DIY Shower Melts for Colds & Congestion (Eucalyptus Shower Steamers)

If you need quick sinus relief, learn how to make easy DIY shower melts for colds and congestion! These soothing eucalyptus shower steamers are made with essential oils and menthol to help you breathe easier.

Whether it’s a cold, allergies, or another cause, congestion is miserable – and when it strikes, you need something that works quickly and easily.

This simple recipe is great to have on hand for those times. When placed into your shower, these cold relief shower melts release a soothing, eucalyptus-scented vapor that helps open airways and relieve some of the pain and pressure associated with sinus congestion.

Aside from their decongestant properties, the essential oils in this recipe can also help relieve muscle tension and headaches, which often go hand-in-hand with having a cold. So they can help you feel better in that respect as well.

This is an easy-to-follow shower melts recipe with no complicated steps required. Simply mix your ingredients, place into molds, and let dry.

For troubleshooting and even more tips on how to make and use shower melts, be sure to consult our ultimate guide to DIY shower steamers.

How to ease congestion in the shower

When you’re sick or congested, taking a hot shower is one of the best ways to get relief. Steam is incredibly soothing to blocked sinuses, and it can also help thin the mucus that’s causing you so much discomfort in the first place.

There are things you can do to make a shower even more effective for sinus relief. Some popular tricks for easing congestion include applying vapor rub to the shower wall, or steaming fresh eucalyptus under the showerhead.

But there’s a easier way to get the benefits of eucalyptus in the shower! And while vapor rub may work in a pinch, you can breathe easier without making a mess of your shower.

The answer is to use eucalyptus shower steamers, and they’re incredibly easy to DIY.

What are shower melts?

Shower melts (also called shower bombs, tablets, fizzies, or steamers) turn your shower into one big essential oil diffuser.

Water activates the tablet, causing it to fizz, dissolve, and release the essentials oils into the air. Then, the steam in your shower circulates the vapor for potent aromatherapy.

Essentially, shower melts are like like a bath bomb, but for your shower. And instead of pampering your skin, they deliver a concentrated dose of essential oils to your sinuses.

There are many different uses for shower steamers – for instance, some help wake you up, and others provide sleep aid. But these DIY shower melts are made specifically for colds and congestion relief.

Benefits of eucalyptus shower melts for congestion

Not only are shower melts convenient, but they may also work better than other home remedies for sinus relief.

For one, eucalyptus essential oil is rectified to contain only the beneficial parts of the plant¹. So, your bottled eucalyptus oil is going to be more helpful for your stuffy nose than using the whole plant.

Plus, the work of extracting and distilling the potent essential oils has already been done for you – no waiting for the eucalyptus leaves to steam.

As well, this sinus shower melts recipe contains some of same essential oils typically found in vapor rub (such as the popular Vicks brand), but in a tablet form that’s much more convenient for use in your shower.

So, no need to smear vapor rub in your shower – just make your own vapor rub shower tablets.

Ingredients for cold and congestion shower steamers

These sinus relief shower bombs are surprisingly easy to make with simple household ingredients. You will need:

• Baking soda and citric acid. These ingredients are carriers for the essential oils, and they’re also required for the chemical reaction that makes the melts fizz.
• Arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Baking soda and citric acid dissolve in hot water, but starch doesn’t, helping to make your shower melts last longer. Arrowroot starch and corn starch are easy to find and work equally well, so use whatever one is available to you.
• Essential oils. Essential oils provide the therapeutic properties that make these DIY shower melts work so well for congestion. The main essential oil in these eucalyptus shower steamers is of course eucalyptus oil (specifically the globulus type), but you’ll find other choices below.
• Menthol crystals. Menthol crystals are a more concentrated form of the naturally occurring menthol found in certain essential oils, such as peppermint. While optional, menthol has potent decongestant effects.
• Spirulina powder. A small amount of optional spirulina gives your steamers a nice green color. You can also use green mica.
• Spearmint leaves. While optional, a sprinkling of dried herbs adds a nice decorative touch. I used spearmint, but you can also use peppermint or another herb. Given that eucalyptus is the main focus of these shower steamers, eucalyptus leaves are another great choice.
• Alcohol. You’ll need a small amount of alcohol to moisten the mixture before packing it into the mold. I recommend high-proof alcohol or vodka instead of rubbing alcohol (which contains toxic additives). Whichever one you choose, just be sure to work in a well ventilated area.

Supplies and equipment

Aside from your basic ingredients, you will also need a few pieces of equipment to make shower melts:

• Silicone mold. Silicone molds make it easy to gently remove the melts after drying. You can use any shape of molds you would like. I used these round molds for a single-use tablet shape that’s perfect for one shower.
• Mixing bowl. Use a large non-metallic mixing bowl to combine your ingredients, as citric acid reacts with metals.
• Gloves. You should use nitrile or latex gloves to protect your hands while kneading and shaping the mixture. Citric acid irritates sensitive skin and will also ruin a manicure. You can wear cotton gloves underneath for extra protection, as essential oils can still eat through plastic or latex.

The best essential oils for congestion shower melts

• Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus essential oil was perfect for this shower melts recipe. Its main constituent is cineole, which is known for its soothing effects on the respiratory tract.
  
  Eucalyptus oil has been used to treat the symptoms of colds, bronchitis, and congestion¹. It can also reportedly help relieve cough symptoms – eucalyptus oil is mucolytic, meaning it thins mucus and makes it easier to expel².
• Rosemary. If you don’t have eucalyptus oil, you can also substitute rosemary cineole oil. Rosemary is another useful essential oil for congestion and respiratory woes, specifically the cineole type, and it also has antibacterial activity³.
• Peppermint. Peppermint essential oil is ideal for shower melts for colds, as it’s commonly used for symptomatic treatment of cough and cold¹. Peppermint oil is high in menthol, which is known for its cooling, soothing qualities, especially on congested sinuses. Inhaling peppermint oil may also help relax muscles and ease headache pain⁴.

I wanted to make these DIY shower melts easy to make. So while the list above includes 3 choices, the basic recipe includes only eucalyptus essential oil and menthol crystals as congestion aids.

The combination of eucalyptus and menthol is very effective to help you breathe easier. If desired, you can also omit the menthol crystals and use peppermint supreme oil instead. Peppermint oil also works well for headache relief shower melts.

You can also use a pre-bottled blend such as Breathe Easy, which combines several essential oils for congestion relief.

However, if you find that menthol or peppermint oil irritates your sinuses, you may prefer a sinus relief shower steamers recipe without menthol, such as these decongestant shower fizzies.

For more shower melts essential oil blends, see our aromatherapy shower steamers guide.

DIY Shower Melts for Colds Recipe

1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup citric acid
1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
80 drops eucalyptus essential oil
1/2 tbsp menthol crystals or 20 drops peppermint essential oil
1/8 tsp spirulina powder or green mica (optional)
Spearmint or eucalyptus leaves (optional)

Equipment

Spray bottle filled with high-proof alcohol
Round silicone mold
Glass beakers for measuring
Non-metallic mixing bowl
Nitrile or latex gloves
Airtight jar for storage

How to make eucalyptus shower steamers

1. Dissolve menthol. Measure your essential oils into a glass beaker (or another small container) and add your menthol crystals. Mix well with a small spatula and set aside, allowing the menthol crystals to dissolve. (Menthol crystals will dissolve in essential oils if given enough time, which prevents any sharp pieces in your shower melts.)
2. Decorate shower melts. If desired, spoon or sprinkle a small amount of spearmint or eucalyptus leaves into each tablet mold cavity. Tip: you can place your mold on a flat cutting board to make it easy to move later.
3. Combine dry ingredients. Place baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), and natural colourant in your mixing bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon to combine.
4. Add essential oils. Add the eucalyptus essential oil blend, being sure to pour it evenly over the steamers mixture.
5. Moisten mixture. Don your gloves and get ready to work quickly. Spritz the mixture with a few sprays of alcohol to moisten it. Using gloved hands, knead the mixture to combine all the ingredients together.
6. Check texture. Grab a small handful of shower melt “dough” and squeeze it together. If it sticks together like damp sand, it’s ready to mold. If it crumbles or falls apart, add a few more sprays of alcohol until you get the right texture. (Be careful not to add too much moisture – see the tips section for help.)
7. Mold shower melts. Pack the mixture tightly into your silicone molds. If at any point the mixture starts to dry out too much, simply spritz a bit more alcohol until it stays together.
8. Leave to dry. Once you’re finished, smooth out the tops and leave your steamers to dry for at least 24 hours. If you live in a humid area, they may need more time. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel dry and hard to the touch.
   
9. Remove from mold. Once dry, carefully remove your melts from the mold. Gently peel back the silicone and push on the base of the tablet – it should pop out easily. Package your tablets promptly, and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Recipe notes

• This recipe makes about 10 small shower melts, depending on the size of your mold. If you’d like to make extra for DIY gifts, simply double the recipe.
• If you don’t have eucalyptus oil, you can also substitute rosemary cineole oil or a sinus relief blend.
• For tips and troubleshooting, see the section below.

Storage and shelf life

Essential oils are very volatile, so it’s extremely important to store your melts in an airtight jar. If your essential oils evaporate, your shower melts won’t provide any sinus relief.

Light rapidly degrades essential oils as well, so be sure to use an opaque container – an airtight cookie jar or tea canister works well for storage.

Even with proper storage, the nature of essential oils means that these DIY shower melts will not last very long. You should aim to use them within 3 months. I know – this isn’t exactly conducive to keeping them on hand for a cold!

You may wish to plan to make a batch of homemade shower melts at the beginning of cold and flu season, or right before seasonal allergies are set to begin.

But if you have allergies, you might prefer these sinus and allergy shower fizzies, which are made with antihistamine essential oils for natural relief.

Finally, adding a natural liquid emulsifier helps preserve the essential oils in your sinus shower steamers, helping them last longer and smell stronger. To learn more, see our ultimate shower steamers guide.

How to use eucalyptus shower steamers for colds

To use a shower melt, simply splash a small amount of water onto the tablet to begin the reaction and start releasing the decongestant essential oils.

Some like to place their tablets on the floor of the shower. This works, but it’s helpful to place them as close to your face as you can, which allows the vapor to quickly reach congested nostrils.

If you have a soap dish or shower caddy near your showerhead, that’s perfect. But if you don’t, just place your shower melt on the closest available shelf.

Another solution is to place it in a thin reusable bag such as a muslin bag, and then hang it somewhere near the showerhead. Plus, any extra muslin bags can be used to make aromatherapy bath tea.

Finally, if you’re especially congested, it can be helpful to “boost” your tablets by placing a few drops of essential oils directly on top right before use. Plus, if your shower melts don’t work or no longer smell, this is a great way to rescue them.

Tips for making DIY shower melts

Making shower melts can be a bit of a hit-or-miss process because it’s affected by many variables, including the temperature and humidity of your home. I’ve tried to make it as easy as possible, and I’ll also provide tips to help solve common issues.

How to get the best shower melts texture

When making these sinus shower bombs, you want to be mindful of the mixture’s moisture level. You want it to have the consistency of damp sand (without being soggy).

If your mixture is too dry, your homemade shower melts may end up cracking or crumbling apart. But if they’re too wet, they’ll fizz early. Too much moisture “activates” the melts, so to speak, kickstarting the chemical reaction between the baking soda and citric acid.

If you don’t stop the reaction, the mixture will continue to expand in the mold, causing lumpy, misshapen shower melts.

Neither situation is ideal, and for best results, it’s always best to prevent these issues before they happen. Luckily, there are ways to fix both situations:

• Too dry: To fix shower melts that are dry or crumbling, unmold and empty the entire batch into a freezer bag and use a heavy object to crush it into a fine dust. Spritz with alcohol to re-hydrate, and add half the amount of essential oils called for in the recipe to replace any lost to evaporation (which is inevitable). Re-form the shower melts and place into molds.
• Too wet: If your shower melts mixture is fizzing in the bowl, quickly sprinkle more cornstarch or arrowroot powder into the mixture. Mix well until the excess liquid is absorbed and the fizzing stops.

Why make shower melts with citric acid?

Many people seek out shower melts without citric acid, but in my experience citric acid simply makes them work better.

This is because the reaction between citric acid and baking soda helps launch the essential oils into the air. So for the most potent DIY shower melts for cold and sinus relief, I find that using citric acid is best.

This doesn’t mean that shower bombs without citric acid don’t work, but they just might not release their scent as quickly. And when you’re congested or have a cold, you simply want something that works fast.

If you’d prefer a recipe without citric acid, I also have more shower steamers recipes without it.

How to make decongestant shower melts stronger

For strong shower melts, you can use menthol crystals in conjunction with eucalyptus oil. Menthol is the naturally occurring cooling compound in peppermint oil, but distilled and highly purified.

As a result, it’s more potent than peppermint oil, and it quickly vaporizes into the air for fast sinus relief.

In my opinion, using menthol creates the best shower melts for congestion. It also makes for an invigorating shower experience, especially when you have a cold!

That said, you can still make these without menthol. Simply use peppermint essential oil as a substitute to make peppermint shower melts.

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⚠️ Health and safety disclaimer

It’s important to note that these shower melts for colds are not meant to treat or cure any illness. They are only for temporary symptomatic relief and to help you breathe easier until you are well again.

Please do not make or use this recipe if you have any health conditions. As well, please note that menthol and menthol-containing oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary may not be safe for pregnant women or young children. However, we have another decongestant shower melts recipe using kid-safe oils.

As always, it’s up to you to do your own research. Before making this recipe, or any DIY recipe you see on the internet, you should consult your doctor to see whether it’s safe for you.

Finally, please note that shower melts are not safe for use as bath bombs.