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February 11, 2016 by Jennifer

Cold Kicking Shower Melts – DIY Decongestant Shower Melts

This post may contain affiliate or brand partner links. Read our full disclosure here.

Next time you feel stuffed up, or you’re getting that icky-sicky feeling, whip up a batch of these cold kicking shower melts to bring you some relief! 

Updated Images as of May 2019: As one of my most popular posts, this little recipe for DIY Cold Kicking Shower Melts, was long overdue for a spruce up and some new images! Plus, I was out of shower melts and decided to do new pics the next time I whipped up a batch… so here we are!

This cold and flu season seems to be determined to kick my ass! I’m fighting another round and I am so SICK AND TIRED of being sick and tired! I’m taking matters into my own hands, after I heard of shower melts, I decided to get all kinds of essential-oiled-up around here!

I’ve got my diffuser going non stop and I whipped up a batch of these cold shower melts that pack one heck of a wallop that clear my sinuses in the morning!

These cold kicking shower melts are the perfect combination of peppermint and eucalyptus. They dissolve in the shower releasing those essential oils into the steam!

Why peppermint and eucalyptus oils?

Peppermint oil is great for clearing respiratory tract, it can improve mental focus, and will give you an energy boost. Eucalyptus oil works as an expectorant and helps cleanse your body of toxins and harmful microorganisms that can make you feel sick.

Put the two of them together with a little steam in the shower and you’ll be feeling a whole lot better in no time!

What You Need to Make DIY Decongestant Shower Melts

  • 1 1/2 cups cornstarch
  • 20 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Witch Hazel (optional)
  • Food Coloring (optional)
  • Water – 3 to 4 tablespoons to start, more will likely be needed
  • ice cube tray or silicone molds
  • medium size bowl
  • mixing spoon

Nope, no baking soda or citric acid–these are all about decongesting your chest and not about fizzy-fun!

Step #1 –

Add your cornstarch, essential oils, witch hazel and food coloring to medium sized bowl and stir. It will be very powdery and clumpy.

Step #2 –

Add a tiny amount of water, starting with 3 Tablespoons. Mix well… it will start as a dry, crumbly mixture. Add water a few drops at a time to the mixing bowl and combine well. Then a few more drops and mix some more.

Repeat until you get JUST past the crumbly point and the color is mixed in. If the mixture gets too wet, add a little more cornstarch.

Step #3 –

Spoon the mixture into the silicon molds or ice cube trays (you can also use muffin tins or bath bomb molds). Gently tap / shake to work out the bubbles. Freeze for at least 1 hour.

Store your cold kicking shower melts is a cool dry place or back in the freezer until you need one! Then just toss it on the floor of your shower in the hot water and steam for some peppermint and eucalyptus relief!

It’s like a vapor rub and menthol crystal -laced shower. I love it.

Try these Cold Kicking Shower Melts with #EssentialOils the next time you’re feeling icky!
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Frequently Asked Questions about these Cold Kicking Shower Melts:

What size silicone mold should you use?

You can use any size mold you’d like. You only need one that fits about a tablespoon of the “goop”.

Do I need to reduce the amount of essential oils if a pre-teen or child are use the melts?

It’s not necessary. The essential oils are diluted in the steam and are safe for all ages.

Can I use baking soda instead of cornstarch?

No it has to be cornstarch. Baking soda would react and dissolve in the water while you’re mixing the ingredients.

About how many melts does this recipe make?

I got about 2 dozen out of this recipe.

Is the mix supposed to be powdery/clumpy when it goes in the mold or is it supposed to be more of a wet or sticky paste?

It should be clumpy when stirred, but smooth out when you let it settle. If its too dry, then you should be able to smoosh it and add a few more drops of water.

Why the witch hazel? You said optional but do you use?

I do use it! Witch hazel is good for so many things, but its also a really effective way to get the essential oils to combine well with the dry ingredients.

How long do they last if you don’t freeze them?

These melts NEED to be frozen until you’re ready to use them. The freezer keeps them solid, otherwise they sort of melt into goo.

Can I use these in the bath, like a bath bomb?

There are a lot of Essential Oils called for in these melts. If you want to put it in the bath, I’d use only one and also include at least 1/4 cup of epsom salts to help dilute the oil concentration. Use cautiously!!

The power of essential oils really are amazing! The next time you feel stuffed up, or you’re getting that icky-sicky feeling, whip up a batch of these cold kicking shower melts and they’ll help bring you some relief!

*This advice is based on my experience with essential oils and the research that I’ve done. This information is my opinion and should not replace the advice of a doctor.

When it comes to your health and well being, I always recommend that you do your own research. If you’re interested in leaning more about essential oils, I’d love to talk with you!

Send me an email at [email protected]

Pin this essential oil DIY for later:

If you love this easy homemade shower melts project, be sure to pin it to your favorite DIY ideas board on Pinterest! I’d be truly grateful for that. It’s how this site grows and helps support my ability to bring you great DIYs like this.

Yield: 24

Cold Kicking Shower Melts

Essential Oil Cold Kicking Shower Melts - BusyBeingJennifer.com

Next time you feel stuffed up, or you're getting that icky-sicky feeling, whip up a batch of these cold kicking shower melts to bring you some relief! 

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $1

Materials

  • 1 1/2 cups cornstarch
  • 20 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Witch Hazel (optional)
  • Food Coloring (optional)
  • Water – 3 to 4 tablespoons to start, more will likely be needed

Tools

  • ice cube tray or silicone molds
  • medium size bowl
  • mixing spoon

Instructions

  1. Add your cornstarch, essential oils, witch hazel and food coloring to medium sized mixing bowl. Stir. It will be very powdery and clumpy.
  2. Add water, starting with 3 Tablespoons. Mix well… it will start as a dry, crumbly mixture. Add water a few drops at a time and mix well. Then a few more drops and mix some more.
  3. Repeat until you get JUST past the crumbly point and the color is mixed in. If the mixture gets too wet, add a little more cornstarch.
  4. Spoon the paste into the ice cube tray or silicone mold. Gently tap / shake to work out the bubbles. Freeze for at least 1 hour.

Notes

Store your cold kicking shower melts is a cool dry place or back in the freezer until you need one! Then just toss it on the floor of your shower for some peppermint and eucalyptus relief!

© Jennifer
Category: Crafts + DIY's

Filed Under: DIY Projects, Essential Oils, Real Life Tagged With: Essential Oil Recipe, essential oils

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Comments

  1. Leslie says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:11 am

    I have a few co-workers who would benefit from one of these right now. Everyone around here is sharing a cold. These are great!

    Reply
  2. julieiscocoandcocoa says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:13 am

    I have everything except the eucalyptus eo! I’ll be making these soon.

    Reply
  3. Kelly Lorene says

    February 11, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    What a great idea! I’m just starting to get into the oils and love this. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  4. creativejewishmom/sara says

    February 14, 2016 at 4:33 am

    Sounds amazing! Thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

    Reply
  5. ilkasblog says

    February 14, 2016 at 8:05 am

    These shower melts are just an awesome idea. I love the idea of the Pure Essential Oils! So rejuvenating! If you would like to link them up at Sunday Fitness and Food Link-Up we would love to have you. I bet there some Wellness fans who would love to see it! Have a great Sunday! Pinning!

    Reply
  6. Angela says

    February 14, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    Wow! This is a wonderful idea & something I am definitely going to try. I love eucalyptus & peppermint oil & I can only imagine how beneficial they would be prepared this way & combined with steam of a shower. I have pinned & tweeted this 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing it at the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-up at http://www.marathonsandmotivation.com

    Reply
  7. mysideof50 says

    February 14, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    These look easy to make and I LOVE using peppermint and eucalyptus to clear my head! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  8. Teresa B says

    February 15, 2016 at 11:01 am

    I love them! They are a perfect homemade gift!

    If you have time, I would love for you to come and share this post over at the Really Crafty link party that is live right now! (http://keepingitrreal.blogspot.com.es/2016/02/welcome-to-really-crafty-link-party-6.html).

    Reply
  9. rleeosborn says

    February 16, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    Pinned! Def want to try!

    Reply
  10. Linda at Mixed Kreations says

    February 18, 2016 at 9:39 am

    I bet these smell amazing and help open up the nasal passages. I love my oils!

    Reply
  11. hilkayaker says

    February 20, 2016 at 6:40 pm

    I love when I see an awesome recipe and I already have all the ingredients!

    You should come link up at our Bloggers Spotlight party, we pin everything to our group board and have two separate link-ups, one for posts and one devoted to pins so you get even more exposure!
    http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.com/category/bloggers-spotlight/

    Reply
    • Hil says

      February 11, 2017 at 9:51 pm

      thanks for linking up!!

      Reply
  12. Jeanne Zamutt says

    February 20, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    About what size are the individual heart molds? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      February 21, 2016 at 10:59 am

      Hi Jeanne! It holds about a tablespoon of the “Goop” I’m guessing its about an ounce.

      Reply
      • Tresha says

        December 22, 2017 at 7:47 pm

        Hi! Do I need to cut the amount of essential oils in half if making for a 12 year old?

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          December 24, 2017 at 10:46 pm

          Hi Tresha! You shouldn’t need to since they’re diluted into the steam.

          Reply
  13. twochicksandamom/Donna says

    February 21, 2016 at 2:09 am

    Great recipe! Pinned and thanks for sharing at#OMHGWW!

    Reply
  14. Rhonda Gales says

    February 21, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    Stopping by from Sunday’s Best linkup. I am so glad you shared this post. I have allergies. The symptoms are similar to a cold. I love shower soothers. I will be tweeting and pinning this. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  15. michellejames42 says

    February 22, 2016 at 9:45 am

    These are great! Perfect for this time of year! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
  16. FrugalHausfrau says

    February 24, 2016 at 1:08 am

    I love this; it would be great for my allergies, too! Thanks from all of us at Throwback Thursday for linking up to us this week! We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring next week. 🙂

    Mollie

    Reply
  17. Christine | Mid-Life Croissant says

    February 24, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    sorry you’re sick. I hate being sick, too, and these are just the thing for when I get a sinus infection (hopefully not for a while!) Thanks for linking up at #SaucySaturdays.

    Reply
  18. Debra C. says

    February 25, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    I have a MONSTER of a cold right now, I need some of these – pinning for later so when I feel like a human again….I can make some to have on hand!

    Reply
  19. swayam says

    February 27, 2016 at 5:58 am

    This is so good!! will definitely come in handy .. Im quite prone to bad colds 🙁 We are so happy to say that you have been featured on our link party #SaucySaturday!

    Reply
  20. HT says

    October 12, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    Thanks Jennifer! Will try this. Can I use baking soda instead of corn starch? Not sure if it works the same.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      October 12, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      No it has to be cornstarch. Baking soda would react and dissolve in the water

      Reply
      • HT says

        October 13, 2016 at 2:10 pm

        Thanks! So this helps it not melt away too quick so you get the essential oil effect longer in the shower. Got it. Thanks for the quick response.

        Reply
  21. Leina says

    November 3, 2016 at 3:51 pm

    About how many melts does this recipe make?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      November 3, 2016 at 9:44 pm

      I was able to make about 2 dozen!

      Reply
  22. Tonia says

    December 14, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    Hi, is the mix supposed to be powdery/clumpy when it goes in the mold or is it supposed to be more of a wet or sticky paste? I’m working on these tonight and put some in a little powdery. If they don’t stick, you think I could rework with more water after they’ve been frozen?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 14, 2016 at 8:51 pm

      It should be clumpy when stirred, but smooth out when you let it settle. If its too dry, then you should be able to smoosh it and add a few more drops of water.

      Reply
  23. Christy says

    December 24, 2016 at 9:08 am

    This has the oddest consistency… I hope I got it right! I played around with it (more water, more cornstarch) and finally came up with something that couldn’t decide if it was liquid or solid. It was the most bizarre thing! They’re in the freezer now. Hope they turn out!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 24, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      They really do have a weird consistency! I remember doing science “experiments” in grade school with water and cornstarch 🙂

      Reply
    • shteacherlady says

      December 25, 2016 at 9:32 pm

      it’s called. non-newtonian fluid. It isliquid if touch it slowly, but if you put more pressure on it, you push three particles together causing it to be more solid like…sorry…science teacher 🙂

      Reply
      • Christy says

        December 26, 2016 at 5:09 pm

        No, thank you. I knew there was a name for it! It was very interesting to work with.

        Reply
  24. Victoria says

    December 28, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    So freezing these doesn’t make them crumble? Do you then store at room temp?
    Sorry for the questions. I made lots of baking soda & citric acid blazed shower fizzy tabs with essential oils as Christmas gifts but my spouse now has a sinus infection and I’m getting over a stomach bug! I just want to make sure before I try to make these tomorrow in my silicone molds that I do so to get the most benefit!
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 29, 2016 at 9:49 am

      I just let mine in the freezer and grab one or 2 to throw in the shower when I need them

      Reply
  25. Lillian Stevens says

    February 6, 2017 at 9:15 am

    I’ll have to try your recipe! It sounds wonderful!

    Visiting via Made by You Monday!.

    Have a Lovely Day!

    Reply
  26. Rebecca says

    February 6, 2017 at 10:44 am

    Wow – we needed this at our house – fighting the cold monster. I didn’t know these were so easy to make. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  27. Gabrielle Tyler says

    February 15, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    Thanks for the recipe Jennifer. I can’t wait to make these. Having these on hand will make a cold a little less of a bummer. lol

    Reply
  28. Gretchen says

    July 19, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    Just made these for my Daughter she has bad allergies and a possible sinus infection. The smell great thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  29. Christina says

    January 7, 2018 at 7:35 am

    I’d probably add coconut oil to help solidify and a touch of lemon oil. Both are antibacterial and antiviral plus lemons. helps sore throats and also helps cleanse toxins. Coconut oil also helps keep your skin healthy and soft. Just my two cents if anyone wants to alter if it doesnt hold its shape very well. Keep them frozen or refrigerated until time to use.

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      September 17, 2018 at 8:43 pm

      It’s not really recommended to use carrier oils with shower melts because they’ll make the shower floor too slippery. Besides, it won’t help your skin because it would just be going down the drain. Maybe you’re thinking of bath bombs…

      Reply
  30. Julie G says

    February 2, 2018 at 9:02 am

    I think I added too much water because after freezing, I removed from the freezer and they went back to the same slurry. Would it be better left out to dry?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      February 2, 2018 at 9:47 am

      I’m nt sure how long that would take to be honest. You could certainly try it though! I leave mine in the freezer, and just take out 1 or 2 as needed right before showering 🙂

      Reply
  31. Lisa says

    February 6, 2018 at 9:31 am

    Why the wirch hazel? You said optional but do you use?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      February 11, 2018 at 2:49 pm

      I do use it! Witch hazel is good for so many things, but its also a really effective way to get the essential oils to combine well with the dry ingredients.

      Reply
  32. Sheltie Times says

    February 19, 2018 at 10:54 am

    Great idea I’ve been buying them but love the idea of controlling what is in them.

    Reply
  33. Ramona says

    February 23, 2018 at 9:58 am

    These seem great! I have to try!

    Reply
  34. Teresa says

    February 27, 2018 at 5:15 pm

    I’m excited about whipping some of these up and giving them a try. My husband gets so plugged up, I’m hoping they’ll help him. Maybe I’ll just make his square! Thank you for sharing on Party in Your PJ’s.

    Reply
  35. Theresa says

    February 27, 2018 at 11:35 pm

    I’ve never made shower melts but, need to try this. Thanks for sharing your post with us at the Inspiration Spotlight party @DearCreatives. Pinned & sharing.

    Reply
  36. Maisy says

    March 2, 2018 at 12:39 am

    Jennifer, these shower melts look so cute, and they are great for all the people who like me don’t have a bathtub! I have featured you at the Friday Favorites linky party this week. Come check it out! https://be-alice.blogspot.com/2018/03/friday-favorites-week-414.html Hope you pop by and visit again this week 🙂

    Reply
  37. Linda says

    March 23, 2018 at 11:05 am

    Is there a cornstarch free way to make this. I have a corn allergy

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      March 23, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      I’m not sure that there is an equivalent to corn starch…. What do you use to replace cornstarch in recipes?

      Reply
      • Kate says

        March 31, 2018 at 9:47 am

        Arrowroot flour/starch is a common cornstarch replacement.

        Reply
  38. Suzie R. says

    May 3, 2018 at 6:13 am

    I msde some yesterday. Tried taking one out of mold – had to use a knife to loosen edges. And I took one out of freezer, set it on a paper towel for a few minutes and it turned into sort of a jelly blob in a few minutes! 😂
    Wondering if you could use baking soda instead of corn starch?
    But I LOVE the aroma!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      May 3, 2018 at 10:37 am

      You probably need more corn starch. It should be almost doughy in consistency. I keep mine in the freezer and just toss one in the shower right before I turn on the water. I haven’t experimented with baking soda, and have no idea how that would work…. but I might give it a try this weekend!

      Reply
      • Nicole says

        February 27, 2020 at 9:42 am

        We can’t get ours out of the mold without them breaking. Need more water you think? They look “wet” and are doughy – but brittle when moved.

        Reply
        • Jennifer says

          February 27, 2020 at 4:59 pm

          What kind of mold are you using? You could try a little more water, but I think it may be that your mold is too stiff. Softer silicone molds tend to work best

          Reply
  39. Tiffany says

    July 2, 2018 at 11:16 am

    How long do they last if you don’t freeze them? (Living in a small dorm with only a mini fridge)
    What if I used only witch hazel hazel and no water? Would it lengthen shelf life?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 2, 2018 at 1:33 pm

      The freezer keeps them solid, otherwise they sort of melt into goo. If you’re going to do witch hazel instead of water, try adding just a few drops at a time unti you can just sort of work the ingredients together. Sort of like a really stiff dough.

      Reply
  40. Suzanne says

    March 13, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    This looks so good! This would be a nice get well gift too!

    Reply
  41. Vanessa says

    March 13, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    Thanks for sharing! Do they keep long?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      March 14, 2019 at 11:19 pm

      They’ll last at least 6 months as long as you need them in the freezer 🙂

      Reply
  42. Nikita says

    September 9, 2019 at 9:53 pm

    I made these great molds and passed them out. Someone asked if they can use them in the bath? Is this possible or will it irritate the skin?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      September 10, 2019 at 1:39 pm

      HI Nikita!

      There are a lot of Essential Oils called for in these melts. If you want to put it in the bath, I’d use only one and also include at least 1/4 of epsom salts to help dilute the oil concentration. Use cautiously!!

      Reply
  43. Morgan Garland says

    December 17, 2019 at 8:12 pm

    I just made these for Christmas gifts but think I maybe added too much water. They have been out of the freezer for about 15 minutes and are still solid but are slowly starting to melt. Would it be possible to let them melt over night and add more corn starch to the mixture in the morning/reuse the sludge I already have?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 18, 2019 at 9:51 am

      Probably. But note, these are meant to stay frozen unless you’re ready to use it. They’re not “shelf stable”.

      Reply
  44. Deb says

    November 28, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    Can I add coconut oil as a stabilizer so that they don’t have to be frozen, but will still dissolve in the shower?

    Reply

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