You will need the following equipment: Fresh or dried herbs, a heat proof bowl, 4 cups of boiling water and a bath towel. Boil 4 cups of water. In a large heat proof glass or ceramic bowl, add one teaspoon of the herb of choice. Pour the boiling water slowly over the herbs. Hold your head about six inches above the bowl and inhale the steam. Capture the healing herb vapor by draping the towel over your head. This creates a vapor tent and holds in the steam. Usually 5-7 minutes is enough to relieve congestion. Thyme: Acts as an expectorant, loosening phlegm in the respiratory tract so it can be coughed up. Thyme’s active ingredient is thymol. Thymol has strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. Peppermint: An active ingredient in chest rubs and is used to treat the common cold. Peppermint kills certain bacteria, fungus and viruses. Used in steam inhalation it clears sinus passages, and relieves a sore throat. Peppermint and its main ingredient, menthol, are effective decongestants. Menthol vapor thins out mucus, and helps loosen phlegm. Sage: Contains thujone and camphor. Remember those chest rubs and warm flannel when you were a child? Inhaling the sage steam will break … Continue reading Steam Inhalation Natural Healing Remedy Using Herbs