What is steam inhalation?
This is a medical procedure; that involves the introduction of moist and warm air into the lungs of an individual. The primary aim is to clear the throat hence aiding the blocked passages to become smoother so as to offer relief from congestion. Additionally, steam inhalation improves circulation preferably when performed with essential oils, as this eradicates the respiratory ailments in the safest, natural and in a miraculous manner.
How is steam inhalation done?
To perform steam inhalation, you’ll need a bowl of boiling and distilled water and safely keep your head over it; Covering the head with a cloth or a towel while maintaining the eyes closed. You must be cautious and not allow the moist air to reach your eyes.
However, there are also a variety of electric steam inhalers that you can purchase over the counter, or from any other reputable e-commerce websites. With this at your disposal, you’ll only need to add some water to your electric steam inhaler up to the indicated level and plug it on. If you are seeking to buy one, always ensure that you go for the best steam inhaler!
What are the benefits of steam inhalation?
1. Improve your circulation by inhaling the steam.
If you didn’t know, the blood vessels of the body start to dilate when the temperature of the body increases. This improves the flow of blood process, resulting in an efficient blood circulation.
A good blood flow offers enormous benefits, including treating both migraines and headaches. Additionally, a slight increase in the body temperature plays a major role in stimulating your immune system, increasing its power to fight germs and other harmful pathogens.
2. Steam inhalation as an efficient and natural expectorant.
An expectorant helps in increasing the secretion amounts, which results in clearer secretions thereby lubricating your irritated respiratory tract. The steam inhalation significantly helps the throat and the lungs as it acts as an effective and a natural expectorant. This leads to the relaxation of your muscles hence a relieved coughing.
Steam inhalation is additionally beneficial in combating the excessive dryness of your mucous membranes.
3. Inhale steam and cleanse and rejuvenate your pores.
The condition of your skin improves dramatically, thanks to the enhanced blood circulation. Also, the topical application of the steam can offer vital advantages. Sebum is the skin’s natural oil which lubricates and moisturizes your skin. When your pores are clogged with this natural oil together with other substances such as makeup and dirt, acne is always the end result.
If you didn’t know, Steam has the power to soften these plugs, thereby opening the pores leading to a natural sebum flow. Steam can loosen the skin’s dead cells hence allowing new cells to develop, giving a tender, appealing, and a youthful glow.
4. Steam inhalation for respiratory aid.
When you inhale steam, you are likely to treat a range of respiratory complications including bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, flu, common cold and other allergies effectively. The dry air vessels are moistened, and the mucous is eliminated quickly by just coughing or nose blowing.
Also, the air that is moist alleviates breathing difficulties, inflammation and throat irritations.
5. Therapeutic benefits of the essential oils with steam inhalation.
It is important to mention that the addition of the essential oils to the steam inhaler acts as a better therapy for certain health conditions such as congestion, respiratory issues, and skin improvement among other areas.
Some of the most used essential oils in steam inhalation are lavender, rosemary, chamomile, eucalyptus, peppermint and fennel.You should only use these essential oils sparingly, preferably two to three oil drops at a time.
Some examples of the use essential oils for the treatment of various conditions through steam inhalation.
- For relaxation; add lemongrass, lavender, and chamomile to the steam inhalers. This is beneficial in relaxing both the mind and body.
- For cold; add some ginger, peppermint, clove, bay, myrrh and inhale the steam as this can treat the cold.
- For headaches and migraines; adding chamomile essential oil in the steam helps in relieving migraine and headache.
- For dry skin; add fennel, peppermint, and rosemary.
The Bottom Line
There is not doubt that steam inhalation is a safe and a natural way to treat a variety of health conditions. The process and the steps involved are straightforward, so you can always employ this at home, mostly if you intend to keep away from manufactured medicines.
