How to do Steam Inhalation for Cold, Cough, and Sinus issues
What is steam inhalation?
Steam inhalation is simply taking in steam through the nose. The hot steam brings moisture to the dry mucous membranes of the nose and throat. This loosens mucus and relieves chest congestion. Steam inhalation can be done with an inhaler, a bowl, a pan of hot water or a steam bath.
What are the benefits?
The main benefit of hot, humid steam inhalation is that it can help relieve feelings of irritation and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages. The moisture can also help thin the mucus in your sinuses, allowing them to empty more easily. This can allow your breathing to return to normal, at least for a short time.
Steam inhalation can be an effective way to clear your nasal and respiratory passages when you have a cold or flu, but it will not cure your infection.
Steam inhalation can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of
- The common cold
- The flu (influenza)
- Sinus infections (infectious sinusitis)
- Bronchitis
- Nasal allergies
In addition to helping clear the nose and throat, steam therapy is sometimes used to relieve chest congestion.
Proper Steam Inhalation Technique
Here’s the process:
- Heat water to boiling in a pot or kettle. Make sure the water is just steamy.
- Put two handfuls of herbs or essential oils in the water, and let them steep for 10 minutes. Let their essence dissipate into the air, where they can continue to refresh you and your surroundings.
- Drape the towel over the back of your head like a tent so that the steam does not escape.
- Close your eyes and slowly lower your head toward the hot water until you are about 8 to 12 inches from the water. Be very careful not to come into direct contact with the water. Inhale the steam for up to 10 minutes. Set a timer.
- For the first 3 to 5 minutes, breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Similarly, breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth and out through your nose.
- You can repeat the steam inhalation two or three times a day if symptoms persist.
Steam inhalation with herbs
Many herbs can help increase the beneficial effects of steam therapy. Here are five popular choices:
Thyme: Acts as an expectorant and antibacterial.
Lavender: relaxes tense nerves, antibacterial
Ginger: helps relieve congestion, expectorant
Mint : It has a pleasant scent, helps loosen mucus and is also antibacterial. But be careful not to use peppermint essential oil for steam therapy, as it is very strong.
Oregano: acts as an expectorant and antiviral.
Eucalyptus: antiviral, antibacterial, immune stimulant, expectorant
Basil: It is a decongestant and is naturally antiseptic and antibacterial.
Rosemary: This herb has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
It is recommended to use the herbs or essential oil for steam inhalation, as some of the other parts may not be safe to use. You can even mix some of these herbs together.
