Benefits of Using Essential Oils in the Shower
When you use essential oils in the shower, it’s like combining aromatherapy and steam therapy. You can reap the benefits from both. It is a win-win situation. If you have a shower massager, even better. The moisture and heat from steam can help to:The Best Essential Oils for the Shower
The best essential oil to use in the shower is going to depend on your desired results. Do you want to relax or do you need something to give you some energy? The answer could be different depending on the time of day. Let me share a few options. Feel free to create a blend if you like.Best Essential Oils to Increase Energy
Grapefruit Oil
Cinnamon Leaf Oil
Best Essential Oils to Relax
Lavender Oil
Frankincense Oil
Best Essential Oils to Clear Congestion
Eucalyptus Oil
Rosemary Oil
Best Essential Oils to Improve Your Mood
Lemon Oil
Bergamot Oil
Best Essential Oils to Relieve Pain
Peppermint Oil
Ginger Oil
How to Use Essential Oils in the Shower
There are actually a few ways to use essential oils in the shower. All of these methods are simple and effective. Feel free to try them all to see which one you prefer.Shower Steamer or Shower Bomb
Shower Steamers (or bombs) are made with baking soda and citric acid, just like bath bombs, but you place them on the floor of the shower instead of in the tub. The hot water activates the fizzing reaction and releases the essential oils into the air.Some of these products also contain bath salts which can provide additional benefits. Read more about using bath salts in the shower.
There are a wide range of shower bombs/steamers on the market. The best one is going to depend on your personal preferences. Think about what you are wanting to achieve (i.e. relaxation, clearing congestion, etc) or just choose your favorite scents.
Click to check out the options for shower steamers and bombs on Amazon here.
Shower Diffuser
A Few Drops on the Wall or Washcloth
You don’t need to buy any beauty products or equipment to be able to use essential oils in the shower. Take a few drops of your favorite essential oil and put it on the wall or outer edge of your shower. You can also put the drops onto a damp washcloth. The oil should be inside the shower where the steam is intense but not in the direct path of the water.
RELATED: Complete Guide to Traveling with Essential Oils
Essential Oil Safety
Remember for the most part essential oils are not tested for effectiveness or safety so you do need to proceed with caution. If you have any serious medical conditions (including pregnancy), please consult your healthcare provider before using any essential oils.
Essential oils are potent and can cause skin irritation. Always dilute the oil before applying to the skin. Then, be on the lookout for symptoms of irritation such as rash, hives, redness, swelling, or itchiness.
Aromatherapy in the shower can be so relaxing and invigorating that you may be tempted to overdo your steam time. If you’re new to steaming limit your shower to 10-15 minutes. Once your body is used to a steam treatment, it’s still best to keep your shower under 20 minutes at a time.
Finally, you need to be extra careful when using essential oils for children. There are certain essential oils that kids should not use and others that need a lower dilution ratio. Also, be careful to keep the essential oils out of the reach of young children, so they don’t accidentally ingest them. Get more specifics about safety with essential oils and kids here.
Also, remember that essential oils have a limited shelf life. At that point, the oil will be less effective and can even go rancid. It's important that you store essential oils properly so that they last longer.