Cold and flu
symptoms effecting the sinuses and respiratory system are also effectively
treated by breathing steam, which loosens phlegm, enabling the body’s natural
mechanisms to more easily expel mucus. This can be done by taking a hot shower,
sitting in a tub of hot water or breathing steam from a bowl of hot water. The
latter use of steam can be enhanced by adding decongesting, antimicrobial herbs,
such as thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus or peppermint leaves, to the boiling water.
For best results, be sure to allow the herbs to steep, covered, for 10 to 15
minutes before inhaling the steam. Essential oils are a quicker alternative to
using herbs while still gaining their beneficial effects, and can be utilized
by simply adding drops of either eucalyptus or rosemary
essential oil to boiled water before inhaling.
This method should be used with
caution; you should keep your eyes closed while breathing the steam, thyme and
oregano essential oils should not be used for steam inhalation as they are
irritating, and it should be noted that breathing the essential oil vapors may
aggravate asthma. These methods
are described in more detail in the book: Aromatherapy:
A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, which is co-authored by herbalist
Mindy Green.
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