The time you spend in the shower can be the most luxurious and relaxing 10 minutes of your day, especially if you're getting ready for work or winding down afterwards!
We're sure you'll agree that it's nice to have a few extra elements in the shower that can take your shower experience and self-care daily routine up a notch. After all, a good shower can do wonders for the mind, body, and soul. Plus, it has actual health benefits!
So, if you're looking for a way to add a little luxury to your shower routine, aromatherapy is the perfect solution.
By using essential oils, you can turn your shower into an at-home spa experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
In this article, we'll explore what aromatherapy is, why it is a good idea to make use of it in the shower, shower accessories that make it convenient to experience aromatherapy, and some easy ways to enjoy aromatherapeutic showers!
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that contain the benefits of the plant in a highly concentrated form. When used in aromatherapy, essential oils can have a positive effect on your mood, emotions, and overall sense of well-being.
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, both physically and emotionally. The tradition of aromatherapy can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, Greece, India, China, and Rome, where essential oils were used for their cosmetic and healing properties.
Today, aromatherapy is recognized as a legitimate form of alternative medicine and is used in many settings, including hospitals, clinics, and homes.
Why Use Aromatherapy In the Shower?
The shower is the perfect place to enjoy aromatherapy because it is a private space where you can indulge in some relaxation and take some time out for yourself.
The steam from a hot shower will help to release the essential oils into the air, making them easier for you to inhale, experience, and enjoy.
Inhaling essential oils (or essential oil blends) can have a positive effect on your mood and emotions, which is why aromatherapy is often used as a stress-relief technique. Yes, these oils really do have a therapeutic scent!
Additionally, showering itself is a grounding activity that can help in calming the five senses and relieving anxiety, so adding refreshing fragrances to it is definitely a good idea. Your deep breaths in the shower will feel even more soothing if you are inhaling wonderful scents.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy can also be beneficial for physical ailments such as headaches, colds, and muscle pain when applied topically.
Some essential oils have antibacterial properties, which can help to keep your shower clean and free of germs. Plus, your shower stall will smell great after every aromatherapy shower you take!
Additionally, not everyone has access to a bathtub and the option to use bath bombs. Aromatherapy showers allow such people to enjoy the benefits of soothing scents without a bathtub.
Now that we've answered the question "What is aromatherapy?" and explored some of the benefits of using essential oils in the shower, let's take a look at how you can add aromatherapy to your shower routine.
How Do You Do Aromatherapy Showers?
Adding aromatherapy to your shower routine is easier than you might think!
There are a few different ways that you can use essential oils in the shower, and we've listed some of our favourites below.
Your approach to aromatherapy showers should depend on whether you want to simply inhale the pure essential oils or incorporate them into your cleaning process and use them on your skin.
1. Aromatherapy Shower Heads
If you're looking for a low-maintenance way to add essential oils to your shower routine, aromatherapy shower heads are a great option! Some of these shower heads have a built-in diffuser that releases essential oils into the air as you shower.
All you need to do is add a few drops of your favourite essential oil (or essential oil blend) to the diffuser, and you're good to go.
There are also shower heads that come with aromatherapeutic water filters in them that release a sweet aroma during the shower while filtering and softening water. So, are you intrigued by such multi-functional shower heads? Check out StoneStream's EcoPower Shower Head with Vitamin C filter!
Not only does our Vitamin C cartridge release a sweet aroma, but it also filters impurities from water, softens hard water, and maintains the pH level of skin and hair. That's right, using Vitamin C is actually good for hair! If you need more information, here's an article that explores the many benefits of a Vitamin C shower.
Additionally, StoneStream shower heads are known for their water-saving qualities (despite increasing the water flow by 200%) and so you'll be able to enjoy a spa-like aromatherapy shower without worrying about your water bill.
2. Aromatherapy Shower Spray or Mist
One of the simplest ways to enjoy aromatherapy in the shower is to use an aromatherapy shower spray or mist.
These are typically made with a combination of essential oils and water, and they can be used to mist the air in your shower or directly on your body. Just spray the mist into the air or on your body before getting into the shower and voila!
Aromatherapy shower sprays are a great way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without having to take a long bath. They're also perfect for those who don't have a lot of time for a lengthy shower routine.
3. Aromatherapy Shower Tablets
If you're looking for a more hands-off approach to aromatherapy in the shower, then aromatherapy shower tablets are a great option! They are also known as aromatherapy shower steamers or shower melts.
To use them, simply place one tablet on the floor in a corner of the bathroom. You can even choose to place it in a dish. Don't let the water from your shower hit the tablet directly, but make sure it's close enough to the water stream to absorb moisture. You can sprinkle some water on it to activate it.
As the tablet dissolves, it will release essential oils into the air, providing you with a relaxing and refreshing aromatherapy experience.
Aromatherapy shower tablets are super easy to use and they're great for people who want to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without having to do much work. They also make for a splendid gift!
4. Aromatherapy Shower Bombs
Aromatherapy shower bombs (also known as shower fizzies or shower fizzers) are similar to bath bombs, but they're designed specifically for use in the shower!
You'll find similarities between a shower tablet and a shower bomb, but it's totally up to you to decide which one you're more comfortable with.
To use shower bombs, simply place one on the shower floor, away from the direct stream of water, and let it dissolve. As it dissolves, it will release fragrant and soothing essential oils into the air.
You will also find shower bombs on the market that are meant to have direct contact with the flow of shower water and be used on the skin. These types of shower bombs fizz and foam under the shower, and allow you to mix aromatherapy with skincare.
A word of caution: do not use your shower tablets/bombs/melts/steamers as bath bombs and do not use them on your skin unless the brand says it's okay to do so.
5. DIY Shower Aromatherapy
If you're the DIY type, then why not try making your own aromatherapy shower products? It's actually very simple to do, and you'll be able to customise your shower experience to suit your needs.
To make your own aromatherapy shower mist, take water and witch hazel in equal amounts and add around 15 drops of your favourite pure essential oil to the mix. Keep this mixture in a spray bottle and use it every time you shower! You can play around with natural essential oils and see which fragrances appeal to you the most.
If you're interested in making your own shower tablets, steamers, bombs, or melts, then all you need is some baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, water, and essential oils. Mix these ingredients together slowly and mould them into tablets or larger shapes, then let them dry overnight. You can check out this article for more information.
The next day, you can place your DIY shower tablet or bomb in the corner of your shower stall and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy!
You can also add other ingredients to your shower steamer or melt to change up the properties, such as Epsom salt for a muscle-soothing effect or coffee grounds for a wake-up call in the morning.
You can also add a few drops of essential oils to your regular shower gel, body wash or shampoo for a more subtle aromatherapy experience. Remember, if you're using essential oils for your skin or hair, it's better to dilute them with a carrier oil to avoid any skin irritation.
Additionally, you can simply take a steam cup, fill it with hot water, and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to it, Keep this cup in one corner of the bathroom as you take your shower and breathe in the relaxing scent of the oil.
Some of our favourite natural oils for aromatherapy are citrus essential oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender essential oil, grapefruit essential oil, peppermint essential oil, tea tree oil, and ylang-ylang essential oil.
There are clearly lots of different ways to enjoy aromatherapy in the shower. Whether you're looking for a simple and easy solution like aromatherapy shower sprays, or are looking forward to making shower steamers on your own, there's an option out there for you. Experiment and find what works best for you. Your nose will thank you!
However, always make sure you are not allergic to any of the essential oils or dry ingredients that you are planning to use in the shower. Plus, don't mix ingredients without being aware of the chemistry!
Enjoy Aromatherapy Showers with StoneStream
If you're looking for an aromatherapy shower experience, StoneStream has got you covered!
Not only will you have a spa-like experience with our Vitamin C Filter shower head, but you will also get the benefits of filtered, softened water. Simply replace your Vitamin C cartridge every six months and enjoy aromatherapeutic showers every day without any fuss!
If you’re interested in StoneStream’s innovative, eco-friendly, and luxurious shower heads and shower accessories, then head over to our website.