After a long day, I crave a hot shower to help me unwind. Those few minutes of alone time help me process the day’s events and reset. I don’t usually have time for a long, luxurious bath, so a quick shower does the trick.
Aromatherapy works wonders when you’re feeling tired or stressed out. I use essential oils and aromatherapy all the time for that purpose, and these simple shower melts are perfect for de-stressing, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
How to Make Aromatherapy Shower Tablets
Lavender and chamomile blossoms both bring calming, soothing qualities on their own, and adding essential oils provides even more benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what different essential oils can do.
Use a few drops of each in your shower tablets, or pick and choose your favorites for a unique aromatherapy blend. Some oils also have anti-inflammatory and healing benefits—perfect when you’re fighting off an illness.
Essential Oils for Stress Relief
-Cedarwood - calming, soothing, sleep-promoting
-Bergamot - uplifting, relaxing
-Lavender - calming
-Rosemary - uplifting, increases concentration, mental acuity
-Lemon - refreshing, mental alertness, calming
-Peppermint - revitalizing, cooling, invigorating
-Eucalyptus - clarifying
Step 1
Assemble your ingredients. These aromatherapy shower tablets are super easy and inexpensive to make—you only need baking soda, essential oils, dried lavender, and chamomile if you have some on hand.
Step 2
Grind the chamomile and lavender blossoms in a coffee or spice grinder. Then combine the ground mixture with baking soda.
Step 3
Add enough water, so the baking soda holds together in clumps, but the mixture isn’t the least bit runny.
Step 4
Press into small decorative pans or silicone molds. One to two tablespoons in each is enough.
Bake to dry out the tablets. Preheat your oven to 350°F, and bake the tablets for about 15 to 20 minutes. When they come out of the oven, they may be a little damp still, but they will continue to dry out as they cool.
Step 5
Add a few drops of each essential oil to the top of the aromatherapy shower tablets and let sit for a bit to absorb the oils. Transfer to a jar and store until ready to use.
Note: I did have a little trouble getting the tablets out of the metal molds, so I opted to leave them in for easier storage. The ones I formed in silicone molds popped right out.
Looking for some more ways to upgrade your shower or bath routine with aromatherapy? It’s so simple to make a DIY aromatherapy shower spray, but if baths are more your speed, you’ll love these aromatherapy bath salts and bath bombs you can make at home.
DIY De-stress Aromatherapy Shower Tablets FAQs
Should I add the essential oils after the tablets are completely cooled or while they are cooling?
Either one is fine. I added them after the tablets had completely cooled, but you can do it either way.
Where can I buy dried lavender and chamomile?
I buy both in the bulk spice section of Whole Foods. Sprouts also has them, if you have that store in your area. Or you can find them online. You can also use chamomile tea in this recipe if you already have some on hand!
What are the best molds to use, so they come out easily?
When I used metal molds, I did have a hard time getting the tablets out. But the ones I formed in silicone molds popped right out. So that might be the way to go to prevent problems with the tablets sticking.
What is the best way to use these tablets?
When you hop into the shower, you can place a tablet directly on the shower floor and let the steam and water work their magic. These tablets can also be used in the bath if you’d prefer a long aromatherapy soak!
DIY De-stress Shower Tablets with Essential Oils
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Soap mold or other mold (like muffin tins)
Materials
- 2 cups baking soda
- 2 tablespoon dried chamomile or chamomile tea (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds (optional)
- ½ cup water, plus a little more if needed
- Essential oils - cedarwood, bergamot, lavender, rosemary, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus
Instructions
- Using a coffee/spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the dried lavender and chamomile until finely ground. Then combine with baking soda.
- Add just enough water to make a paste that holds together without being soupy or runny. Pack your mixture into small molds.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and bake the molds for 15–20 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let cool completely. The tablets will continue drying as they cool.
- Sprinkle the tablets with the essential oils and allow to soak in. If you use silicone molds, the tablets will be easier to pop out. Transfer to a jar, and store them until ready to use.
Notes
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Holly Smith, a board-certified physician in nephrology and internal medicine with a background in nutrition. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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