Did you never had the cold or congestion & naturally inhaled the steam from the cup of hot tea or taken the steam shower for the advantages? Depending on what you drink, this could have other benefits than the temporary relief of steam provided, and this technique is an excellent one to keep in mind if a cough or congestion hits this year. Read about DIY Homemade Herbal Face Steam for Cold or Congestion
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Benefits of a Herbal Face
Also the calming heat of the steam on the face during the disease, there are two added benefits to note, particularly when you combine herbs to the mixture:
Advantages of the skin:
Steam is often used in spas as part of a facial treatment. The facial vapors are touted for their ability to open pores, soften the skin and improve circulation.
Fighting congestion:
I have used herbal vapors for years for their ability to calm a cough and congestion during the disease. I often add dried herbs to the mixture for additional benefits.
Inhalation of vapor can help to loosen congestion and relieve a cough. If I take a cold, I often make a herbal face vapor before bed to help me sleep.
I have found mentions of this type of facial vapor in some of my old natural remedies and manual homesteading that I found on the sale of property and savings stores, and it turns out that this remedy may have been Used as far as ancient Egypt in public baths and private residences.
How to Make a Herbal Steam
The best part of herbal steam is that they literally take three minutes to prepare (unlike the longer process of making elderberry syrup) and are very simple to do with herbs that you probably already have in your Kitchen (unlike the ingredients of a more obscure remedy As said da jow).
Herbal Face Steam Ingredients
- A large bowl & tea kettle
- Thyme: 1 tablespoon
- Rosemary: 1 tablespoon
- Basil: 1 tablespoon
- Oregano: 1 tablespoon
- Peppermint: 1 tablespoon
- Eucalyptus: 1 tablespoon
- Lavender: 1 tablespoon
- Towels: 2 big size
How to make?
- Put about an inch of water in the bottom of a large pot and boil. Otherwise, if using a bowl, boil water in a teapot or saucepan and pour into the bowl.
- Fold a towel in half and place it on a flat, heat-resistant surface such as a counter or table. Place the pot or bowl on top of this towel.
- Add the dried herbs, stir well and cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes.
Herbal Face Steam Instructions
Remove the lid and check the temperature of the steam to make sure it is not too hot for your face. Lean on the pot and cover the head with a towel to create a tent, leaving as little air escape as possible.
Slowly inhale the steam for 10 minutes. I find it helpful to try to breathe through my nose and through my mouth at first, then finally try to inspire and come out through the nose to loosen congestion. If necessary, let any mucus fall into the pot (yes, I know it is rude, but the pot can be washed!).
Once finished, pour the liquid and herbs into the pot (never reuse!) And wash the pot well. For the benefits of the skin, I also like to wipe my face with a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water after a facial vapor to tone skin and remove anything that has loosened pores.
Important Notes
Some people use essential oils for face vapors. Personally, I am not like essential oils can be very powerful and steam can intensify their effects. I prefer to stick with the use of essential oils properly in a diffuser and using dried herbs in a steam face.
Face vapors are not recommended for young children (due to the potential heat of vapor) or pregnant women (due to the potential effects of herbs) without checking with a health care professional. Of course, steam is hot and caution should be exercised when handling and breathing.
Garlic can also be added to the steam mixture for an added benefit.