How to make therapeutic vapors and steam baths at home

When breathing, we collect air from the environment that can be dry or humid, cold or hot, but then, from the lungs, we exhale air that is always humid and warm: it is our own vapor, the most natural and accessible. And sometimes the best remedy to soften our respiratory mucosa.

with a handkerchief, scarf or mask kaopoca Japanese, we can make a small tent, breathe in it and inspire that vapor.

But we can also produce vapors heating and evaporating water, alone or with medicinal plants. Or, instead of inspiring it, we can apply it locally in specific pathologies.

The vapors help you breathe better and much more

The vapors are beneficial both by the action of the heat and by the action of the plants that we add to the water

breathe in steam deflatessoothes, thins mucus, helps expectorate and activates metabolism.

Indicated at the onset of a cold or headache, and in sinusitis, laryngitis or otitis media; in bronchitis the pot is placed on a low stool to also direct the steam to the chest.

The head vapors They also improve acne, due to their purifying effect on the skin.

In local applications, steam can be useful against excess sweatingin rheumatic and nail disorders.

Combined with cold applications, help with circulatory problems, as well as causing a reaction in the feet and heating them up. heat and humidity

When making the vapors, these must always be hot and nice. The cold, wet mist mimics a foggy environment that is harmful to the respiratory tract. Cold vapor vaporizers are sold that, even when used in hot environments, do not benefit respiratory health.

Try to make the vapors in a warm environment, with finished digestion. And never on the cold ground.

What plants to add to the water?

Choose them for their properties: sage for excessive foot sweat; horse chestnut and vine for circulation in the legs; thyme and rosemary for nails; devil’s claw, rosemary or turmeric, among others, for rheumatism…

You can also breathe vapors by letting the pot release the steam and the aromas of the plants throughout the room or kitchen and stay there breathing between 20 minutes or an hour.

You can measure the humidity with a hygrometer: normal is 50-70%. If it does not arrive, you can put a pot with water and plants that give off steam and a good smell.

cultivate medicinal plants at home. Its smell will create an environment more similar to the humidity of the forest, with the warmth of home. This pleasantly softens the mucous membranes and improves cleanliness and respiratory function.

Making steam at home is very simple

In a pot heat 3-5 liters of water and the chosen plants. sit in front and covers head, neck and chest uncovered with a sheet or towel, and a woolen blanket on top.

For inhale, gradually uncover the pot and breathe through the nose and mouth. Close the towel or sheet and the blanket so that the steam does not escape, but do not tighten them too tightly to avoid burning yourself.

The effect is immediate. Sweating will occur within a few seconds of starting to inhale the vapor. Lengthen the session from 10 to 20 minutes. For greater effectiveness, perform two sessions a day.

Finish the steam bath with a cold water friction of the entire wet area to create contrast. Then dry off and wrap up immediately.

He eucalyptus(Eucalyptus globulus) is one of the plants that you can add to the water in case of a cold.

Also take advantage of the local heat baths

He foot steam bath It is indicated at the onset of colds or headaches, to help the reaction of cold feet, excessive sweating (along with cold applications), circulatory problems, rheumatism and nails.

Apply it like this: sit down, put the pot on the ground and put a wooden rack on top to rest your feet. Wrap the lower half of your bare body in a towel and a woolen blanket on top. When finished, run your feet through cold water and dry them well.

He sitz bath It is used as a sudorific procedure (more intense than the dry sauna).

in an old chair poke a hole in the center for steam to pass through and place the pot under it. Sit warm as in the foot bath (protects the testicles). Rest for 15 to 30 minutes in (warmed) bed, sweating. Pass a cloth with cool water all over your body and dry yourself.

You can also treat other parts of the body with partial baths. Steam is applied to the area to be treated for 10 to 15 minutes. Then – bed rest (warmed), cold washing of the body and vigorous drying. A hose with a nozzle can be used to direct the steam.