DIY Anxiety-Soothing Bath Tea for Perimenopause Mood Swings and Emotional Overwhelm

You know those days when everything makes you cry or snap or hide in the pantry? That’s the joy of perimenopausal mood swings. One moment you’re fine, the next you’re rage-cleaning the fridge because someone ate your cheese.

Hormonal changes in your 40s and 50s don’t just mess with your cycle—they hit your nervous system, too. That’s why calming herbal rituals like bath tea can be so grounding. This DIY anxiety-soothing bath tea is a blend of herbs and salts that you steep in your bath like a giant teabag. It smells divine, softens your skin, and gives your mood a much-needed reset.

Why Herbal Baths Help with Perimenopause Mood Swings

Estrogen influences serotonin and dopamine, the chemicals that regulate your mood
When estrogen dips (as it does erratically in perimenopause), mood instability, anxiety, and ragey outbursts can follow
Bathing in calming herbs helps regulate your nervous system through skin absorption and inhalation
Plus, who doesn’t need 30 minutes of quiet with the door locked?

Ingredients for a DIY Calming Hormone-Support Bath Tea

½ cup dried chamomile flowers (calming, gentle sedative)
¼ cup dried lavender buds (anxiety-easing and floral aromatherapy)
¼ cup dried rose petals (emotional support & self-love)
½ cup Epsom salt (magnesium for muscles and nervous system)
½ cup oats (soothes skin and emotional stress)
Optional: 5–7 drops Me-No-Pause Essential Oil Blend on the salts
1 large muslin tea bag, drawstring pouch, or thin sock

How to Make & Use Your Herbal Bath Tea

Blend the dry ingredients
In a bowl, combine all herbs, oats, and Epsom salt. If using essential oils, drop them onto the salt before mixing to prevent skin irritation.
Fill your tea bag or pouch
Spoon about ¾ to 1 cup of the mixture into your bath bag. Tie tightly.
Steep your bath
Drop the pouch into your tub while it fills. Let steep 5–10 minutes before you get in. You can even squeeze the pouch to release more goodness.
Soak, breathe, repeat
Soak for 20–30 minutes. No phones, no guilt. Just you and your bath. Let the herbs calm your body and mood.

I used to think self-care meant booking a spa or buying fancy creams. Now? It’s scooping herbs into a sock and taking a bath with the lights off. This blend is a hormonal hug. It helps me slow down, breathe deeper, and come back to myself. Every woman deserves this.

Extra Tips:

Store the dry mixture in a jar so it’s ready to scoop anytime
Add dried lemon balm or passionflower for added emotional support
Want a stronger scent? Add a few more lavender buds and gently crush before use

If your morning shower feels more like a chore than a treat, it’s time to shake things up—literally. These DIY shower jellies are bouncy, fun, and scented with natural essential oils that turn your bath or shower into a playful spa moment. Inspired by Lush but made at home for a fraction of the cost, they’re perfect for kids, tweens, or anyone who wants a little joy added to their self-care routine.

Best part? You can tailor the scent, color, and shape to match your mood, season, or even holiday gifts. I’ve made everything from zesty lemon sunbursts in summer to calming lavender moons for bedtime wind-downs. My teens love them, and even Aloo (our cheeky pup) tries to sneak a sniff.

What Are Shower Jellies?

Shower jellies are squishy, soap-based gels that clean like body wash but jiggle like jelly. They melt on skin contact, lather up beautifully, and add a bit of tactile joy to your daily scrub. Think wobbly soap that feels like toy-slash-skincare.

Ingredients (All-Natural Option)

1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (or 1 tbsp agar agar for vegan version)
3/4 cup boiling water
1/4 cup liquid castile soap (or SLS-free body wash)
10–20 drops essential oil (lavender, citrus, eucalyptus – your call)
Optional: skin-safe mica powder or natural food coloring
Optional: dried botanicals (lavender buds, calendula petals)
Silicone molds or ice cube tray

Instructions

Step 1: Boil & Bloom
In a heatproof bowl, whisk the gelatin into the boiling water until fully dissolved. This is your jelly base—make sure there are no lumps. If using agar agar, simmer for a couple of minutes for full gelling power.

Step 2: Add the Fun Stuff
Once smooth, stir in your liquid soap, essential oils, and any color or botanicals. I love using pink clay for a rosy tint or a few drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh, morning zing.

Step 3: Mold It
Pour your mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. Let cool at room temp for about 10 minutes, then pop into the fridge for 2–3 hours until set.

Step 4: Pop Out & Store
Once firm, gently remove your shower jellies from the mold. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge if your bathroom is steamy, or a lidded jar by the shower in cooler months.

How to Use Shower Jellies

Simply grab one in the shower, squish it between your hands or rub directly on your skin to lather up. They glide easily and rinse clean, leaving your skin soft and lightly scented. For extra cooling, keep them chilled and use post-sun or after a workout.

Tips & Variations

Sleepytime Blend: Lavender + chamomile essential oil
Energy Boost: Orange + peppermint (keep away from eyes!)
Holiday Jellies: Add glitter (biodegradable) and candy cane scent for stocking stuffers
Kid-Safe: Use unscented baby body wash and natural fruit coloring

These DIY shower jellies are pure joy in a jar. Whether you’re making them for your little ones, holiday gifting, or your own self-care stash, they add a bouncy boost to your bath time. Bonus: They’re easy to make in big batches, so get ready for a fridge full of jiggly, wiggly goodness.