Steam Inhalation as help with respiratory infection

Sinus steaming involves inhaling hot steam through the respiratory tract, an age-old technique still utilized today as supplementary therapy for respiratory diseases. Steam particles traverse the respiratory system, reaching from the nasal cavity to the lower parts of the respiratory tract, offering benefits such as moisturizing mucous membranes and disinfecting the respiratory tract. Inhaling steam helps clear excess nasal mucus, facilitating easier breathing.

The steaming process, enhanced with additives like salt, herbs, or essential oils, proves effective in relieving nasal congestion, alleviating dry coughs, and facilitating the expulsion of mucus. Steaming is employed for various respiratory conditions, including sinusitis, bronchitis, acute rhinitis, and laryngitis, and is suitable for older children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Steaming can be achieved using a specialized device like a facial sauna or, alternatively, a pot with added herbs or aromatic oils. The steaming duration is around 5 to 10 minutes, with 5 minutes sufficient for small children. Steaming can be performed 2 to 3 times a day during illness, preferably before bedtime, followed by resting in a warm bed.

For enhanced effectiveness, consider adding beneficial ingredients to the steaming water, such as:

Sea salt: 2-3 tablespoons

Chamomile: A handful of flowers

Peppermint: A handful

Baking soda: 1 tablespoon

Cinnamon: 1 stick (boil in water for 3 minutes)

Rosemary: 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary or 2 sprigs of fresh

Thyme: 1 tablespoon of dried thyme or 2 sprigs of fresh

Lavender: 2 tablespoons of dried flowers

Essential oils, like eucalyptus, mint, tea tree, lavender, pine, rosemary, or thyme oil, can also be added in small amounts (usually 5 drops per 1 to 1.5 liters of water / for children only 1 drop is recommended, but I will be still cautious and better use the natural ingredients mentioned above).

However, it’s crucial to be mindful during steaming. While generally safe, there are potential risks, with the main concern being burns from hot water. Therefore, caution is advised with very young children. Facial saunas can be a safer alternative in such cases. Attention to ingredient selection is also necessary for individuals with allergies, and steaming with essential oils is not recommended for asthmatics. It’s important not to overdo steaming, aiming for 2 to 3 sessions daily, as excessive steaming with certain ingredients can dry out mucous membranes.

Additional reading: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5026511/