Aromatherapy shower steamers are tablets that dissolve in the shower. In the process, they release a fragrance from essential oils. A person may simply enjoy their aroma or use them for health reasons.
Shower steamers are highly fragranced tablets or balls that dissolve in water. A person places them at the bottom of the shower so that the steam will carry the fragrance upward. Alternatively, they can put the steamer in a mesh bag to hang near the shower.
Many steamers consist of a combination of baking soda and citric acid, much like a bath bomb. This causes them to fizz when they come into contact with water.
The fragrance in shower steamers can come from essential oils, which are highly concentrated compounds that come from plants or resins. They can also come from fragranced oils, which are laboratory-created perfumes.
What is the Right Shower Steamers for me!
There are no studies that specifically focus on the benefits of shower steamers. However, some research examines the potential benefits of inhaling essential oils. They may:
- Improve mood: A small body of research suggests that some essential oils may improve mood by acting on neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in the brain. Lavender, Roman chamomile, and bergamot may have this effect.
- Aid sleep: Lavender essential oil may help increase melatonin levels in the blood, the hormone that makes a person feel sleepy at night.
- Increase energy: Some people find certain fragrances uplifting or energizing. Some examples include citrus oils, such as orange or lemon.
- Clear congestion: Many people use peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils to help with nasal congestion. The steam from a shower may further help with this.
- Pleasure: The fragrance of shower steamers is pleasant to many people. Using them may be an act of self-care that helps a person relax, slow down, or cultivate mindfulness.
Shower steamers also have some benefits of their own. Unlike some other methods for using essential oils, they:
- are easy to use
- do not require any special equipment
- take up no extra time in a person’s routine
- leave no waste behind
Aromatherapy shower steamers can be an enjoyable addition to a person’s routine. They cannot serve as a replacement for medical care, but they may help a person relax and create a spa-like experience at home.
People who practice aromatherapy also believe they have additional benefits, although not all claims about essential oils have strong evidence behind them.
Essential oils also pose some risks. It is important to keep them out of the reach of children and pets, and individuals should stop using them immediately if they experience a harmful reaction. People with underlying medical conditions or who take medications should consult a doctor before using essential oils.
Reference:
Zawn Villines on September 23, 2022