (or shower steamers) are small tablets that dissolve in hot water, releasing therapeutic essential oils into the steam. As the steam rises, it carries the oils into the air, allowing you to breathe in their benefits. For allergy relief, we will focus on essential oils known for their decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
Ingredients for Allergy Relief Shower Melts
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup Baking Soda: This acts as the main base for the melts, providing structure and aiding in the fizzing process when exposed to water.
- 1/2 cup Citric Acid: Helps create the fizzing action and assists in releasing the essential oils into the air.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds smoothness to the texture.
- 2 tablespoons Water: Needed to hold the mixture together.
Essential Oils:
- 10 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Known for its ability to open nasal passages and improve breathing.
- 8 drops Peppermint Essential Oil: Helps to clear sinuses and soothe headaches.
- 8 drops Lavender Essential Oil: A calming oil that reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation.
- 6 drops Lemon Essential Oil: Has a refreshing scent that helps clear up congestion and boost immunity.
Optional Add-ins:
- Dried Flowers or Herbs (like calendula or lavender): For an extra touch of beauty and soothing aromatherapy.
- Natural Blue or Green Food Coloring: To add a gentle color to your melts, making them visually appealing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all of your ingredients and setting up your workspace. You’ll want a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spray bottle filled with water, and silicone molds (or a mini muffin tin) for shaping your shower melts.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch. Stir these ingredients together until they’re fully blended and smooth. If there are any lumps, break them up with your whisk or sift the ingredients.
3. Add Essential Oils
Next, add the essential oils. Start with eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and lemon oils. These oils are fantastic for clearing your sinuses, calming your senses, and giving you that refreshing feeling of relief. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the oils.
Tip: If you find the scent to be too strong or too mild, you can adjust the number of drops based on your preference. Just make sure not to overdo it with strong oils like peppermint.
4. Add Water Gradually
Using a spray bottle, lightly spritz water into the mixture while continuously stirring. Be cautious at this step: if you add too much water at once, the mixture will start to fizz prematurely. The goal is to have just enough moisture to form the mixture into shapes without it expanding.
5. Shape Your Shower Melts
Once your mixture reaches a slightly damp sand-like consistency, pack it firmly into your silicone molds or muffin tin. Press down firmly to make sure the melts are solid and dense.
Optional Step: If you’d like to add dried flowers, sprinkle a small amount into the bottom of each mold before adding the mixture. This will add a pretty, decorative touch to the tops of your shower melts.
6. Let the Melts Dry
Allow your shower melts to dry and harden for at least 24 hours. If you live in a humid environment, it may take a little longer. Once dry, they should feel hard and solid to the touch.
7. Store and Use
Once your melts are fully dry, carefully pop them out of the molds and store them in an airtight container. To use, place one shower melt on the floor of your shower (away from direct water flow) and let the steam activate the essential oils. The melt will dissolve slowly, releasing soothing vapors that can help clear your sinuses and ease allergy symptoms.
Tips for Customizing Your Shower Melts
- Substitute Essential Oils: You can experiment with different oils depending on your needs. For example, tea tree oil is great for fighting off colds, while chamomile oil is excellent for relaxation.
- Adjust the Strength: If you want a stronger scent, simply increase the number of drops of essential oils. Keep in mind that too much peppermint or eucalyptus can be overpowering, so adjust carefully.
- Add Color: If you’d like to make your shower melts visually appealing, add a few drops of natural food coloring during the mixing stage. Light pastel colors work great for a calming aesthetic.
Benefits of Allergy Relief Shower Melts
These shower melts are packed with essential oils that have numerous benefits:
- Eucalyptus: Known for its ability to break up mucus and clear congestion, it’s a staple for respiratory relief.
- Peppermint: Acts as a natural decongestant and relieves sinus pressure, perfect for allergy sufferers.
- Lavender: Reduces inflammation and calms the mind, making your shower a more relaxing experience.
- Lemon: Uplifts your mood and also provides antimicrobial benefits, which can help fight off allergens.
Storage and Shelf Life
To keep your shower melts at their best, store them in an airtight container away from moisture and heat. If stored properly, they can last for up to 3 months. Keep them out of reach of small children and pets, as the essential oils may be too strong for sensitive systems.
Variations and Substitutions
- Decongestant Shower Melts: For stronger congestion relief, add a few extra drops of eucalyptus and peppermint oils. You could also substitute rosemary oil for a woodsy scent that pairs well with these oils.
- Relaxation Shower Melts: If allergies often stress you out, switch up the essential oils for a more calming blend. Try lavender, chamomile, and frankincense oils for a shower melt that’s perfect before bedtime.
- Invigorating Shower Melts: For an energizing experience, use orange, grapefruit, and spearmint essential oils. These will wake you up and boost your energy while helping clear your airways.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
- Gift Idea: Allergy relief shower melts make excellent homemade gifts. Wrap a few in tissue paper or place them in a decorative jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful, wellness-themed present.
- Use in Baths: Though designed for showers, you can also use these melts in a bath for a similar steam effect. Just place one near the drain or at the edge of your tub.
Estimated Cost
Making shower melts at home is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing them from stores. The ingredients are budget-friendly, especially since essential oils and baking soda can be used in multiple batches. Each melt costs around $0.50 – $1, depending on the quality of oils used.
