Steam Inhalation with Essential Oils

We’ve been dealing with Covid in the house this week. Luckily I’ve managed to avoid the virus so I can care for my sick husband. Today I decided to get him to do a steam inhalation to help shift some congestion and open up his airways.

Steam inhalation is the most effective and intense method of inhalation - it only takes 2 drops to help shorten sickness. I wanted to include the benefits of more than 2 oils in the steam (2 drops = only 2 oils), so firstly I made up a little steam blend using 4 oils.

For the recipe below, I selected essential oils found in the monoterpene chemical family. Oils rich in monoterpenes are known to have the following therapeutic benefits:

Most oils rich in monoterpene have an antiseptic effect.
They can be helpful decongestants for the respiratory and muscular system (improves circulation and reduces stagnation in the muscles)
Most monoterpene-rich oils are anti-inflammatory
Many have an antibacterial effect.
Some are antiviral
Many oils rich in monoterpenes are also effective airborne deodorizers and purifiers.

Cautions

Steam inhalation is the most intense method of inhaling essential oils, so please take note of the following safety guidelines:

+ Use caution during pregnancy
+ Not recommended for children under 10 years of age
+ Do not use more than two drops
+ Wait for water to slightly cool
+ Close your eyes during inhalation

Blend Recipe

+ 3 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
+ 4 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
+ 10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
+ 13 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

Supplies

+ Empty Glass Dropper Bottle
+ Label for Blend
+ Bowl
+ Towel
+ Hot Water
+ Tissues

The Method

1. Start by carefully counting out the drops of essential oils into a clean empty dropper bottle. Pop on the lid and give the bottle a gentle shake to combine the oils. Write the date and name on a strip of paper and stick it to the bottle for future reference.

2. Fill half your bowl with steaming hot water. The water temperature is important. If it has just boiled, let it sit for a minute. You want steam but you don’t want to burn your face!

3. Add one or two drops of the blend to your bowl of hot water. Do not use more than two drops. If three or more drops come out leave that bowl to steam in the air to kill airborne germs, and then try again. Three drops will be too strong to steam with.

4. Put the bowl on a counter or your lap, close your eyes, and put your face over the bowl. If the steam temperature is comfortable for your face, then put the towel over your head and breathe.

Relax while breathing for a minute or two inhaling deeply through the nose, and exhaling through the mouth. Inhaling through the nose will be most effective for sinus issues. Inhaling deeply through the mouth will be most effective for respiratory issues.

After a minute or so you might want to take your head out to blow your nose or cough, do this then go back under the towel. This is a good sign that the oils are clearing your sinuses and lungs.

Continue for several minutes, until the water cools down and/or when you feel your congestion is relieved. You can also leave the bowl in the room as it cools down to diffuse into the air.

When you feel a virus is coming on, I recommend you steam multiple times a day (3–5 times) for the first few days to help limit the duration of your virus.