Steam inhalation is a method recommended by the Ministry of Health to support the treatment of Covid-19 patients at home. Follow this article to learn about safe and effective steam inhalation methods at home!
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many mild cases were treated using steam inhalation, which helps support disease treatment and disinfect the throat area. This therapy uses heat combined with highly antibacterial herbal ingredients.
Steam Inhalation is Recommended by the Ministry of Health
Steam inhalation with herbs is widely indicated for cases such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory infections caused by viruses or bacteria, and for clearing and opening the airways in adverse weather conditions and environmental pollution.
Steam inhalation can be done with natural herbal leaves.
Effective Home Steam Inhalation Method
Steam inhalation is a method recommended by the Ministry of Health in protocols for the prevention, control, and treatment of Covid-19. This method is very effective for cleaning the respiratory tract, disinfecting the airways, and helping to eliminate viruses while enhancing respiratory health. Here is the safest and most effective way to perform steam inhalation at home.
First, prepare the inhalation ingredients, which can be purchased from stores. You can use antibacterial herbs or, more conveniently, buy pre-packaged tea bags. Next, prepare a thermos or an electric kettle. Depending on the capacity of the container, you can add 1, 2, or 4 tea bags. Then, prepare a towel to cover your face and head during the steam inhalation for safety and effectiveness. The steps are as follows:
- Before inhaling, drink a glass of warm water.
- Add 2-4 tea bags to let the steam rise.
- When the steam begins to rise, start the inhalation.
- The pleasant herbal aroma and light essential oil scent will help you relax.
Important Notes for Home Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation generally has no contraindications since it involves a small area; however, there are some important notes:
- Ensure safety during inhalation, avoiding direct contact with mucous membranes to prevent burns.
- The inhalation duration should be 10-15 minutes; do not inhale for too long.
- Avoid using essential oils or hot oils with strong spicy properties like garlic, menthol oil, or eucalyptus oil, as they can cause respiratory burns and eye irritation.
- Purchase natural herbal leaves according to the recommended recipes or pre-packaged herbal bags for inhalation, avoiding chemical-based essential oils.
- At the end of the inhalation, gradually open the towel to help your body adapt to the change in environment.
- After inhalation, you can mix the inhalation water with a little diluted salt to gargle 4-5 times a day to clean the throat area.
- If you experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness, dizziness, or any unusual symptoms during the inhalation, stop immediately. Elderly individuals or those with chronic illnesses should have someone assist them to avoid falling.
According to Dr. Nguyễn Hà My, Hanoi Traditional Medicine General Hospital.
Additionally, using ingredients like lemon, ginger, and lemongrass for inhalation is also very popular. You can follow these steps:
These are common and easily purchased ingredients.
Add 3-5 stalks of lemongrass and a piece of ginger, or lemongrass combined with a few cloves of garlic, to a pot and boil. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the pot to inhale the steam.
After boiling the mixture, simply cover your head and face with a towel, breathe deeply to allow the steam and essential oils to enter the nasal and throat areas.
The hot steam rising from the pot dilates peripheral blood vessels, increases blood flow, stimulates sweat glands, and helps eliminate toxins from the body, providing relief for the patient.
Steam inhalation helps thin mucus secretions, soften nasal crusts, provide moisture to dry nasal mucosa, and effectively drain stagnant fluids in the nasal area, quickly reducing nasal congestion and relieving nasal mucosa swelling, creating a comfortable relaxation sensation.
The duration of each inhalation session is about 20 minutes. After inhalation, dry off, keep warm, and avoid drafts.
Only those with symptoms should use steam inhalation and should not overuse it; it is best to steam alone, with a frequency of once a day. Additionally, follow the preventive measures for Covid-19.
