Steam Inhalation Benefits & How to Use
Blocked nasal passages during cold or sinuses can make it difficult to breathe. At times, it also causes sleep disturbance. One of the best home remedies that you can try for immediate relief from nasal blockage is steam inhalation. This blog explains the various benefits of steam inhalation.
What Is Steam Inhalation?
Steam inhalation is a simple process of taking in steam through your nose. The warm vapour provides moisture to the dry mucus membranes in the nose and throat. This helps loosen the mucus and provides relief from chest congestion. You can do steam inhalation with steam inhaler equipment, a bowl, a pan with hot water or by taking a steam bath.
Steam Inhalation Benefits
Steam inhalation is an age-old therapy to get relief in case of a blocked nose. You can also try it if you have a hoarse voice and dry throat or cough. Steam inhalation benefits have been discussed below in detail:
1. Improves Respiratory Health
Dirt and pollution in the air can cause lung infections and respiratory diseases. Regular steam inhalation can help treat respiratory infections and improve respiratory health because heat can kill bacteria or viruses in the nasal path. According to a study, steam inhalation was also considered an effective treatment for Covid-19 patients. Another study suggested that steam inhalation therapy helps reduce respiratory tract infection symptoms in children.
2. Helps Provide Relief from Bronchitis
An old study suggests that steam inhalation in bronchitis patients eases respiratory distress for a short time.
3. Helps Cure Sinus Issues
According to research, steam inhalation can also help calm sinusitis symptoms like sore throat, headache, and blocked nose. However, it does not help with congestion.
Benefits of Steam Inhalation During Cold
Steam inhalation is beneficial to open blocked nasal passages during cold and sinusitis. Steam provides moisture to dry mucus membranes and loosens congestion in the chest. Also, the hot vapour can help reduce bacterial infections in the nasal passage and reduce common cold symptoms.
Steam Therapy for Lungs at Home
- Boil water in a pan and add 4-5 tulsi, eucalyptus, rose, or neem leaves.
- Keep the water aside for 1-2 minutes and apply ghee on the nostrils.
- Make a tent with a towel to cover your face and head.
- Sit on a chair and bring your head above the bowl to inhale the steam.
- You can inhale it for 8-10 minutes.
Steam therapy is beneficial in opening a blocked nasal passage and also provides relief from bronchitis symptoms.