One very effective herbal way to help relieve congestion in the sinuses and in the lungs is to do an herbal steam. This is done by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil, then removing it from the heat. Add either a handful of crushed, fresh aromatic herbs or 2-4 drops of aromatic essential oil to the pot, then drape a towel over the head and lean over the pot to breathe deeply to inhale the steam. Be careful not to get too close to the steam so as not to burn yourself or your lungs.
For small babies, there is a very helpful modification to this process. Boil the water, add the herbs or oils, then set in the room with the child’s bed or crib so the room will fill with the herbal steam. Be careful to set the pot safely out of reach of the child!
You can repeat this every couple of hours, as needed.
When I was pregnant with my oldest child, I came down with a case of the flu so intense that my sinuses were swelled so much that my upper teeth were loose! And, being pregnant, I was unable to take any medication for it. My dear grandfather told me how to do an herbal steam and it made such a huge difference in how I felt that it became my go-to treatment for congestion and coughs ever since. I also used it for both of my children with great success and have recommended herbal steeaming for many people since.
Recommended herbs for steaming:
- Eucalyptus – My #1 most highly recommended herbal oil for steaming
- Thyme
- Peppermint
- Fir or Pine needles
Be sure to visit the individual herb pages to learn more about these vital medicinal herbs.
