For centuries, steam therapy has been used by traditional healing systems around the world to improve and maintain good health, wellness and beauty. Hippocrates recognized that by creating an “artificial fever” through the use of steam or hot water, he could speed recovery and even cure illness.
Just a few of the many benefits of using an herbal steam:
- cleans wounds
- reduces swelling and pain
- promotes blood circulation
- increases blood oxygen levels
- promotes better sleep
There are a couple different types of steams. A therapeutic steam — with or without herbs — can be used to help treat irritated throat, sinusitis, congestion, headache, cough and respiratory infections.
A facial steam is will help open up your pores and detoxify your skin. After you’re done steaming your face, you can follow up with a clay mask to draw out the impurities that the steam has exposed.
How often you choose to do an herbal steam depends on what type you are doing and what you are doing it for. If you’re battling a respiratory illness, an herbal steam inhalation or steaming up a small bathroom with herbs can be done several times a day. If you’re doing a facial steam I recommend no more than 10 minutes once a week. Any more than that, and you risk drying or irritating your skin from too much steam.
Basic Herbal Steam for Aging Skin
Ingredients
- 1 T dried herbs (comfrey, rose petals, elder flower, chamomile. You can make a blend and store it in a jar)
- glass bowl
- 4 c water
- bath towel
- for therapeutic steam, add 1 tsp sea salt (optional, but beneficial)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add salt, then cool to around 110F to avoid burns
- Add 1 T herbs to your bowl
- Pour salt water over the herbs
- Holding your head about 6” above the bowl, drape a towel over your head and bowl
- Inhale the steam for 10 minutes (or until symptoms are relieved)
- Repeat as needed
