The last few weeks have been a blur of stuffy noses and early bedtimes and endless pots of soup around our house. Winter is here, and she brought with her a marathon of headcolds. This Herbal Sinus Steam has been the only thing luring me out of bed in the morning.

Herbal steam baths are an ancient practice used to help ease congestion and moisturize inflamed airways. I have been using a mix of dried eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, thyme and rose petals to help soothe my poor respiratory system. Eucalyptus and rosemary to break up congestion, lavender to open up airways and calm the nervous system, thyme as a gentle expectorant, and rose petals to soothe dry winter skin. I don’t follow a strict recipe…just a few pinches of this and that until it smells aromatic. Feel free to experiment with different ratios of these herbs, dried or fresh, using whatever you might have on hand. If I’m really congested I will also add a drop or two of eucalyptus essential oil to kick it up a notch.

This warm fragrant steam does wonders for a scratchy throat and burning sinuses. A simple healing ritual to sooth the mind, body and spirit when you are under the winter weather.

Sending you lots of tea and healing thoughts, dear ones.

***Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, nurse, herbalist or licensed healthcare practitioner. Some herbs and botanicals are not safe for children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers and may not be suitable to take with certain medications or conditions. This information is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor before beginning any kind of new vitamin, herbal, diet, or exercise regime. Make sure to research all of the ingredients to make sure they are safe for you and your family.

Ingredients:

A few pinches of any of the following herbs (dried or fresh.) Make sure you are only using high quality herbs that haven’t been sprayed with anything.

Eucalyptus (feel free to add or substitute 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil)
Rosemary
Lavender
Thyme
Rose Petals
Optional: 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil and/or lavender essential oil* (may not be suitable for children)

Instructions:

Put a full kettle or pot of water on to boil.
While the water is heating up, place herbs in a separate large pot or heat-resistant bowl.
Carefully pour boiling water over the herbs. Fill the bowl or pot about 2/3 full. Optional: Add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and/or lavender essential oil
Immediately cover bowl with a towel and allow herbs to steep for 5 minutes and the water to cool a bit.
Hold your face about 10 - 12 inches above pot. If the steam feels uncomfortably hot, wait a few more minutes for the water to cool then try again. When the steam has reached a comfortable temperature, cover your head and the bowl completely with a towel to make a little tent.
Close your eyes to avoid irritation and breathe deeply for 5 - 10 minutes. Try to clear your mind and visualize the healing energy you are inhaling.

xo,