If you’re looking for a simple, herbal way to bring aromatherapy into your daily routine, this peppermint and eucalyptus DIY herbal shower steamer recipe is the perfect place to begin. Shower steamers work like little steam diffusers: when warm water splashes over them, they fizz gently and release essential oils into the air, turning an ordinary shower into a soothing, winter-forest experience.

white shower steamers with dried herbs on top stacked on a table with ingredients all about

This blend uses peppermint, eucalyptus and cedar to create a refreshing yet grounding aroma that supports clearer breathing, seasonal wellness, congestion support, and a more intentional start or end to your day.

Looking for more winter wellness? Add a cup of this herbal decongestant tea, a dab of this vapo-rub style herbal salve, take a bath in these evergreen bath salts, or fill your home with winter aroma by making a fresh evergreen simmer pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Shower Steamer Recipe

Makes about 24 shower steamers (if using 1.5 inch round molds)

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1 ½ cups baking soda
¾ cup citric acid
½ cup Epsom salt
40 drops peppermint essential oil
40 drops eucalyptus essential oil
1–2 tablespoons finely chopped dried cedar tips and eucalyptus leaves (plus extra for decorating)
1 teaspoon melted coconut oil
Witch hazel in a spray bottle
Silicone mold

shower steamer ingredients measured on table- citric acid, baking soda, essential oils, epsom salt, and coconut oil

How to Make Peppermint & Eucalyptus Shower Steamers

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salt. Break up any lumps so everything is smooth.

Step 2: Add the fresh evergreens

Fold most of the chopped cedar and eucalyptus into the dry mixture, saving a bit to sprinkle on top of each steamer.

Step 3: Add the essential oils and coconut oil

Stir the melted coconut oil together with the peppermint and eucalyptus. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the aromatherapy scent.

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Step 4: Lightly moisten with witch hazel

Spritz lightly while stirring continuously. Stop when the mixture holds together like damp sand when squeezed. Avoid over-spraying so you don’t activate the fizz. See below for troubleshooting. I found that about 30-40 light sprays works best for me.

hand holding shower steamer mixture that looks like slightly damp sand

Step 5: Press into molds

Add a few pieces of cedar or eucaplyptus to each mold cavity. Firmly press the mixture into the molds using your fingers or the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Let them dry completely

Allow the steamers to dry for 12-24 hours for best results.

hand pouring dry ingredients into bowl — Add Dry Ingrednients

hand sprinkling dried eucalyptus into bowl of dry ingredients — Add Dry Ingrednients

Storage Tips

Once hardened, remove them from the molds and store them in an airtight container to preserve the scent. Store shower steamers in an airtight jar away from humidity. Use within 3–4 months for the strongest scent.

If there is any moisture in them from over-spraying, they may turn into one blob in your air tight container as they expand.

Troubleshooting

If steamers crumble after drying, the mixture was too dry; add extra spritzes of witch hazel next time.
If they fizz in the bowl while mixing, too much liquid was added. Add more dry mixture and stir gently.
If the scent seems faint, increase the essential oils slightly to your preference. You can also experiment with adding menthol crystals.
If they stick to the molds, allow more drying time before removing.

Bad Shower Steamer clumped into hand- too much moisture — THIS IS TOO CLUMPY FROM TOO MUCH WITCH HAZEL SPRAY

Bad Shower Steamer- too much moisture — THIS IS TOO CLUMPY FROM TOO MUCH WITCH HAZEL SPRAY

How to Use a Shower Steamer

Place one steamer on the shower floor just outside the direct stream of water. As it fizzes, the warm steam releases peppermint, eucalyptus and cedar into the air for a refreshing and grounding aromatherapy experience.

This shower steamer recipe is especially helpful for
• easing stuffy, congested winter mornings
• supporting relaxation at the end of the day
• refreshing the senses during busy seasons

Variations and Substitutions

Kid-friendly version: Use half the peppermint and replace eucalyptus (*eucalyptus is not a child-friendly essential oil) with cedarwood and sweet orange. Eucalyptus oil is not recommended for children.
Evergreen alternatives: If you don’t have fresh cedar, dried eucalyptus, pine, spruce, or rosemary can work as substitutes.
Add into a mason jar or storage bag for the perfect gift!

shower steamers displayed as holiday gifts in a mason jar and kraft bags

Aromatherapy Benefits of This Herbal Blend

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil provides a crisp, cooling scent that supports clear breathing, boosts energy, and awakens the senses. It’s one of the most invigorating herbs to use in aromatherapy.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus brings a bright, clarifying aroma that helps open the airways and creates that spa-like steam effect many people love. It’s especially supportive during the colder months.

Cedar

Cedar adds a warm, grounding note that balances the sharper peppermint and eucalyptus. Its earthy aroma promotes calm and emotional grounding (plus, it looks pretty!).

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This recipe is too strong for direct skin contact and is intended for aromatherapy only.

Coconut oil helps bind the ingredients together and preserves the scent during storage, without making the shower slippery when used in such a small amount.

You can, but your steamers won’t fizz as strongly.

Did You Make this Recipe?

This peppermint and eucalyptus shower steamer recipe is a refreshing, herbal way to bring aromatherapy into your everyday life. It’s easy to make, gentle, and perfect for winter wellness. If you try it, I’d love to hear which scents you experiment with next. Leave me a note in the comments!

Pin it for later!

pinterest pin: Easy DIY Herbal Shower Steamers

Brittany wearing a big hat. At the kitchen table working with herbs and potted plants

About the Author

Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.

Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.

Contact Brittany

close up of white herbal shower steamers

DIY Herbal Shower Steamer Recipe

DIY Herbal Shower Steamer Recipe with peppermint, eucalyptus, cedar, and pine. Learn how to make aromatherapy steamers for winter wellness and clear breathing.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15

Wait Time 1

Servings 24 shower steamers

Equipment

1 silicone mold

Ingredients

1.5 cups baking soda
3/4 cup citric acid
1/2 cup epsom salt
40 drops peppermint essential oil
40 drops eucalyptus essential oil
1 tsp coconut oil melted

Instructions

Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salt. Break up any lumps so everything is smooth.
Add the essential oils and coconut oil
Stir the melted coconut oil together with the peppermint and eucalyptus. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the aromatherapy scent.
Lightly moisten with witch hazel
Spritz lightly while stirring continuously. Stop when the mixture holds together like damp sand when squeezed. Avoid over-spraying so you don’t activate the fizz. See below for troubleshooting. I found that about 30-40 light sprays works best for me.
Press into molds
Add a few pieces of cedar or eucaplyptus to each mold cavity. Firmly press the mixture into the molds using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Let them dry completely
Allow the steamers to dry for 12-24 hours for best results.
Once hardened, remove them from the molds and store them in an airtight container to preserve the scent. Store shower steamers in an airtight jar away from humidity. Use within 3–4 months for the strongest scent.

Notes

If steamers crumble after drying, the mixture was too dry; add extra spritzes of witch hazel next time.
If they fizz in the bowl while mixing, too much liquid was added. Add more dry mixture and stir gently.
If the scent seems faint, increase the essential oils slightly to your preference. You can also experiment with adding menthol crystals.
If they stick to the molds, allow more drying time before removing.