Soothing Lavender Shower Steamers: Step-by-Step DIY Instructions for Relaxation
Both lavender aromatherapy and showering are integral components of self-care routines. While one utilizes the aromatic properties of lavender and the other involves a daily hygiene practice, their effects on the body and mind exhibit remarkable similarities.
1. Lavender Aromatherapy: Benefits for Body and Mind
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a versatile herb widely used for its calming and therapeutic properties. Lavender aromatherapy involves inhaling the scent of lavender essential oil, like in shower steamers to disperse the aroma during a shower.
Key Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy:
Stress Reduction and Anxiety Relief:
Aromatherapy: Inhaling lavender scent has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, thereby reducing stress and anxiety.
Studies: Research published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice found that lavender aromatherapy significantly decreased anxiety levels in patients.
Improved Sleep Quality:
Sedative Properties: Lavender's calming scent can enhance sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing insomnia symptoms.
Research Findings: A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported that lavender essential oil improved sleep quality in participants with mild insomnia.
Mood Enhancement:
Aromatherapy Benefits: Lavender can uplift mood and enhance mental clarity, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience during a shower. Lavender essential oil stimulates the limbic system, the brain’s emotional center, promoting the release of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters elevate mood and foster a sense of well-being.
Research Findings: Multiple studies have shown that lavender calms the nervous system. A meta-analysis done in 2019 reviewed 90 research studies and concluded that lavender is effective in easing anxiety.
2. Showering: A Daily Ritual for Physical and Mental Well-Being
Showering is more than just a hygiene practice; it's a daily ritual that offers numerous benefits for both the body and mind. The act of showering can significantly influence one's physical health, mental state, and emotional balance.
Key Effects of Showering:
Stress Reduction and Relaxation:
Warm Water Therapy: Immersing in warm water helps relax muscles, reduce tension, and promote a sense of calm.
Nervous System Benefits: The soothing sensation of water can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing relaxation and lowering stress levels.
Improved Mood and Mental Clarity:
Invigoration: A morning shower can boost alertness and enhance mood by increasing circulation and stimulating the senses.
Mental Reset: Showering provides a moment of solitude and mindfulness, allowing individuals to clear their minds and prepare for the day ahead. “Shower thoughts” arise because we generally feel secure and comfortable while taking a shower. The shower serves as a familiar, warm, and soothing environment, offering one of the few times each day when we are entirely free from distractions. During our shower routine, the prefrontal cortex—the brain region responsible for rational thinking, comprehension, and decision-making—relaxes as our brains switch to autopilot mode. This relaxed state allows our minds to drift into daydreaming and wandering, paving the way for creative ideas to surface.
Enhanced Physical Health:
Skin and Hair Care: Regular showers cleanse the skin and hair, removing impurities and promoting a healthy appearance.
Respiratory Benefits: Breathing in steam during a hot shower can alleviate nasal congestion and improve breathing.
3. Similarities Between Lavender Aromatherapy and Showering
Lavender aromatherapy through a shower steamer and regular showering share several overlapping benefits that contribute to a holistic approach to health:
a. Promoting Relaxation and Reducing Stress:
Lavender Aromatherapy:
Utilizes the calming properties of lavender scent to lower stress hormones and induce a state of calm.
Showering:
The physical act of washing and the sensory experience of water contribute to relaxing the body and mind.
b. Enhancing Sleep Quality:
Lavender Aromatherapy:
The soothing aroma of lavender can improve sleep duration and quality by promoting relaxation.
Showering:
A warm shower before bedtime facilitates a drop in body temperature afterward, signaling the body that it's time to sleep.
c. Improving Mood and Mental Clarity:
Lavender Aromatherapy:
The uplifting scent of lavender enhances mood and mental focus.
Showering:
The invigorating effect of water can boost alertness and clear mental fog.
Ways to Incorporate Lavender Aromatherapy
Shower Steamers Recipe:
1 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1.5-2.5 TB. of water
1 teaspoon ground lavender
100 drops of lavender essential oil
Optional: lavender buds for decorating the shower steamers
TO MAKE:
Start by adding whole dried lavender buds to the bottom of the molds. Place the molds aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and ground lavender.
Add the lavender essential oil and continue mixing with the mixing spoon.
While continuing to mix the dry ingredients, slowly drip the first tablespoon of water into the dry ingredients to avoid causing the citric acid to react. Continue to add the water (up to 2.5 tablespoons) until the dry ingredients begin to stick together.
Once the dry ingredients hold together like dough, spoon the mixture into the silicone mold. Fill the mold shapes ⅔ of the way full.
Allow the shower steamer to dry for up to 24 hours in the silicone mold.
The steamers are ready when they are dry to the touch. Delicately peel back the sides of the mold and push from the bottom of the mold to pop out the steamer.
Store in an airtight container out of direct sunlight and in a cool dry place.
