Shower aromatherapy is a convenient and effective way to start (or end) your day with a spa-like experience at home. A shower tablet or melt can be placed in any shower, and it turns your own bathroom into a personal sanctuary space you can enjoy at any time.
What Are They And How Do They Work?
Melts for the shower are simple, safe, and can be used in any shower space. They’re made primarily of sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, with a little citric acid, corn starch, essential oils, Vitamin E oil, menthol, and witch hazel. They begin the melting process as soon as they’re touched by the water, and they dissolve completely to be safe for any drain or plumbing system.
When the shower tab is placed on the floor of the shower (out of the way of where you’ll be standing, of course) the water begins to dissolve the melt immediately. As the sodium bicarbonate and corn starch dissolves, the steam from the water traps the essential oils in droplets that will be sent into the air. The steam becomes scented with the aroma of the all-natural essential oils, providing the aromatherapy benefit. Once the tablet is completely dissolved, it will leave behind no mess, no stain, and no residue while the lingering steam continues the aromatherapeutic experience.
Melts for the shower can be enjoyed whether you’re actively taking a shower or not. If you’re taking a shower, simply drop two tablets on the shower floor as you step inside. If you’re not planning to take a shower, toss the tablets on the shower floor, start up the hot water, and find a comfortable place to sit outside of the stall or tub to enjoy the aromatherapy as the scent fills the room. The aromatherapy will last as long as the steam does, so it may be trapped in the bathroom for longer enjoyment or released when you open the bathroom door.
Tablets for the shower may even be enjoyed outside of a shower setting. With a bucket or basin of hot water, one can simply drop a single tablet into the water and watch it dissolve. As the tablet dissolves, the steam coming from the basin will release aromatherapy from pure essential oils which may be enjoyed anywhere.
Enjoying Different Aromatherapy Experiences
Tablets and melts for the shower come in a variety of different aromas, so different aromatherapy experiences may be enjoyed. Some of the most popular melts for the shower include:
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Vapor – Zingy, fresh, and cool, Vapor is an ever-soothing blend. The essential oils used in these melts include eucalyptus, camphor, and nutmeg to create aromatherapy that is perfect for any any-time personal spa. The eucalyptus and camphor provide the cooling and outdoorsy elements, while nutmeg brings just that touch of warmth to keep the aroma balanced and grounded.
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Relax – The Relax blend is perfect for those times when you want to wind down after a long day by showering yourself clean. This blend uses essential oils of lavender and chamomile, known for their warm, herbal, and earthy aromas as well as their power in promoting effective relaxation. This delicate melt blend is typically enjoyable even for those who may be scent sensitive.
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Arctic Mint – Perfect for an invigorating wake up is Arctic Mint. A tablet that uses essential oils of sweet spearmint and zesty peppermint, it’s perfect for morning showers when you want to erase any grogginess that may be lingering behind. Not just for mornings, it’s a perfect blend to inspire and uplift whenever that sort of experience is warranted. When traveling, Arctic Mint may even be used to ease away any lingering feelings of travel stress or exhaustion once you reach your destination.
- Detox – For many, a good shower is the perfect reset. The Detox melt blend plays on this fact and uses essential oils of lemon and ginger to comfort, uplift, and inspire all at the same time. Ginger brings in a warm, spicy, and earthy element, while clean, sharp, and tart lemon comes through to catch the senses and inspire the mind. Any moment is the right moment for a fresh start with a Detox shower.
Mixing Tablet Blends
Generally, two tablets is perfect for use in a standard sized shower and bathroom, but the two tablets you choose is up to you. While each melt uses its own blend of essential oils, you may choose to combine two different tablets to customize your at-home spa experience. For instance, combining the warmth and zest of Detox with the gentle calm of Relax can produce a custom blend of spicy, herbal, and bright notes perfect for enjoying a mid-afternoon aromatherapy session.
Storing Your Melts
Melts or tablets for the shower are designed to melt on contact with moisture, so it’s important to take special care in storing your tablets to ensure the highest quality with each use. Discs should be stored in an airtight container away from heat and humidity for longer periods of storage, or simply away from moisture if you plan to use the melts quickly. Under a bathroom sink or in a bathroom closet may seem like a reasonable storage option but storing outside of the bathroom is recommended for ensuring quality. Tablets of the same blend may be stored together, while different blends should be stored separately to eliminate any risk of compromising the aromas.
