What is Steam Inhalation?
One of the most widely used home remedies that soothes and opens your nasal passage to help relieve symptoms of cold and sinus infection is steam inhalation.
Steam inhalation, which is also referred to as steam therapy, involves the inhalation of water vapour. The warm and moist air loosens the mucus in the nasal passages, lungs, and throat. This way you can be relieved from swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages.
Steam inhalation does not need to cure any infection such as cold or flu, but yes, it can help you feel much better while your body is fighting off. Before taking up any remedy, it is always advisable to learn about the best practices, so in the process, you don’t end up hurting yourself.
Benefits of Steam Inhalation
Blood vessels in the stuffy nose get irritated because of an acute upper respiratory infection, which can be either due to cold or cough. So, with steam inhalation, you can achieve temporary relief from:
- Sinus infections
- Nasal allergies
- The common cold
- The flu
- Bronchitis
Remember that steam inhalation does not kill the virus that is responsible for the infection. But steam inhalation can help alleviate:
- Throat irritation
- Cough
- Headache
- Irritated or dry nasal passages
- Congested or stuffy nose
How To Inhale Steam?
To inhale steam, you need the following materials:
- Water
- A large bowl
- A kettle for heating water
- Towel
Now, let us check out the process:
- Heat the water to boiling.
- Carefully, pour the hot water into the bowl.
- Cover the towel over the back of your head.
- Set a timer.
- Close your eyes and slowly lower your head towards the hot water, until you are about 12-14 inches away from the hot water. Be careful and avoid making contact with the water.
- Start inhaling slowly and deeply through your nose. Repeat the procedure for 5-8 minutes.
- Remember not to steam longer than 10-15 minutes for every session. However, you can repeat this procedure 2-3 times a day, depending on your symptoms.
You can also inhale steam through an electric steam inhaler or a vaporizer, which is available online at a drugstore. For this, you just need to add water up to the indicated level and just plug in the system. With electricity, the vaporizer makes steam that cools before exiting the machine. Some vaporizers come with a built-in mask that fits around your mouth and nose.
Side Effects of Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation is considered one of the safe remedies if done appropriately, but you can also hurt yourself if you are not careful. To avoid burns, you can make sure that:
- The bowl of water is on a correct level and cannot be knocked over further.
- Do not lean on the bowl.
- Ensure that your eyes are closed and away from the steam.
- Also, remember to keep the hot water bowl out of reach of children.
Steam inhalation is not advised for children, as they are highly exposed to the risks of burns. However, you can make your child sit in a steamy bathroom while running the hot water in the shower exhibits a similar effect.
Steam inhalation systems that you purchase online are considered safer, in comparison to the others as the water is enclosed and easily cannot spill on your skin.
Conclusion
Steam inhalation can be one of the best remedies to clear up your nasal and respiratory passages, but it won’t cure the infection. Your body’s immune system will work its way to get rid of the virus that is causing the symptoms. Remember that what works for you may not work for the other person.
While using steam therapy, if you are experiencing any pain, discomfort, or irritation, then stop using it and try other natural ways that can help alleviate your cough symptoms.
If you are looking for natural ways, then try:
- Smyle Adulsa Tulsi Haldi Ayurvedic Cough Syrup, which is a remedy that is straight from nature. With its unique gargle and gulp therapy and a combination of 9 powerful ayurvedic herbs, this cough syrup provides instant relief from dry cough, wet cough, sore throat, cold and congestion. To know more about this product, you can go through the link below:
https://www.smyle.co.in/product/smyle-adulsa-tulsi-haldi-ayurvedic-cough-syrup/
- Smyle Ayurvedic Throat Cough Drops are vegan and natural lozenges. Available in 3 different flavours – Cool mint, Orange and Ginger, these cough drops provide a fresh and delicious remedy to help relieve irritation, sore throat, and all types of cough. These cough drops provide instant and soothing relief and have no side effects. To know more about this product, you can go through the link below:
Orange flavoured – https://www.smyle.co.in/product/smyle-ayurvedic-throat-cough-drops-orange-vegan-and-natural-lozenges/