How To Make Therapeutic Steam And Steam Baths At Home

When we breathe, we collect from the environment an air that can be dry or humid, cold or hot, but then, from the lungs, we exhale an air that is always humid and warm: it is our own vapor, the most natural and accessible. And sometimes the best remedy to soften our respiratory mucous membranes.

With a Japanese kaopoca scarf , scarf or mask , we can make a small tent, breathe in it and inspire that mist.

But we can also produce steam by heating and evaporating water, alone or with medicinal plants. Or, instead of inspiring it, we can apply it locally in specific pathologies.

Vapors help you breathe better and much more

Vapors are beneficial both by the action of heat and by the plants that we add to the water

Breathing in the steam deflates, soothes, thins mucus, helps expectorate and activates metabolism.

It is indicated at the beginning of a cold or headache, and in sinusitis, laryngitis or otitis media; in bronchitis, the pot is placed on a low stool to direct the steam to the chest as well.

The head mist also improves acne, due to its cleansing effect on the skin.

In local applications, steam can be useful against excessive sweating, rheumatic disorders and fingernails.

Combined with cold applications, it helps with circulatory problems, as well as causing reaction in the feet and heating them. heat and humidity

When steaming, they must always be warm and pleasant. The cool, damp mist mimics a foggy environment that is counterproductive to the respiratory tract. Cold mist vaporizers are sold which, even used in hot environments, do not benefit respiratory health.

Try to make the steam in a warm environment, with the digestion finished. And never on cold ground.

What plants to add to the water?

Choose them for their properties: sage for excessive foot sweat; horse chestnut and vine for the circulation of the legs; thyme and rosemary for nails; devil’s claw, rosemary or turmeric, among others, for rheumatism …

You can also breathe in steam by letting the pot release steam and plant aromas throughout the room or kitchen and stay there breathing for 20 minutes to an hour.

You can measure the humidity with a hygrometer: the normal is 50-70%. If it does not arrive, you can put a pot with water and plants that give off steam and a good smell.

Grow medicinal plants at home. Its smell will create an environment more similar to the humidity of the forest, with the warmth of home. This pleasantly softens the mucous membranes and improves cleaning and respiratory function.

Making steam at home is very simple

In a pot, heat 3-5 l of water and the chosen plants. Sit in front and cover the head, neck and bare chest with a sheet or towel, and on top of it a woolen blanket.

To inhale, slowly uncover the pot and breathe through your nose and mouth. Close the towel or sheet and the blanket so that the steam does not escape, but without adjusting them too much to avoid burning yourself.

The effect is immediate. Sweating will occur within seconds of starting to inhale the steam. Extend the session from 10 to 20 minutes. For greater effectiveness, do two sessions a day.

Finish the steam bath with a cold water rub of the entire wet area to create contrast. Then dry off and bundle up immediately.

The Eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus globulus ) is one of the plants that can add to the water in case of cold.

Also take advantage of local heat baths

The foot steam bath is indicated at the onset of a cold or headache, to help the reaction of cold feet, excessive sweating (along with cold applications), circulatory problems, rheumatism, and fingernails.

Apply it like this: sit down, put the pot on the floor and a wooden rack on top to support your feet. Wrap a towel around the lower half of your naked body and over it with a woolen blanket. When finished, run your feet in cold water and dry them well.

The sitz bath is used as a sudorific procedure (more intense than the dry sauna).

In an old chair, open a hole in the center for the steam to pass through and place the pot underneath. Sit warm as in the foot bath (protects the testicles). Lies for 15 to 30 minutes in bed (warmed), sweating. Wipe your body with cool water and pat yourself dry.

You can also treat other parts of the body with partial baths. Steam is applied to the area to be treated for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, bed rest (warmed), cold washing of the body and vigorous drying. A nozzle hose can be used to direct steam.