There’s nothing worse than being clogged up, eyes streaming, when you are full of cold. Reduce congestion with this herbal steam inhalation.
A herbal steam inhalation is essentially a herbal tea. But instead of drinking it, you place your head over a bowl of steaming hot water that has herbs soaking in it. Breathe in slowly and deeply and let the aromatic volatile oils and steam get to work.
In support of breathe better September, here’s my go-to herbal steam.
Recipe for a decongesting herbal steam inhalation
In a large bowl of boiling water combine the following herbs:
- thyme
- peppermint
- eucalyptus
Allow the herbs to steep in the water for 5 – 10 minutes. Place a towel over the bowl while you do this so the steam doesn’t escape. You can strengthen it by adding the herbs in as essential oils.
To use, place your head over the bowl with the towel over your head and bowl. Close your eyes and breathe in slowly in and out of the nose. Do this for 10 slow, deep breaths. Then take a break from the steam inhalation.
Come away from the steaming herbal bowl. Leave the towel over the bowel while you sit up and take some unsteamed breaths slowly in through your nose. Then repeat the cycle again. You can repeat this process up to 7 times.
Mini herbal steam
You can also reduce congestion with a mini herbal steam using a cup of herbal tea. Hold it under you nose and breathe in the herbal steam from your cup.
