While not particularly a new trend, emerging from online communities a decade prior, the shower orange trend has recently gained renewed virality on Tik Tok. The shower orange trend has turned into something of a wellness ritual amongst social media wellness circles. The controversial trend itself is eating an orange whilst showering which users claim the experience feels liberating and surprisingly therapeutic. One video on Tik Tok read: “Eating an orange in the shower eliminates any worry of making a mess,” as all the juice spilled is instantly washed away. Those who have tried this trend describe it as a sensory adventure.
Users across social media platforms are now sharing videos taking part in the shower orange trend, encouraging others to participate. Some users view this trend as an unconventional method of self-care. Showering with products that are usually consumables is not in itself new. Showering with beer, for instance, has been purported to help with robust and healthy hair growth. While maybe not meant to be consumed when used in the shower, other herbs and fruits can make excellent shower companions, beyond just pleasant aroma and sensory experiences.
What Is the Shower Orange Trend
The shower orange trend involves bringing an orange that has been left overnight in the freezer into a hot shower. While the shower runs, you peel and eat the orange. The steam from the shower makes the citrus bloom, filling the bathroom with a citrus aroma, creating an aromatic experience.There is no mess in the aftermath of eating with the oranges’ sticky juices being washed away by the water.
Many people refrigerate their oranges beforehand, creating a temperature contrast between the cold fruit and hot shower water. Some people who have taken part in this trend describe the experience as ‘primal’ and liberating. One user expressed how eating oranges with bathing or showering is not uncommon to their culture. “In Morocco, when we go to the Hammam (bath houses), everybody brings clementines/oranges to eat. [This] Also prevents you from fainting,” the user commented.
The Origins of This Unusual Trend
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It is speculated that the shower orange trend began on Reddit back in April 2015. A user shared a story about a camp counselor who described eating oranges in the shower as “the most liberating, carnal, and best feel-good thing” someone could experience. That comment sparked immediate interest, leading to the creation of the r/ShowerOrange subreddit. The r/ShowerOrange subreddit currently stands at 80,000 members and was inspired by a popular comment on the site about underrated ‘unconventional activities.’
The trend jumped back into online popularity when TikTok users discovered it in 2023. Videos showcasing shower oranges have accumulated millions of views, introducing the practice to a new generation. The hashtag #ShowerOrange surpassed 7.6 million views as people documented their first attempts and reactions.
Why People Love the Shower Orange Experience
According to its proponents, there are many factors to eating an orange in the shower but the main appeal is aromatic. The heat and humidity of a shower intensify both the taste and smell of citrus. The steam helps release aromatic compounds from the orange peel, filling the bathroom with a concentrated, citrus-filled fragrance. The temperature contrast between the cold orange and hot shower adds to the sensory experience. A refrigerated orange provides coolness while hot water warms the body. People claim that this combination of opposing sensations makes them feel refreshed and invigorated.
Oranges carry symbolic significance that adds emotional depth to the practice. The fruit represents abundance, sunshine, and luxury in many cultures. Peeling an orange for oneself in a private shower space feels like an intentional act of self-care and self-love.
The Science Behind Citrus Aromatherapy
According to research citrus aroma, especially in concentrated forms like essential oils, can provide stress relief. Research demonstrates that orange essential oil significantly lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress and anxiety. One study found that children exposed to orange aromatherapy during dental procedures experienced an 84% decrease in cortisol levels.
Limonene, a primary compound in citrus peels, contributes to stress relief and mood enhancement. This terpene works through dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid pathways to alleviate stress and mood disorders. Studies show citrus aromatherapy improves mood and increases feelings of positivity.
Research on citrus essential oils reveals anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Clinical trials demonstrate that citrus aromatherapy reduces anxiety, normalizes hormone levels, and boosts immunity. The combination of pleasant scent and physiological response creates genuine therapeutic effects.
Other Shower-Friendly Options
Many have previously experimented with various aromatic additions, like essential oils or certain plants, to their bathing routines. Eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, and other plants offer distinct benefits that go beyond just a pleasant aromatic experience.These alternatives provide therapeutic effects that can enhance physical and mental wellbeing.
Research has shown that by hanging fresh eucalyptus bundles from the showerhead could offer therapeutic health benefits. When hung under the showerhead, eucalyptus releases essential oils due to the steam and hot water. These oils contain eucalyptol, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Different essential oils can be used in combinations to target specific needs like relaxation, energy, or congestion relief.
Fresh herbs and citrus can be brought into showers for direct sensory experiences. Lemons, grapefruits, and other fruits provide similar benefits to oranges. Fresh rosemary sprigs offer herbaceous aromas with energizing properties when exposed to steam.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus leaves release potent essential oils when exposed to warm steam. These oils contain compounds that can clear congestion, relieve pain, and reduce stress. Eucalyptus is especially known for its respiratory benefits, making it a valuable addition to showers during cold and flu season. The oils help relieve nasal congestion, reduce inflammation, and decrease mucus production. Inhaling eucalyptus steam opens up your sinuses, making breathing easier for people with asthma, bronchitis, or sinus infections.
Eucalyptol, the primary active compound, has been shown to have anxiety-reducing properties. A 2014 study showed that inhaling eucalyptol decreased anxiety in 62 people awaiting surgery. The compound’s calming effect helps reduce stress hormone levels while promoting mental clarity. Pain relief represents another eucalyptus benefit. Studies indicate that inhaling eucalyptus oil reduces pain sensation and lowers blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory properties help relax sore muscles and ease joint pain from conditions like arthritis.
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Lemon, Rosemary, and More Shower Additions
Lemon offers powerful aromatherapy benefits when used in the shower. The bright, fresh and citrusy aroma helps combat fatigue and promotes positivity and energy. Lemon essential oil demonstrates anxiety-reducing and depression-alleviating properties in clinical research. Lemon rinds have been purported to work as excellent exfoliators for facial skin. Studies show lemon aromatherapy improves cognitive function and memory. The scent enhances mental clarity, concentration, and alertness. Morning showers with lemon scents help people feel more awake and focused for the day ahead.
A staple in many cuisines and commonly used as an essential oil, rosemary has a strong, herbaceous scent that creates a refreshing atmosphere. Rosemary aromatherapy reduces stress while boosting mental clarity, focus, and reducing fatigue. The anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary offer physical benefits, particularly for muscle and joint pain. Rosmarinic acid in rosemary is the active compound that helps alleviate muscle aches and joint pain. Rosemary-infused shower products support muscle recovery after exercise and improve circulation. There is also ongoing research into carnosic acid, another active compound found in both rosemary and sage, and its benefits for combatting neurodegenerative diseases.
Peppermint is known for its refreshing, cooling and revitalizing aroma. When added to your shower regime, it creates a cool energizing shower experience. The high menthol content provides that bright and crisp feeling of refreshment while simultaneously relieving congestion. Peppermint aromatherapy enhances focus, reduces stress, and improves mental clarity.
Lavender offers calming properties that make it ideal for evening showers. The relaxing scent reduces anxiety, lowers cortisol levels, and improves sleep quality. Research confirms lavender’s effectiveness in promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Grapefruit combines mood-boosting properties with skin benefits. The citrus scent stimulates dopamine production, promoting happiness and energy. Grapefruit’s vitamin C content brightens skin tone and provides antioxidant protection.
How to Try the Shower Orange Yourself
There is very little required to participate in the shower orange trend. All that is required is to purchase fresh, juicy oranges from your local supermarket. Navel oranges are the ideal oranges to use due to their size and easy-peeling nature of their skins but any will work. Refrigerate the orange for several hours or overnight before your shower. The cold temperature creates a pleasant contrast with hot shower water. Some people keep oranges in the freezer for fifteen minutes for extra coolness.
Turn on the shower and let the bathroom fill with steam before bringing in your orange. The warm, humid environment helps release aromatic compounds. Begin peeling the orange while standing under the water stream. Place peels on a shower shelf or let them fall to the tub floor temporarily. The steam from the hot water enhances the citrus aroma, allowing the citrus to bloom. Eat the orange segments while the water runs. You do not have to worry about being messy, as the shower water will rinse you off.
Dispose of orange peels after your shower to prevent drain clogs. Many people compost their citrus peels rather than putting them down the drain. Consider trying the practice during morning showers for an energizing start to your day.
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