Being sick is a drag, and having a stuffy nose can make your day pretty miserable. Traditional decongestants often just hide your symptoms and can come with annoying side effects like restlessness, trouble sleeping, nausea, headaches, and even seizures. Instead of reaching for those questionable medications, try using eucalyptus shower disks to help clear your sinuses naturally.

Despite their small size, shower disks are incredibly effective. You can tailor them with different essential oils based on the aromatherapy benefits you’re after. Most DIY products use essential oil concentrations of about 0.5-2%. However, since these disks won’t be applied to your skin, it’s safe to use a higher concentration to ensure you can actually smell them. Don’t cut corners on the essential oils; you want them to work as intended!

The first essential oil in this recipe is peppermint. Its high menthol content makes it excellent for clearing up sinuses, and its refreshing, energizing scent is perfect for a morning shower. Peppermint also has antibacterial and antiviral properties to help you fight off your cold.

Eucalyptus is the star ingredient here. Like peppermint, it has a high menthol content to help clear your nasal passages. Studies have shown that eucalyptus is beneficial for respiratory issues like bronchitis due to its antimicrobial properties, which can help you get better faster.

The baking soda in these disks provides structure, while arrowroot powder helps them dry hard. You can store these disks in a pretty glass jar for easy access or even give them as a thoughtful gift. They’re not just for when you’re sick—using them in your morning routine can energize both your body and mind.

Ingredients:
– 1.5 cups of baking soda (360 grams)
– 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch powder
– 2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon water
– 60 drops eucalyptus essential oil
– 40 drops peppermint essential oil

Equipment:
– Small glass bowl
– Silicone mold or muffin tin
– Fork
– Airtight storage container

Instructions:
1. Pour the baking soda into a small glass bowl and add the essential oils. Use a fork to break up any lumps in the baking soda and mash the oils in.
2. Sprinkle the water over the baking soda mixture and use your hands or a fork to combine everything.
3. Firmly press the mixture into your chosen molds or a muffin tray. Let the shower disks dry overnight, then gently pop them out of the molds.
4. Store the disks in an airtight container. To use, place one in the shower where it will just barely get hit by the water, like the edge of the tub or the soap dish. This ensures that the disk lasts long enough to release its aroma without washing down the drain too quickly.

By making these eucalyptus shower disks, you’ll have a natural, soothing way to fight off congestion without resorting to over-the-counter drugs.