Sinus clearing shower melts

 

Tis' the season y'all: Cold and Flu season that is! Every year, it comes around like clockwork. Out of nowhere you are hit with a sinus pressure headache. Your nose won't stop running or maybe it is completely stuffed up. No matter what your symptoms are, you are miserable. Now, maybe, you are like my husband, and enjoy swimming in vaporub. I, personally, cannot stand the feeling of it on my chest. It makes your shirt stick to you and well, the smell never goes away for the rest of your day. When I first came across the idea of shower melts, I knew, I had to try them. I have tried several different ways to make these, however, this is by far the best.

Here's how they work. They are basically held together by simple, yet fragile ingredients of baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils. The baking soda and citric acid create the fizzing affect that helps them to melt and dissolve in the shower, releasing those essential oils and their scent into the steaming shower. This creates the steam therapy you crave. The strong scents of eucalyptus and peppermint will open up the sinus cavity and release the pressure within. The cornstarch is just as important, as it is the binding agent that holds the melts together until used. If any amount of water touches the baking soda and citric acid combo, they will instantly react and dissolve quickly, a little too quickly though. The cornstarch slows the process of the 'melting" so that is a slow but steady release of scents. You want these melts to last the length of your shower, after all, for a good aromatherapy session. 

It's no secret the powers that eucalyptus holds. Used for centuries, this plant, is an excellent remedy for respiratory, as well as healing issues. It is a very beneficial plant to have around the house all year long. There is so many ways you can use it. You can hang it in your bathroom for constant aromatherapy. You can extract the oils from the leaves for ointments and creams/lotions. You can even use in your herbal teas and homemade potpourri. The same can be said about peppermint oil. Normally, though, when you think peppermint, you think of those candy mints or a flavor you add to your hot chocolate. However, peppermint is extremely beneficial for your sinuses. The menthol in it is a natural decongestant. It helps to shrink those swollen membranes in the sinuses and lungs to help make it easier to breathe again. 

Now that you know the benefits of these shower melts, let's make some! This is a simple recipe and process. It may take some time; however, you won't regret it. Just remember to make as many as you can. You will want to store these away (in an airtight container) for any time those sniffles come on and you will want to give these as gifts! Who wouldn't appreciate receiving natural remedies that they didn't have to make themselves? You can definitely have fun choosing different molds to make these pretty. You can also add in decorative leaves as they are drying for a more sophisticated look. I chose these molds because I like the uniformity it gives to each and every melt. You can also save money by just using ice cube trays. I also want my recipient to know that these are homemade and handmade. That art has been lost on these modern times. 

This recipe will make 12 melts

Ingredients:

1 cup Baking Soda

1/2 cup citric acid

1/2 cup cornstarch

1-2 tbs water

20 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil

20 drops Peppermint oil

1. Measure and mix your all of your dry ingredients of baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch together in a medium mixing bowl.

 2. Pour in 2 tbs of water, this will create some fizz but continue to stir together until completely combined. 

3. Grab a handful of the mixture and squeeze in your hand, if it stays together, you have the right consistency. If it still feels crumbly or falls apart, add just a bit more water until it forms. 

4. Add in your essential oils. This may take about 20-25 drops. It will smell strongly but remember you are splitting these up into multiple molds.

5. Fill your molds with the mixture and press down as firmly as you can. 

6. Let these dry for at least 24 hours. I place a towel over them as they are drying to avoid losing most of your essential oil scents. I don't want the oils to release. 

7. Once these have dried completely, (if they are crumbling as you take them out of the molds, continue to dry), remove from the molds and place in an airtight container for storage. 

You can also make this recipe using oils such as Lavender, Clary Sage, or any kind of floral scent for a relaxing shower melt. Either way, these will soon become a staple in your household. I find myself making them every year, in the fall, as I know this crummy sick season will come about quickly. I want to be prepared and fully stocked. Let me know if you make these and share your experience. I'd love to hear how they worked for you!