It’s spring in Texas, ya’ll and any Texan can tell you that means one thing; allergies. In my home especially they can hit hard and fast leaving us all feeling somewhat close to death for days and sometimes weeks. We use a lot of different remedies for allergies and colds, but these DIY sinus and allergy shower melts are one of my favorites!
These are available in stores but they are so expensive! I have never understood the idea of paying for something that I can make myself for so much cheaper. In fact, I have an entire list of things I make at home to save money and add to it quite often!
DIY Eucalyptus Sinus & Allergy Shower Melts
Since these DIY sinus shower melts are made with eucalyptus essential oil, they will help to open your nasal passages as you shower. They also have lavender essential oil and peppermint essential oil in them which means they will also provide soothing to frayed nerves that are not feeling well and cooling to your nasal passages as well.
How to Make Homemade Vicks Shower Melts
It might sound silly but they also have the added benefit of freshening your shower drain as you use them.
Hey, I am a busy mom and I am all about anything that helps to clean my house a tiny bit for me as I use it. Don’t judge me.
When you make these homemade Vicks shower melts, you can use any brand of essential oils (Six Dollar Family) you would like. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as therapeutic grade. As long as the oils you are using are pure essential oils and are not cut with or diluted with anything, your final product will be pure and safe.
I personally prefer to use Plant Therapy essential oils. They are a fraction of the price of the more expensive oils and are pure. I have used them for years without a single issue.
You Will Need:
- 1/2 c. baking soda
- 1/2 c. food grade citric acid
- 1/4 c. cornstarch
- 1/4 c. coconut oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- Blue food coloring (optional)
Supplies Needed:
To make, combine the baking soda, citric acid and cornstarch in a small bowl.
If you’re using food coloring, add 3-4 drops after you’ve mixed the dry ingredients and mix well.
The food coloring is just to pretty these up. It has absolutely no value for how they work and can be skipped if you need. In fact, I skip it the majority of the time when I’m making these.
Next, add 2 drops of each essential oil and mix it up with your fingers until there aren’t any clumps.
You can use a fork to mix if you want, but I find it’s easier to really get the oils mixed in with my fingers.
If the scent isn’t strong enough for you, add 1-2 extra drops of each oil, but don’t go over that.
You need to keep the oil content balanced with the other ingredients and adding too much could actually be harmful to your health.
Once you’ve got the oils mixed in, melt the coconut oil in the microwave on 20 second bursts.
Coconut oil has a low melting point so be careful that you don’t overheat it. Mix the melted oil into your baking soda mixture a little at a time until you’ve got it all mixed in and have the consistency of damp sand.
Fill each of the spots on your silicone soap mold with your mixture.
I use a dome shaped mold so that my tablets all have a flat side and sit well in the shower. You’ll want to fill them as close to the top making sure that you pack the mixture down into each mold.
If you don’t get each tablet packed down well enough, your mixture won’t set into a tablet when it dries.
Let them sit in the mold for around 12 hours (or overnight like I do) and they’re ready to provide some natural relief for your cold or allergies!
How to Use These DIY Allergy Shower Melts
To use your DIY sinus shower melts, simply add one or two to the bottom of a warm or hot shower and shower as you normally would.
Make certain the shower curtain is fully closed. The scent of the oils will help provide the much needed relief you so desperately desire.
How to Store DIY Shower Melts
Your DIY Sinus and Allergy Shower Melts will store for around 3 months without any issues.
Simply store them in an air-tight food safe storage container away from any moisture.
Want more DIY projects such as this one? You may like these:
Practicing self care is so important and a great sugar scrub recipe makes that easy to do. This DIY sugar scrub recipe is less messy and leave your skin feeling amazing! All in an easy to use bar! Add them to your favorite DIY beauty products!
If you’re looking for a good homemade soap recipe, this lavender soap recipe is great for beginners and experienced alike! Calming, soothing and perfect for anyone looking to relax!
DIY Sinus & Allergy Shower Melts
Equipment
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Silicone Mold
Ingredients
- 1/2 c baking soda
- 1/2 c food grade citric acid
- 1/4 c cornstarch
- 1/4 c coconut oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- Blue food coloring optional
Instructions
- Combine the baking soda, citric acid and cornstarch in a small bowl.
- If you’re using food coloring, add 3-4 drops after you’ve mixed the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add 2 drops of each essential oil and mix it up with your fingers until there aren’t any clumps.
- Once you’ve got the oils mixed in, melt the coconut oil in the microwave on 20 second bursts.
- Mix the melted oil into your baking soda mixture a little at a time until you’ve got it all mixed in and have the consistency of damp sand.
- Fill each of the spots on your silicone soap mold with your mixture and pack each spot down tightly.
- Allow them to sit and air dry for at least 12 hours.
- Store in an air tight food safe container.
I’m allergic to lavender, Can I use a different essential oil? Or can I skip it altogether?
You should be able to skip it with no issues.
Can I use these in the bath instead of shower?
I don’t see why not Annie.
Since I am from Kansas, I know about the tree allergies, which get to me yearly. I use a netti pot, and l love the recipe for the sinus and allergy shower melt. Definitely going to make this. Thanks. And visit our lovely state any time.