Summer is the time for fun in the sun, late nights with friends and memorable vacations, but catching a cold or the flu during this season can really put a damper on things. Luckily, these DIY tablets will help you clear that uncomfortable congestion ASAP. Made with all-natural ingredients, these homemade tablets provide a therapeutic, spa-like shower experience that will open up your sinuses and get you on your way to feeling (and breathing) like yourself again.
![DIY natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/c2267c3334ed46aca378a364411a3882.jpg)
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Things You'll Need
1 cup baking soda
1/3 cup Epsom salt (or sea salt)
Essential oils (eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree work best)
Water
Bowl
Spoon
Ice tray or silicone mold
![materials for diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/508c74c9c32541ba99537f6f69f47718.jpg)
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add baking soda and Epsom salt or sea salt into the bowl and mix well until combined.
![mix dry ingredients for diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/0019d1f1da5f45848f6a85e1b84976b5.jpg)
![mix dry ingredients for diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/009ac878accb4c8ab489d6ba68820ef1.jpg)
![mix dry ingredients for diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/9e3dc2645672417ba927b7b6c689a844.jpg)
Step 2: Add Water
Slowly add a few tablespoons of water at a time into the mixture and stir. Continue to add water until the mixture's texture becomes similar to wet sand, and can be held together firmly without crumbling.
![add water to diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/0d8644f92a154ffc86f04750d89a2d0e.jpg)
![add water to diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/84c6e5d235014e148e12e1ff00fe851f.jpg)
![add water to diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/411a61de33a74a839e994d85ea8903b5.jpg)
Step 3: Add Essential Oils
Add about 20 drops of each essential oil and thoroughly stir into the mixture. Eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree oil work best for nasal congestion relief.
![add essential oils to diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/e0e2628591034954bd9c897e9b0cee5e.jpg)
![add essential oils to diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/f28df122041b456392ff404344cef2b6.jpg)
Step 4: Fill Ice Tray
Firmly pack the mixture into each mold of the ice tray and leave the tablets to dry completely for at least 24 hours.
![fill ice tray with mixture](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/11a9cbc5227f4275891a18fd420b79d6.jpg)
![fill ice tray with mixture](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/015f218f05bd41649d14b284ff314e8d.jpg)
Step 5: Add to Hot Shower
Once the tablets are dry, carefully pop them out of the ice tray and add 2-3 tablets to a nice, hot shower. The water and steam will cause the tablets to slowly melt and activate their aromatherapeutic properties, relieving your sinus congestion in no time!
![add diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets to hot shower](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/9a0412421925432d9307fe18337e3b4e.jpg)
![add diy natural cold and flu congestion shower tablets to hot shower](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/clsd/6/14/84cf644130d7479189c92928c5bb369c.jpg)