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Best Herbal Steams for Cold and Flu Relief This Season
Photo credit: bigstock
It’s still early winter, and already winter snows are high, people are trying to stay indoors, but the flu and cold season already has a good start. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you or your family get hit hard with a nasty case of the flu or a cold. Instead of heading out into the snow and paying for some overpriced over the counter medicines, why not try a natural steaming herb this season?
Herbal steam treatments are fantastic at clearing up sinus and lung congestion when you have the flu. The inhalation of steam is the perfect remedy for asthma, infections, bronchitis, and headaches. The steam from boiling water is often effective enough to fight congestion, but adding herbs to the water can bring a multitude of benefits. Fragrant herbs help fight infections and promote a sense of well-being and calm. Of course the best herbs to use are those with detoxifying compounds and expectorant properties.
When you or your family come down with cold or flu symptoms, try a soothing, fragrant herbal steam treatment before you head out to the drug store.
Items You Will Need
- Kettle, pot, steam inhaler, or vaporizer
- Glass or ceramic bowl
- Fresh herbs or essential oils
- Large towel
- Water
- Face cloth (wash cloth)
Dried Herbal Steam Recipe #1
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon peppermint leaves
- 1 Tablespoon rosemary leaves
- 1 Tablespoon gingko biloba leaves
- 1 Tablespoon sage leaves
- 3 Tablespoons eucalyptus leaves
- 2 Quarts of water
Mix all the herbs together in a bowl. Bring the water to a boil and pour it over the herbs. Cover the herbs and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Cover your head with a towel and take the cover off the bowl, creating a tent so you can capture the steam and inhale it. Continue inhaling the steam for about 10 minutes. If your nose is plugged, begin by breathing in through your mouth. Use the face cloth to wipe your face if it starts to sweat or drip condensation. You should be able to breathe through your nose after a minute or two.
