Steam Inhalation

 The following supplies are needed to do a steam inhalation: 
Timer or phone timer
Pan or teapot to boil 2 cups of water 
2 cups of water 
Up to 3 drops of therapeutic essential oils that work well for steam inhalations (at the bottom of this post is suggestions on therapeutic oils.)
Towel 
Ceramic or Glass Bowl that can handle boiling water

Steps: 
1.  Place 2 cups of water set to boil on stove top. 
2.  While waiting get the other supplies ready.
3. Place up to 3 drops of therapeutic essential oils of your choosing into heat resistant bowl. 
4. Set timer to 2 minutes. 
5. When water has come to boiling point place carefully boiling water into heat resistant bowl. 
6.  Turn off heat on stove top.  
7. Start timer that you have set for 2 minutes. 
8. Cover your head and the bowl with the boiling water and essential oils with your towel. Please be careful due to the steam and boiling water is extremely hot. Try to work quickly so as to catch as much of the steam due to the essential oil drops are in the steam droplets that are evaporating. 
9. After you'er done with the 2 minutes you may want to stay under the towel longer. Some do it as long as they can handle it. 
10. Once you are done you will simply want to blow your  nose and possibly cough up some phlegm. 

Make sure at all times while under the towel to NOT OPEN YOUR EYES OR BREATHE THROUGH YOUR MOUTH.

​FAQ: 
How many times per day can a steam inhalation be done? 
Can be done up to 4 times a day for 4 days.   
FAQ: 
Can I use more than 3 drops? 
Up to 3 drops seems to be the given number due to nasal fatigue that can occur when more than 3 is used.


On a personal note:  When I need a steam inhalation I noticed that 3 drops is too much for me so I do only 2 drops and only 3 times a day for 4 days.  Some in my family love 3 drops in a steam inhalation.  

*Also it is great for the facial skins health as well. 

Here are just some of the essential oils that are used in steam inhalations:

Precautions and Safety Concerns:  
Please take note that some of the essential oils listed are not to be used when pregnant, nursing, on babies, children, or animals, those with asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, blood conditions and allergies. 

For a Cold:
Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Tea Tree
Lavender

Expectorants:
Basil
Sage
Oregano
Thyme
Marjoram
Rosemary

After I have finished my steam inhalation I place my remaining water essential oil blend into one of my essential oil diffusers. This helps to not waste the essential oils as well as then it helps permeate the air with the essential oils therapeutic medicinal qualities as well. 

Always be advised as to pets by essential oils due to they are haphazdous for them. So if you are in a closed area with a diffuser going and you have pets be aware of their intake as well.