Shower bomb recipe: {DIY shower steamers with menthol crystals}

Make DIY shower steamers, also called shower bombs, using menthol crystals, citric acid and eucalyptus essential oil with this recipe. Enjoy a refreshing homemade aromatherapy spa that will help relieve clogged sinuses.

These eucalyptus shower bombs relieve nasal congestion and provide sinus relief, helping you breathe easily and relax. These vape tablets are made from a few ingredients and are easy to make.

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

What are DIY Menthol Shower Bombs?

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

How to incorporate menthol crystals into this shower bomb recipe

We used two effective methods to incorporate menthol crystals into this shower bomb recipe. Because menthol crystals are oil soluble, we initially diluted them in oil and seamlessly integrated them into the shower steamer mixture. We also used them for decoration, by placing them on 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 from natural ingredients
• Ideal for those without a bath, for a spa-like experience in the shower
• These menthol shower steamers provide instant relief from congestion
• Simple and cost-effective to make compared to store-bought alternatives
• They make a great DIY gift
• Enhance 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 an effervescence that triggers the release of fragrant essential oils. This process turns your shower into an aromatherapy experience, stimulating the senses without direct contact with the skin.

These two ingredients are also used together when making bath bombs.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel or alcohol serves as a binding agent in the recipe. Although 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 fizz reaction. We also need a liquid that evaporates easily to help dry the shower steamers. Witch hazel or 40% alcohol are good choices that meet these requirements. However, it is important to spray them in small amounts 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 require a binding agent to hold them together. Although some recipes suggest using water, this can cause premature fizzing. In addition, we need a liquid that evaporates easily to facilitate the drying process. Witch hazel is a suitable solution that meets these criteria. For even distribution, it is crucial to spray them in small quantities.

Natural dye

The use of natural dyes is optional; I used a natural blue dye, indigo, which comes from the leaves of the indigofera plant.

Also check out the other natural green colors 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 sinus congestion or headaches.

Almond oil or sunflower oil

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

Essential oil blend

Essential oils are the aromatic essence of the shower steamer, which is released by the effervescence reaction. In this recipe we use a combination of peppermint and eucalyptus to relieve pain stuffy nose. Alternatively, you can also combine them with lavender essential oil.

How to make shower steamers for an aromatherapy shower?

First step: Combine dry ingredients

Combine citric acid with baking soda and food coloring in a mixing bowl to make a homogeneous shower bomb mixture without lumps.

Second step: Dissolve menthol crystals in oil

Gently heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil, add 1/2 menthol crystal and mix until the crystals dissolve. The second half is spread over the bottom of the silicone mold.

Third step: add the essential oils

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

Fourth step: Spritz with witch hazel

Using a spray bottle, lightly mist the dry mixture with witch hazel. Start with a few sprays and mix quickly. Repeat until the mixture sticks together when you squeeze it, but is not too wet. Do not spray too much to avoid premature fizzing.

Fifth step: Shape the shower steamers

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

Sixth step: Dry the shower steamers

Allow the DIY eucalyptus shower fizzies to dry and harden overnight. Once completely dried, carefully remove them from the bath bomb mold and store your shower steamer 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 place the pacifier all the way to the outside of the shower jet, so that it slowly becomes wet and the scent is released little by little. The best place is in a corner of the shower or on a shelf where it gets a little wet from splashes and steam.

Stand in the shower and let the steam activate the steamer. As it fizzes and dissipates, it releases the sweet-smelling essential oils of eucalyptus and peppermint into the air, making the shower feel like a little aromatherapy spa. Take a deep breath and enjoy the sweet-smelling vapor in your nose and senses.

Shower steam 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. Although citric acid is common, it is not necessary for making shower bombs. Just know that without citric acid, the bomb may not fizz as much, but it can still make your shower smell nice. You can use 3/4 cup of Epsom salt and 1/4 cup of cornstarch to replace 1 cup of citric acid in this recipe.

Equipment and supplies

Can I use these shower bombs as bath bombs?

Unfortunately, these shower pacifiers are not suitable for use in the bath. Because we used menthol crystals and essential oils in this amount, it may cause skin irritation if used in a bathtub with hot water.