Herbal Facial Steam for Nasal Congestion

So I have this junk living in my nose. I can't tell if its allergies or a head cold. I don't feel sick just congested. The whether here has been really dry and cold, not normal for our usual wet and rainy Northwest whether. I get confused having allergies in the middle of winter thinking its a cold. Whatever it is, its annoying! I am already waking up all night with the 13 month old and having a stuffy runny nose isn't fun.

I have done this before when I had the exact same nose issue a year or so ago and found it very helpful in relieving the congestion and pressure in my nasal passages. I don't use over the counter drugs, they make me feel funny in a bad way so I avoid them all cost. Unless I have been sick for way to long and just want relief. I came across this herbal steam bath for the face in my Herbal Home Spa book and decided to give it a try. I use any herbs I have on hand and I improvise all the time. So don't worry if you don't have all the herbs at your disposal. Tea bags will do the trick also. But the the main ingredient that you must have at all times is a bottle of Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus essential oil. Eucalyptus is believed to be balancing, antiseptic, anti-diabetic, antiviral, decongestant, expectorant, insect repellent, fever reducing and disinfectant. It has multi uses around the home and body. To do the steam bath for nasal congestion or a head cold add the essential oil, but for just a facial steam, which feels heavenly, omit the essential oil.

Basic Herbal Facial Steam 

You may find that your face gets itchy the first time you steam it. That is normal; your skin is reacting to the increased circulation caused by the steam. Using the Eucalyptus essential oil can be intense in the nasal passages and throat; that's good it means it working. 

You need:

2 quarts of water

1 cup of dried herbs

Eucalyptus essential oil

Large pot or bowl

Large towel

To make:

1. Bring water to boil in a large pot.

2. Add dried herb mixture to the boiling water, cover, and turn off heat.

3. After 2 minutes, uncover, give the herbs a stir, and remove from the stove.

To use:

1. Place the pot on the table or counter where you can sit comfortably with your face about 6 inches above it. Drape a large towel over your head and allow it to hang down around the pot so that it catches the vapors and steam. *This is a good time to add the essential oil. Add 2-3 drops to the water.*

2. Keep a comfortable distance from the pot or bowl, try to stay under the towel as long as you comfortable can. *With a cold: breath deeply and relax.*

Herbs

I use whatever I have on hand. I have a bunch of Peppermint and Calendula. Chamomile is also  good. Any tea bags or dried herbs will work. If all you have are tea bags, leave the herbs in the bags and add to the hot water. 

Happy Steaming!

Dodt, Colleen. The Essential Oils Book. 1996. Story Publishing.

Breedlove, Greta. The Herbal Home Spa. 1998. Story Publishing.

Fawn Brubaker, LMP, CHNC, MH has been a practicing Massage Therapist for 9 years and counting. She has obtained a Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consultant and a Diploma in Master Herbalist from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She lives in Washington state with her husband to 2 children.