Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Spa Girl suggests STEAM INHALATION for cold and flu season

With cold and flu season just around the corner a good idea is to head to the steam room or consider a do-it-yourself eucalyptus steam inhalation.

Steam therapy is one of the oldest holistic health & wellness treatments for maintaining a healthy respiratory system and combating colds and flu. Adding eucalyptus oil to your steam is ideal for relieving related nasal and sinus congestion.

Eucalyptus is an exhilarating, clarifying essential oil that rejuvenates and refreshes the body and mind. Its fragrance is woody, sweet and pungent.

The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases recommends inhaling steam to lessen discomfort and provide quicker relief for sinusitis and allergies.

— U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Pub. No. 83-540
For a do-it-yourself eucalyptus steam pour about 4 to 6 cups of boiling water into a large bowl, place the bowl on stable surface and add three drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl about two feet away—don’t bring your face too close to the water. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for 10 to 15 minutes, if you feel overheated or uncomfortable simply removed the towel.

As with all herbal remedies safety precaution are important to heed: do not add more than the suggested amount of eucalyptus oil, keep children and pets away while doing a eucalyptus steam inhalation—remember that water is hot! And certain people should avoid eucalyptus steam inhalation, such as those with heart conditions, central nervous system disorders, and pregnant women. Eucalyptus essential oil should not be taken internally or applied directly to the skin as it might cause irritation.

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