Soothing Vapor Shower Disks

it is cold and flu season. sniff......

luckily, we haven't been hit yet but i am ready when anyone is feeling under the weather and just aching for a hot, steamy shower to ease chesty congestion and the like.

these do-it-yourself vapor bombs are easy to make even if you are the sneezing, snuffling
head cold sufferer. 

this recipe caught my eye listing eucalyptus essential oil as one of the ingredients and brought back a heartwarming memory. 

it was the month of january when we arrived in australia (2nd relocation of 3 :) with toddler nicole and baby margo. both were very sick. we had just left a cold and wintry u.s. entering a hot, steamy, summery australia and their little bodies reacted. a new and thoughtful friend saw our situation and offered her sound, australian advice..........

"just put a few drops of eucalypt oil into the water of a humidifier as your babies sleep. it'll be 'right."

so, after buying a new, aussie power compatible humidifier and adding "eucalypt", we were sold on the soothing powers and disinfectant properties of eucalyptus oil. it was our first step to becoming true blue aussies! 

leanne ended up being one of my best friends and eucalyptus oil continues to be a favorite in our medicine cabinet.

Soothing Vapor Shower Disks

2 cups baking soda

2/3 cup water

15 drops each of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils

In a large bowl, mix baking soda and water until blended, resembling a thick paste. Add 15 drops of each essential oil and mix well. Spoon mixture into mini muffin tin (ice cube tray, chocolate mold, etc.) Allow to set overnight until hardened. Store in a tightly closed glass jar.

To Use: Place a shower disk on the floor of the shower. Turn on hot water and slowly breathe in the vapors, relieving upper respiratory ailments. 

*You could also drop a disk into a hot bath as the baking soda has the additional benefits of softening the skin and purging toxins.