Easy Herbal Steam For Lungs And Respiratory Support

• Effectively fights respiratory infections
• Successfully used on bacteria resistant to multi-drug therapy- these include the bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Breaks up Congestion
• Breaks down mucous membranes
• Supports clearer breathing, opening up passages
• Antimicrobial properties

• Many studies cite peppermint oil as being one of the most potent antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral herbs.
• Has been effectively used to fight bacteria strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Peppermint alleviates stuffy nose symptoms in herbal steams and helps with respiratory issues.

• Anti-inflammatory properties help with upper respiratory tract infections
• Sage's expectorant properties help mucus break up and clear out for easier breathing.
• Besides the common cold, traditional medicine uses include cases of bronchitis and asthma.

• Yarrow has drying properties that help reduce mucus.
• Anti-inflammatory effects on sore throats
• Helps clear nasal congestion
• Fights bacteria to heal the body.

• Thyme is a great natural expectorant
• Studies show it reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in respiratory illness.
• Additionally, cell signalling decreased in inflammatory cells.
• Thyme has also been shown to be beneficial in clearing airways and breaking down mucus membranes, thereby reducing mucous buildup.

• Chamomile is a medicinal herb used for many purposes in traditional Chinese medicine, including in an aromatic steam for upper respiratory infections.
• Anti-inflammatory properties reduce lung constriction.
• Fights against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to antibacterial and antimicrobial components.
• Calming, therapeutic effects on the nervous system and colds
• Demonstrates protective properties against viral infections.

• Loosens lung mucous
• Soothes a dry cough
• Expectorant properties lessen sinus pressure

This is an overview of the steps to create an herbal steam. A specific herbal steam recipe is included at the end of this post.

• Place your herbs of choice into a medium to large-sized, heat-safe glass bowl.
• Boil 5-8 cups of water.
• Carefully pour boiling water over the herbs in the bowl.
• Infuse the herbs for 5 minutes.
• Add essential oil after 5 minutes, before doing the herbal steam.
• Position your face over the bowl, maintaining a sufficient distance from the hot steam.
• Drape a towel over your head to create a "tent" to trap the hot steam.
• Relax and breathe, inhaling deeply and steadily.
  Place your chosen herbs in a large, heat-safe bowl.
• Repeat as needed. Use the steam every 2–3 hours or as often as needed during the day.

The above provides you with the best herbs to use in an herbal steam. However, the plant's volatile oils also offer valuable therapeutic effects against colds.

Essential oils are potent. You do not need a lot to reap benefits. 2-3 drops add valuable healing properties to your immune system.

• This antimicrobial essential oil is effective against fungi
• Used for many conditions involving respiratory health
• Myrrh and Frankincense essential oils kill bacteria in the air when burned in incense form
• Additionally, myrrh is a stimulant to the immune system, causing the production of white blood cells to kill off bacteria.

• Tea tree oil is also often used in herbal medicine for respiratory distress
• Thymol, a component of tea tree, makes it antispasmodic, soothing the lungs
• Another expectorant herb oil that will thin mucous symptoms and ease breathing
• Therapeutic properties include antitumoral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidative, and antimicrobial.