DIY Recipe – How to make CBD Shower Steamers the easy way!
Make your own 100mg CBD shower steamers with this 5 minute recipe
A CBD Shower Steamer is a unique way to enjoy an aromatherapy-infused shower and are very easy to make at home in less time than you think. CBD infused Shower steamers are very popular for their wonderfully aromatic scents and benefits to our bodies. Most shower steamers contain essential oils, but these have the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) infused, an active compound found in cannabis known for its therapeutic properties. When hot water hits a steamer, the CBD and essential oils are released into the air with the shower steam, providing a calming and relaxing aromatherapy experience.
Add a new level of therapy to your showers with DIY CBD shower steamers made with CBD essential oils! Have you ever tried bath bombs? Shower steamers are very similar but designed to be used in showers creating a steaming, diffusion effect. The steam is filled with therapeutic essential oils and CBD that can be tailored to create different experiences from an invigorating, energetic shower to a calming, stress-reducing one. The therapeutic possibilities are endless and only constrained by the essential oil recipes used within.
Using essential oils in the shower is basically a diffusion method whereby the hot water is helping the oils to evaporate at a fast rate and use the steam which rises to carry the oils up toward your nose and mouth to find its way to the limbic system. In essence, this is a full body diffuser that can direct the therapeutic benefits at one person in a semi-encapsulated environment. They are actually very simple to make, a lot of fun to experiment with and can save you time and money not buying them online or in stores. Here’s how to make your own shower steamers and a few recipes to help you decide which blends are best for you and your family.
Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium Bicarbonate) is the main ingredient of all shower steamers and bath bombs. It is what allows them to dry and hold the steamers together and is also the 1st half of the fizzing recipe. When baking soda and citric acid are mixed together in the proper proportions and then introduced to water, it produces the fizzing effect we all know and love. Besides helping to hold everything together AND helping to make them fizz, baking soda just also happens to have skin care benefits.
- Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties so it is effective at reducing skin irritations, bug bites and mild rashes.
Citric Acid
As mentioned above, citric acid needs baking soda to be ready to become a fizzy sensation. Citric acid has the sour, tart taste we like in candies, especially candies like sour Gummy Worms or Sour Patch Kids. That sugar you see on the outside of the candy is actually citric acid. Citric acid also has several skin care benefits as well.
- Exfoliates to rid skin of dead cells, promoting exfoliation.
- Helps to unclog pores.
- Targets the skin’s hydrating support matrix to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Helps to even skin tone.
- Helps to brighten, soften and smooth the skin.
Cream of Tartar or Corn Starch
Adding a little Cream of Tartar or Corn Starch helps to harden the overall steamer and prolong the overall lasting time a bit which is something we definitely want.
Mica Powder
The colors you see in bath bombs and shower steamers are typically made from mica powder – a highly concentrated colorant that has a sheen to it and leaves the water a beautiful color. In bath bombs, when using mica, you definitely want to use an emulsifier like Polysorbate-80 so the colors are able to blend with the water, not pool on top of the water AND not leave a ring around the tub. Since we are making shower steamers, it is less necessary since the water will typically wash the color away fairly quickly leaving no stain behind.
Witch Hazel (Or High Proof Isopropyl Alcohol)
Witch hazel in this case is not used for an skin care benefits but more of a binding agent. You could use plain water but you will run a higher risk of the starting the fizzing prematurely. High proof alcohol is another good alternative to witch hazel since it will help the product hold together while drying but evaporate cleanly leaving no smell behind.
Molds
Buy Shower Steamer Molds on Amazon
Since we are making CBD steamers, choosing a mold is important so each steamer has the desired amount of CBD and essentials inside to produce the effects and results we are looking for.
What size molds do I use?
Larger steamers will last longer and smaller ones like ice cube trays or small muffin tins will make shorter lasting ones. If you plan to make these fairly often, it would be best to get a silicon mold set. they come out easier, don’t require a non-stick spray and break less when removed.
CBD Essential Oils
Choosing the right essential oils and CBD is critical to having good shower steamers. You could add your own CBD oil but you do run the risk of it not doing much. Our CBD essential oils are made with CBD isolate and infused directly into the essential oils so the molecules can be carried into the rising air much easier and more successfully. Choosing the right strength is what you will need to consider before starting the recipe. If you are using larger molds, you can use lower strength CBD essential oils (450mg bottles). For smaller steamer molds, the higher strength is good to use (1500mg) so there is enough CBD present in every CBD shower steamer.
How to make CBD shower steamers
How To Make CBD Shower Steamers with 50mg
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Sifter
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Utensils
- Gloves (Citric acid can ruin polished nails so if mixing by hand, you should wear gloves to protect your nails.)
Materials
- 24 oz. Baking Soda By weight: 24oz.
- 12 oz. Citric Acid By weight: 12oz.
- 4 oz. Corn Starch By weight: 4oz.
- Witch Hazel or Isopropyl Alcohol In a fine-mist spray bottle.
- 1/4 Tsp. Mica Colorant (optional) Any Color - Add more if desired.
- 15 mL CBD Essential Oils 1500mg 100mg per steamer and a strong scent. Reduce amount by 1/4 (75mg per steamer) - 1/2 (50mg per steamer) as desired.
Instructions
- Measure and sift the Baking Soda and Citric Acid. Add the Corn Starch. Combine well in the large bowl using a mixer or by hand - gloves recommended. Break up ALL clumps if not using a sifter for best results.24 oz. Baking Soda, 4 oz. Corn Starch, 12 oz. Citric Acid
- Add your CBD infused essential oils or blend (30ml bottle for 2.5%, 22.5ml for 2%) and mix well. A 1-4% ratios is good for these since they are not going to be used in a bath. Use the corresponding CBD essential strength. Examples: - 4% steamers using 1500mg CBD EO = 48mL (320mg Per Steamer)- 4% steamers using 450mg CBD EO = 48mL (96mg Per Steamer)- 2.5% steamers using 1500mg CBD EO = 30mL (200mg Per Steamer)- 2.5% steamers using 450mg CBD EO = 30mL (60mg Per Steamer)- 1% steamers using 1500mg CBD EO = 12mL (80mg Per Steamer)- 1% steamers using 450mg CBD EO = 12mL (24mg Per Steamer)15 mL CBD Essential Oils 1500mg
- Combine well with mixer or by hand - with gloves for your skin's safety.
- Optional: Add mica colorant. To create single colored shower steamers – add mica powder to the mix and blend well. To create 2 color combos – Divide 1/3 to 1/2 of mix into a new bowl and add 1/8 to 1/4 tsp of mica until you get the desired colors. Repeat process with the other half of mixture using a different color.1/4 Tsp. Mica Colorant (optional)
- Spray the WitchHazel 1 -2 times over the top of the mixture and mix. Keep adding sprays and mixing until the consistency becomes like wet sand. Check consistency of mix by squeezing a small handful of mix in your hand. If it falls apart when you open your hand, you will need to add 2-3 spritzes of witch hazel.Witch Hazel or Isopropyl Alcohol
- Mix well until you can squeeze a handful and it stays together after opening your hand, like kinetic or wet sand. Not too wet, but not too dry.
- If using ice trays or muffin pans, use a coconut or other type of spray to prevent sticking and easy removal. If using 2 colors, add the smaller separated mixture to the bottom of the molds about 1/3 to 1/2 full. Then fill up the rest of the each mold using the other colored mix. Tip: If you want the beautiful swirl you see on bath bombs, use the toothpick and make a spiral in each filled cavity. Make sure the toothpick is far enough down to reach the bottom or it will not be visible. Don’t over swirl or you will just mix the colors instead of getting the desired swirl pattern.
- Pat and compress the mixture well into the molds so they do not easy break when dried and removed.
- Dry, dry, dry. They will take several hours to a day to dry depending upon your temperatures and humidity of the home.
- Once dry, tap the bottom of the muffin pan or mold to release the steamers.
- Add one to the bottom of a shower out of the direct path of the stream of water but not so far as it does not get any water. Enjoy!
- Store the rest in an airtight container or use shrink wrap bags for aroma preservation. Use within 30 days for best aromas.
Notes
Not ready to make your own but still want some CBD Shower Steamers?
Which CBD essential oils work best in the shower?
There is a wide variety of essential oils that can be used effectively and therapeutically in the shower. The only constraints are what you want it to do and understanding how the essential oils reacts or adapts to your body’s needs. Some essential oils are adaptogens meaning they are able to adapt and provide the calming or uplifting effects your body needs.
Relaxing and Calming Essential Oils
Lavender, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Marjoram, Sweet Orange.
Uplifting and Energetic Essential Oils
Lemon, Sweet Orange, Lemongrass, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Frankincense, Basil, Rosemary.
Immune Support Essential Oils
Lavender, Frankincense, Lemon, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Sweet Basil.
Cold Relief Essential Oils
Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary.
A few easy DIY shower steamer essential oil blend recipes
Here are 4 recipes to help you get started. We have many more recipes on our blog that you can use or amend to suit your needs. In most cases, a recipe that has soothing effects around your home will have a good effect in the shower. For more intense therapy, use recipes with stronger oils like mints, citrus and other strong top notes that begin the experience but taper off to allow the other oils to add their benefits.
Lavender Tea Tree
Calm your body and stress while nourishing and cleansing your skin.
Cold Therapy
Ease symptoms of a cold and help boost your body immunity.
50% Eucalyptus CBD Essential Oil
30% Peppermint or Cornmint Essential Oil
Morning Wake Up
Invigorate your morning with this fruity and slightly minty blast.
Wash off the stress
Get lost in this relaxing blend.
How much essential oil do I need to use?
The amount of essential oils needed is largely based on your own needs and intensity desired. For lower strength aromas, around 1-2% (7mL to 14mL) and for higher strength aromas simply enlarge the recipe further up to 3% or 4% (21mL to 28mL). It is always best to start slow and low when experimenting. We suggest making smaller batches, when possible, to test the effects before making full or larger batches. This will save you from unwanted side effects like nausea and skin or eye irritation. You can easily test a single shower steamer running hot water over it in a sink and holding your head over the rising steam to simulate the shower and test the pod. If it’s too light of aroma, increase the essential oils. If it’s too strong, decrease the essential oil amount.
Now you know how to make your own CBD shower steamers! Try different recipes and blends to tailor your experience to exactly what you need. Steamers should be stored in an airtight jar to prevent the aromas from escaping and depleting. They make great gifts for family and friends with an added personal touch.
