It’s that time of year again: cold and flu season! This unofficial fifth season is all too familiar to some of us and with it comes sneezing, coughing, sinus congestion and the oh-so-unpleasant mucus. These are all normal responses of your immune system trying to clear the virus or bacteria responsible for you feeling so icky. Although they may make you feel better temporarily, nasal decongestants and cough suppressants stop your body from doing what it does best. There are several natural treatments that work wonders at getting you feeling like your old self again and one of the most effective is a steam inhalation!
What is a steam inhalation?
A steam inhalation is a hot, moist air bath to the respiratory tract. It is a simple and effective way to thin and expel mucus from your airways. Mucus is your body’s way of trapping and getting rid of the viruses and bacteria responsible for most upper respiratory tract infections. Steam inhalations do not shut down this natural response like most over-the-counter cold medications do, but instead help speed the process along so you get over your cold faster and feel better in the meantime. They also work as a way to get inhaled antimicrobial agents, like essential oils, directly into the airways.
What do you need for a steam inhalation?
· Kettle with boiling water
· Stove
· Large towel
· Glass or ceramic bowl (no plastic)
· Essential oils (optional)
How do you do a steam inhalation?
1. Fill kettle with water and bring to a boil. You can also use a pot on the stove if you don’t have a kettle.
2. Pour boiling water into bowl. Be careful not to burn yourself!
3. Add 2-3 drops of essential oil if desired
4. Place face about 1 foot over bowl. Be careful not to burn yourself with the steam!
5. Quickly cover head with towel to trap steam and form a tent
6. Breathe deeply and slowly through the nose and mouth for 5-10 minutes
7. Blow nose to expel mucus
How does a steam inhalation work?
The hot steam from the water enters the nasal passages and lungs and thins the mucus throughout the respiratory tract. This allows you to clear this mucus from your system more easily and relieve the uncomfortable congestion and coughing triggered by mucus production. The steam also heats the membranes that line the respiratory tract which increases circulation to these tissues and decreases congestion.
Adding essential oils, like eucalyptus, can be helpful because they have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties to help get rid of the bacteria and/or viruses that are causing your illness in the first place. They also smell nice!
Who should not do a steam inhalation?
Steam inhalations aren’t for everyone which is why you should talk to your naturopathic doctor before trying any new treatment. Steam inhalations should be avoided by very young and very old people since they may not be able to respond properly to the heat. They should also not be done by people with chronic breathing issues like asthma or COPD, heart problems or congestive heart failure as the moist air may further aggravate their breathing. Children should not do this without supervision, and everyone should be careful not to burn themselves with the boiling water or steam during preparation and completion of the steam inhalation.
