Herbal Decongestant Steam Blend
Winter is definitely here where I live, very cold with a couple more months of it stretching out before us.
Sometimes in this weather a deep cold with a congested head, nose and chest sneaks up on us and it’s no fun.
Here’s a nice, soothing remedy that uses a dried herb blend to help break through that uncomfortable stuffiness.
Recipe:
4 tsp peppermint leaves
3 tsp rosemary
3 tsp thyme
(Makes two treatments)
Directions:
- Mix all the items together, split in half and save one part in an airtight container or ziploc bag.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the 1/2 herbal mixture.
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
Follow the instructions for use on this page…
Edited Slightly
- Place pot on counter or table (on top of a towel to protect the table surface) and remove lid. Cover your head with a large clean towel and position your face over the pot (with the towel acting as a tent over the bowl to capture the steam).
- Keep your eyes closed and your face at least 10 to 12 inches from the boiling water. Enjoy the fragrant heat and relax, but don’t overdo it–keep the time between 5 to 7 minutes.
- When the time is up, splash face with slightly cool water and pat dry.
Do this two nights in a row to help break things up.
Important:
- If you have congested nasal passages or a stuffed up head with a severe headache or a toothache or jaw ache that puts you through the roof, you may have a sinus infection–don’t be shy about having your doctor check it out.
This tip is ‘off the wall’ but really works! If you have a chest cold, rub the bottoms of your feet with Vic’s Vapo-rub and put on a pair of cotton socks. This is to be done at nighttime as you are turning in to bed. My biggest problem is keeping the socks on all night long. I don’t know why or how, but it works. Your chest cold is gone in no time.
That is a cool tip Lynne, thanks!
First, I also looove the vicks/socks treatment. It totally works when you have a bad cold. Second, I cannot wait to try the peppermint, rosemary and thyme steam. And third, for a bad cough, try infusing apple cider vinegar with lemon thyme, lemon balm, and lemon zest; then, mix 1 tsp with 1 tsp of honey. Keep well and thanks for all the great “tips”.