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Cold and flu season is officially upon us, and respiratory infections seem to be common this year. I don’t know about you, but for me, the worst part about being sick is not being able to breathe easily with all the congestion. Before herbalism became a way of life for us, congestion would have us clambering to the store for over-the-counter medications filled with artificial flavorings and often questionable ingredients. Now, we reach for the herbs!
This recipe is very similar to the one we use for our Breathe Easy Vapor Steam, and it is sure to clear up your congestion quickly.
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The History of Facial Steams
From the Mongols to the Mayans, the ancient Romans to Native Americans, steam has been used for beauty, luxury, and healing. The history of facial steaming can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used steam for health and beauty rituals. In Ayurvedic therapy, facial steaming is referred to as "Swedana" and has been used for centuries to help remove toxins from the skin.
The Benefits of a Botanical Vapor Steam
Herbal steams are wonderful tools to help reduce the symptoms that accompany upper respiratory infections. They are relatively inexpensive, generally safe for most adults, highly effective, and a cinch to put together with minimal supplies and ingredients. Besides the warm, comforting feeling of soothing steam on the face and skin during illness, there are a couple of additional benefits of botanical steams worth noting:
Improve Skin
There is a reason steam is often used in spas as part of high-end facial treatments. Facial steams have long been touted for their ability to hydrate and soften the skin, open pores, remove impurities, and improve circulation.
Ease Congestion
With a vapor steam, you are steeping plant material in boiling water to create an herbal-infused steam that releases the plants' beneficial compounds into a comforting and soothing vapor. In this preparation, the plants’ natural aromatic oils and the warm steam work to soothe irritated nasal passages and loosen mucus buildup in the sinuses and lungs.
What Herbs Could Be Used In a Botanical Vapor Steam?
Quite a few herbs can be used for their congestion-fighting and cold-relieving properties. The recipe below suggests a combination of herbs, but feel free to use as many or as few of the listed herbs as you’d like.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulant, and expectorant. When inhaled as a vapor, it can help loosen mucus.
Ginger
Ginger is anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, and expectorant. In your steam recipe can help to relieve congestion.
Mullein leaf
Mullein has a long history of use in respiratory ailments. It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, demulcent, and expectorant. When inhaled as vapor steam, it relaxes the lungs and alleviates dry coughs.
Oregano
Oregano is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, expectorant, and nervine. In your vapor steam recipe, it will help to loosen up mucus and make your cough more productive.
Rosemary
Rosemary is antispasmodic and nervine and can help relieve stagnant congestion in the sinuses and lungs.
Sage
Sage is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, expectorant, immunomodulant, and nervine. In vapor steam, it can help to tighten and calm tissues, especially in the throat.
Can I Use Essential Oils for a Vapor Steam?
Several essential oils can increase the effectiveness of your botanical steam. If you don’t have essential oils, you can make your steam without them. If using a steam for children, they should be omitted from any recipe, but should you choose to add essential oils, some good options include Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, and Tea Tree.
How to Make a Decongesting Botanical Vapor Steam
This simple-to-make and use facial steam can ease discomfort from a cold, cough, congestion, or respiratory infection.
The Supplies:
Small bowl or container (for mixing.)
Large or medium-size bowl (for steaming.)
Small jar or tin (for storage.)
Bath towel
Boiling water
The Ingredients:
1 TBSP dried Mullein
1 TBSP dried Ginger
1 TBSP dried Sage
1 TBSP dried Eucalyptus
1 TBSP dried Peppermint
Optional - 2 drops each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Rosemary essential oil
The Method:
Add all of the botanical ingredients to a small mixing bowl. If using, add the essential oils and stir thoroughly to combine. This mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 weeks.
How to Use a Decongesting Botanical Vapor Steam
Start by setting several cups of water to boil. Next, select a comfortable location to do your steam. Some good options are seated at the kitchen table or standing at a bar or counter of comfortable height.
Add one to two tablespoons of your prepared botanical vapor steam mixture to the bottom of a medium to large bowl. Pour boiling water over the herbs and cover to steep for 1-2 minutes.
Remove the lid and check the temperature of the steam to make sure it isn’t too hot for your face. Position your face over the bowl (use your discretion on the distance needed to avoid burns from steam) and drape a towel over your head to create a tent, letting as little steam escape as possible.
Inhale deeply, adjust your head and towel as needed, and ensure you don’t get too hot and cause a burn. Continue steaming for 10 minutes, coughing and blowing your nose as necessary while the mucus loosens.
A Few Notes of Caution:
Always use extreme care when working with boiling water and steam to avoid burns.
Close your eyes while performing your vapor steam to prevent irritation, especially if using essential oils.
If using for children, do not position a child’s face directly over the steam bowl. Instead, position the child next to the bowl and make a “tent” with a blanket or sheet to prevent them from coming in direct contact with the steam.
Do not use on children younger than 5 years of age, and do not use essential oils in vapor steams for children.
Are There Other Natural Remedies For Coughs and Colds?
Definitely! You can find several wonderful herbal remedies in the Winter Medicine section of our blog. Or look to the “Medicine Cabinet” section of our Apothecary shop for ready-made herbal preparations. A Wintertime favorite is our herbal Vapor Rub.
Warm Winter Wishes
We wish you a winter filled with warmth and joy, but should a cold take hold in your house, we hope you’ll find some all-natural relief with this DIY decongesting botanical vapor steam! Have you ever tried a botanical steam before? If so, we’d love to hear all about it in the comments below! Best winter wishes, and as always, until next time,
Disclaimer:
Content from thisunboundlife.com is meant to be informational in nature. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Just because something is “natural” does not mean it’s safe for every person. Many plants should be avoided when pregnant or nursing; some can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
While we strive to be 100% accurate, utilizing information from scientific studies, trusted sources, and verified publications, we are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is solely up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed on this website and to ensure proper plant identification.
The information provided by this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using herbal preparations, always research, speak to a professional regarding significant concerns, and never fail to seek medical advice when needed.