Steam Inhalation: the perfect natural remedy to fight colds, coughs, and sinusitis
Steam inhalation is among the most suitable natural remedies for fighting colds, sinusitis, and coughs. But what exactly are they? And how are they done? From those with bicarbonate to those with herbs and essential oils: here are all the most effective ways to make steam Inhalation and counteract seasonal ailments.
Steam inhalation is among the most effective natural remedies for fighting colds, sinusitis, and phlegm. Thanks to the water vapor, the steam Inhalation help to free the respiratory tract and relieve cough and sore throat, acting as adjuvants in the treatment of classic seasonal ailments.
The action of water vapor, combined with that of specific ingredients and essential oils, makes it possible to intervene in a targeted and natural way, without any type of contraindication. Together with ad hoc herbal teas and infusions, above all, based on ginger and lemon – both perfect for counteracting cold symptoms thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties – steam Inhalation are among the most effective natural remedies for treating seasonal ailments and getting rid of coughs, throat, and sinusitis.
But before you proceed, discover this effective drink which, among other things, can help you counteract the classic symptoms of seasonal ailments: it is easy to prepare and tasty too. Seeing is believing!
How is steam inhalation made?
To make steam Inhalation, just take a rather large pot and fill it with water; after boiling it, and adding some ad hoc ingredients, including bicarbonate or essential oils, you can proceed with inhaling the steam. Remember, however, to take a cloth and place it over your head to avoid heat dispersion, thus letting everything work more effectively and helping you clear your airways more quickly, speeding up the healing process.
In essence, the infusions are nothing more than an inhalation of water vapor to be practiced for 2/3 minutes in a row and to be repeated at least three times with a time interval of a few seconds from each other. If you deem it necessary, you can repeat the operation several times a day, even if the ideal would be to do it at the end of the day, before going to sleep.
Steam inhalation with bicarbonate: the most effective remedy against colds
Baking soda is undoubtedly the most used ingredient when it comes to steam Inhalation. Easy to find and inexpensive, baking soda can easily be the only ingredient to dissolve in water. Two teaspoons are enough, and the action it will perform on the water vapor will allow you to enhance the effects and benefits against flu symptoms.
Bicarbonate-based steam Inhalation are one of the most used natural remedies to overcome pathological states and annoying conditions that can attack the oral cavity and respiratory tract.. Thanks to its flaming and disinfectant power, sodium bicarbonate is also used in combination with other very effective ingredients, herbs, or essential oils.
But which ones to choose to intensify its power and allow fumes to act faster against colds and stuffy noses? Undoubtedly chamomile flowers, essential oils of eucalyptus or thyme, and tea tree oil are among the most effective ingredients used for this purpose.
However, if you are caught off guard, you can easily fall back on coarse salt, an element present in every pantry, which acts as a valid substitute for baking soda in an emergency. The procedure is always the same: bring the water to a boil, dissolve two tablespoons of coarse salt in it, and then proceed with inhaling the vapors.
Help from nutrition too: here are the anti-flu foods against colds
You can fight colds and flu starting from the table: in fact, there are foods that, thanks to their properties, can increase the immune system and fight the symptoms of the dreaded seasonal ailments. But what are they? Here you can find a roundup of anti-flu superfoods. Spoiler: there’s even chocolate!
Steam inhalation with chamomile: perfect with bicarbonate to counteract stuffy nose and colds
Thanks to its soothing properties, chamomile helps to clear the airways and favors the process of thinning the mucus. To make chamomile infusions, just pour a little of its dried flowers into a pot of boiling water – if you want, with the addition of a little baking soda which enhances its effect – and then proceed with the ‘inhalation.
In case you don’t have dried chamomile flowers, you can safely use a normal tea bag as well.
Steam inhalation with eucalyptus: the most suitable steam inhalation against sinusitis and catarrh
Eucalyptus and thyme are two very effective ingredients to counteract seasonal ailments and combat the symptoms of colds and sore throats. Eucalyptus in particular is indicated for clearing the respiratory tract thanks to its antibacterial power and the balsamic properties it enjoys, thus representing an excellent aid against the stuffy nose, sinusitis, and catarrh.
You can use eucalyptus essential oils as a valid substitute for sodium bicarbonate: just pour 4/5 drops into the pot of boiling water and then proceed with inhaling the vapors. The ideal would be to make eucalyptus steam inhalation in the evening, to promote better breathing during sleep.
Tea Tree Oil is another essential oil indicated for making steam inhalation an effective treatment against viral and bacterial infections. It has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which make it an excellent ally in the fight against colds, coughs, and sinusitis.
Just pour 4-5 drops of tea tree oil into a pot of boiling water and then inhale the vapors.. Thanks to its healing and balsamic properties, it is a real cure-all for coughs, sore throats, and colds. Again, 4/5 drops will be enough for it to take effect and speed up the healing process.
There is another oil, oil 31, rich in beneficial and healing properties, perfect for making steam inhalation. Ideal for countering sore throats and coughs, this oil, in addition to being used for fumes, can also be taken orally, with milk and honey, to promote nasal decongestion and free the respiratory tract, or with lemon juice, the perfect solution to soothe the throat in case of pharyngitis.