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INTRODUCTION STEAM INHALATION THERAPY
Steam inhalation therapy is helpful for relieving the congestion of bronchitis, the common cold, and a variety of other respiratory and sinus conditions. Steam inhalation opens up congested sinuses and lung passages, allowing you to discharge mucus, breathe more easily, and heal faster. To make the steam, you may use water only, or you may add dried or fresh herbs or herbal oils to enhance the effects of the treatment.
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Saunas & Steam Baths
BASIC STEAM INHALATION PROCEDURE - THE TENT METHOD
To provide the steam for the inhalation treatment, you may place the hot water either in a sink, basin, bowl or a pot. In most cases, you can choose whichever method you find most convenient and comfortable. But if you are using fresh or dried herbs, you should use a glass or enameled pot, rather than the sink to hold the water.
USING A SINK
If using your bathroom sink to hold the water, fill the sink with very hot water. If desired, add 2 to 6 drops of herbal oil or a handful of herbs. Keep the water hot and steaming during the treatment by allowing a small, continuous trickle of hot water to flow into the basin. (The overflow outlet of your sink should prevent the water from spilling over.) As the water becomes diluted, add a few more drops of the herbal oil as needed.
Hold your head over the sink, and breathe in the steam. Usually five to ten minutes of steam should be sufficient to clear your congestion. In some cases, you may choose to extend the session. Keep your face far enough from the water so that the steam does not irritate or burn your skin. This is particularly important when a child is being treated, as a child's skin is more sensitive to heat.
USING A POT, BOWL OR BASIN
If you choose to use a pot to hold the water, and you are using fresh or dried herbs, be sure to select glass or enameled cookware or bowls only. This is important, as a metal pot can cause herbs to lose their medicinal properties. If you are using water only, any type of pot is appropriate.
Fill a wide pot with water, and bring it to a boil. Then remove the pot from the heat source, and place it on a heat-proof pad or cutting board at a convenient height for the inhalation treatment.
Once the water stops bubbling, if desired, add fresh or dried herbs or several drops of essential oil to the water. Allow the water to cool slightly. Then hold your head over the pot, and breathe in the steam. Capture the steam by draping a large towel or throw blanket over your head and the pot, creating a "tent". Usually, five to ten minutes of steam should be sufficient to clear your congestion. In some cases, you may choose to extend the session. Keep your face far enough from the water so that the steam does not irritate or burn your skin. This is particularly important when a child is being treated, as a child's skin is more sensitive to heat.
Whichever method you use, after each steam inhalation treatment, take several deep, full breaths to clear lung congestion. Repeat the therapy as needed.
CAUTION: Be very careful about bowls, basins or pots of hot water around children or the elderly. Scalding burns can be dangerous and very painful. Accidents have been known to happen, primarily with children under the age of 5, in which a bowl has been knocked or kicked over during treatment. Do not leave a small child alone during treatment.
HELPFUL HERBS
Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Elecampane, Ephedra, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Fenugreek, Horseradish, Licorice, Lobelia, Lungwort, Mullein, Pleurisy Root, Thyme, Vervain, and Yerba Santa are expectorants that facilitate the excretion of mucus from the throat, lungs, and sinuses. These herbs may be used singly, in combination with one another, or in combination with the demulcent herbs listed below.
BASIC SALINE SOLUTION STEAM INHALATION THERAPY
Heat 4-8 Quarts of water until boiling. Add 6 teaspoons Sea Salt (30 g)/1000 ml water or 1 ounce of Master Salt Solution/quart of water and let dissolve. This makes a 3 percent brine solution. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors, keeping your face far enough from the hot steam so as not to burn yourself. Use inhalation therapy once or twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
MASTER SALT SOLUTION INSTRUCTIONS
To make a Master Salt Solution, loosely fill a closable glass container one-fourth to 1/3 full with sea salt crystals. I prefer sea salt. Do not use table salt since it often contains other ingredients that help it to pour smoother and may contain iodine. Un-iodized cooking salt without any added ingredients - should say only sodium chloride as an ingredient - may be used, if needed. Add good spring water or distilled water (depending on your use), completely filling the container. Let sit for approximately 24 hours and see if the salt crystals have completely dissolved. If so, add some more sea salt. Keep adding a little more salt until the water can no longer dissolve any more salt, the salt crystals will set on the bottom of the jar without dissolving. At this point, the solution will have become saturated at 26 percent, a satisfactory and ready to use Master Salt Solution. The 26 percent concentration now will remain stable. The glass can be refilled again with water and salt, continuing this process.
1% Master Salt Solution is 1 part Master Salt Solution and 100 parts water.
5% Master Salt Solution is 5 parts Master Salt Solution and 100 parts water.
8% Master Salt Solution is 8 parts Master Salt Solution and 100 parts water.
How to Make Various Concentrations of Master Salt Solution For Various Applications
Percentage of Solution Amount of Sea Salt Amount of Water Application 1% Master Salt Solution 1/2 Teaspoon (2 g) 200 ml Water For Eyes & Nose 1% Master Salt Solution 2 Teaspoons (10 g) 1000 ml Water For Inhalation 1% Master Salt Solution 1 Kilo (2.2 lbs.) 100 Liters Water / Bath Tub For Bathing 2% Master Salt Solution 4 Teaspoons (20 g) 1000 ml Water For Inhalation 2% Master Salt Solution 2 Kilos (4.5 lbs.) 100 Liters Water/ Bath Tub For Bathing 3% Master Salt Solution 6 Teaspoons (30 g) 1000 ml Water For Inhalation 3% Master Salt Solution 3 Kilos (6.6 lbs) 100 Liters Water/ Bath Tub For Bathing 10% Master Salt Solution 100 g 1000 ml Water For Partial Bathing
AROMATHERAPY RECOMMENDATION
EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL: Add eucalyptus oil to the boiling water. Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree. The leaves are long and narrow, often covered with a creamy white powder. The oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the plant. This oil acts as an analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, and so much more. Eucalyptus oil is toxic to bacteria that cause colds and sinus conditions. Eucalyptus is a exhilarating, clarifying oil that rejuvenates and refreshes the body and mind. It can help weakness, headaches and fatigue. The fragrance is woody, sweet and pungent at the same time.
PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL: Peppermint is a perennial herb that comes in either white or black. It is a very good analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and more. This pale liquid is very strong and blends well with other oils. It is also refreshing and rejuvenating and smells great when you use it for steam inhalation.
ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL: Rosemary is an herbaceous oil that is very aromatic for steaming. It is a shrubby bush that has silvery green leaves and many use it for cooking. Rosemary is an analgesic, antiseptic, stimulant, antimicrobial and more.
FOR BREATHING DIFFICULTIES: Add Cedarwood, Eucalyptus or Pine.
FOR BRONCHITIS: Add Basil, Benzoin, Cedarwood, Clove, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Pine, Sandalwood, Rosemary, Tea Tree Oil, and Thyme.
FOR COLDS: Use Bay, Black Pepper, Clove, Ginger, Myrrh, Orange, Pine, Rosemary or Tea Tree.
FOR COUGHS: Use Benzoin, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Peppermint, Rosemary or Cypress.
FOR SINUS: Add Basil, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint or Marjoram.
Use a big pot of water or a tea kettle and bring the water to a boil. Turn off the heat and carefully pour about 4-6 cups of boiling water into a large glass bowl. Quickly drop 4-5 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil into the water. Hold your head about 12 inches above the water, over the bowl and place a towel over your head. Do not get too close to the steamy water since it may result in burns.
As you do this, your eyes should be closed; and breathe in the steam slowly and deeply. Keep your head under the towel, over the hot water for about 15 minutes. If the heat is too much, raise the towel and take a quick breather away from the steam and then resume.
If a hot bath is called for aching muscles, you can use 4-5 drops of the same oils in the bath as well. The steam will help relieve the nose as well as soothe the body.
There are a few things to know and remember for safety and effectiveness. It is not necessary to steam longer than 15 minutes because it will not be that much more effective. If too many drops of oil are used, it won't be effective either. If you smell the eucalyptus or peppermint all throughout the house, you have probably used too much. People with congestive heart failure or pregnant women shouldn't use steam inhalation therapy. People with epilepsy or infants and small children shouldn't use steam either. Essential oils should not be taken internally or directly onto the skin.
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
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Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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