By now, you’ve probably heard of essential oils and all of the amazing things they can be used for. Tons of people turn to essential oils for virtually everything these days from cooking to wellness and everything in between. One extremely beneficial way to use essential oils is in the shower, so in this article we’ll dig deeper on everything to do with essential oils and how to use essential oils in the shower. First, let’s get back to basics.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the extracts from numerous plants that are in liquid form. Many essential oils are extracted by steam distillation, but there are other ways essential oils can be extracted, too. Different essential oils can have different benefits depending on what they’re made of and how they’re used. One of the best things about essential oils is that they’re so rich in nutrients and typically have much higher levels of the beneficial active ingredients that are extracted from the plant. Essential oils in shower routines are particularly beneficial!
Benefits of Using Essential Oils in the Shower
Whether your showers typically happen in the morning or at night, adding essential oils in shower routines is a great way to both energize and calm depending on which oil you’re using. There are so many essential oils to choose from and they each are thought to have different benefits so it’s important to choose the correct essential oil to start or end your day. Create your very own spa right in the comfort of your own home!
Ways to Use Essential Oils in the Shower
- Body Wash – Add drops of essential oils straight into your body wash bottle for a revitalizing kick! It’s always suggested to dilute essential oils when using essential oils in shower routines since they’re going directly on your skin, so look closely at the label of your body wash to see how many ounces it contains. For every one ounce of body wash, add roughly 18 drops of the essential oil of your choice. Here are the oils we suggest to add to your body wash: combine sandalwood, black pepper, and lemon for an energizing, rooted blend. Another favorite to wake you up in the mornings is a blend of lavender, pine, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
- Shampoo & Conditioner – Another great way to use essential oils in shower routines is adding them to your shampoo and/or conditioner. Not only will this have your hair smelling fantastic, but it’s beneficial for your luscious locks as well! Adding essential oils to your shampoo and conditioner can wake both you and your scalp up, leaving you feeling great and your hair looking great! Many people worry that this method will leave their hair looking or feeling greasy, but as long as you don’t add too much oil, fear not! Typically it’s suggested to add about 6 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of shampoo or conditioner. Some oils that are great for hair care are cedarwood, tea tree, and basil. Make sure your shampoo and/or conditioner aren’t too strongly scented before adding essential oils so that the fragrance isn’t too overbearing or doesn’t mix well with the scent of the shampoo or conditioner.
- Diffusing – While you definitely don’t want to use your normal essential oil diffuser in your shower, you can create your own in several different ways! Diffusing essential oils in shower routines is a fantastic way to awaken your senses, aid sinus issues, energize, or calm depending on what oils you use and your preference. Here are a few ways you can create your own shower diffuser:
- Steam – take a small cup and fill it with a few drops, about 6, of essential oil and 1 ounce of warm water. Take the cup and place it either in the shower (in a shower caddy or soap holder so it doesn’t fill up with the water from the shower) or on the side of the tub. As the water and oil mixture heats, the steam from the shower will start to circulate the essential oils.
- Washcloth or Rag – This one is super simple! Take a wet washcloth or rag and put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the cloth. Tie the rag either around your faucet or place it in the soap holder or shower caddy of your shower. The steam from the shower will allow the mixture to work it’s magic and waft up.
- Floor – Close the drain of the shower and put a few drops of essential oil right on the floor of your shower. Essential oils in shower routines are really that easy! Don’t forget to open the drain back up when you’re done!
- Tea Ball – If you have a tea ball, take it and fill halfway full with a mixture of a few drops of essential oil and epsom salt. Take the tea ball and hang it from your shower caddy and the steam of the shower will do the rest!
As if these methods weren’t enough, you can also use essential oils in shower routines for after your shower is over and you’re ready to pamper your skin! Typically people lotion up after a shower to lock in moisture and keep their skin hydrated throughout the day. Try this instead: get an unscented body oil and add 6 drops of the essential oil of your choice for every 1 ounce of body oil and watch your skin transform into soft, supple, and moisturized!
Not only can you use these various methods for a more spa-like shower experience, but you can even use essential oils in shower routines to then CLEAN your shower when you’re done! Essential oils make amazing and beneficial household cleaners and you can skip all the harsh chemicals while you’re at it. Many essential oils contain antifungal and antibacterial properties, which make them great for getting your shower or tub clean as a whistle.
Conclusion
Essential oils are extremely versatile and with all the benefits and aromas you’re able to choose from, you can have your very own spa experience at home. Do your research on which essential oils are best for the effect you’re trying to achieve and have at it!
