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Steam Treatments for a Cold

Using steam to help fight a cold is one of the countless home remedies that people use. The belief behind the process is that by breathing in the steam we allow the warm vapors to enter our bodies, at which point they help to unblock the build up of phlegm and mucus. With the congestion loosened, the symptoms brought on by that build up begin to ease and we feel better again. There are different ways to go about trying out this remedy in your own home.

  1. Boil Water

    • The most popular steam remedy is to take a pot from the kitchen, fill it with water and bring it to the boil. Then you are to stand over the pot, with a towel draped over your head to help trap the heat, and breathe in the steam for between 10 to 30 minutes. The pot can be filled with just water but herbs (such as eucalyptus and sage) or medicines (such as vapor rub) can be added that also help loosen the congestion caused by the cold. Remember to place your head at a safe distance away from the surface of the water as steam can burn. Also if the steam starts to burn your nostrils, you can combat this by slowing your breathing.

    Humidifier

    • If you find leaning over a pot to be uncomfortable then you could use a steam-room or sauna to help create the same effect. However, if you do not feel healthy enough to leave the house, you can use a humidifier to help heat the room you are resting in. Humidifiers are filled with water that is then released into the air to create steam and vapor.

    A Shower Or Bath

    • Having a hot bath or shower is another way in which you can produce steam to help fight off the effects of a cold. Baths are more recommended as they can also allow you to rest by lying down. Spend 15 minutes in the water before drying yourself off and quickly wrapping yourself in your bed covers. This helps to keep your body warm thus allowing the congestion to remain loosened by the heat. It is important to note that the hot bath could result in you sweating a lot, so remember to keep yourself well hydrated.

    Chicken Soup

    • Chicken soup works to help rid a cold. The heat generated by the soup can help to warm up a throat and push phlegm out of the body.

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