Natural Remedies: Steam Treatment for Colds and Bronchitis

I planned to wait until the fall to blog about this. However, I recently needed to do this treatment myself. The smoke from the Canadian fires reached where we lived, and it caused me to get bronchitis. This was very unusual because I have never gotten bronchitis before from smoke. I do have mild asthma, so I am more susceptible, but this was definitely not normal. It makes me wonder what was in the smoke to cause this to happen!

I use this treatment when I have a cold. It helps clear out the mucus from my lungs or sinuses. As soon as I start to feel heaviness or pressure starting, I will do this treatment. I typically do it about 2 times a day until I feel like the congestion is clearing up. I also use very high-quality essential oils when I am using it for my health. The cheaper oils may be fine for scent only. However, if you really want to take care of health issues, I suggest using a high-quality brand.

If you have known allergies, consult your health care practitioner. Do this before you try this treatment. I am just sharing what has worked for me. This has worked for me many times. It has often prevented me from having to use antibiotics for lung infections. I will share exactly what I do that works for me. I know everyone is different, and this may not be right for you.

These are the items that you will need:

1. Med Size Cooking Pot
2. Filtered Water
3. Bath Towel
4. Kitchen Hot Pad
5. Tea Tree Essential Oil
6. Frankincense Essential Oil
7. Basil Essential Oil
8. Oil Of Oregano Essential Oil

I fill a medium-sized pot about 1/2 way with filtered water. Then I just bring it to a boil and take it off the stove. I bring it to the table and set it on the hot pad. I make sure to have my towel ready to cover my head. As soon as I set the pot on the table, I add 3 drops of tea tree oil. Then, I add 1 drop of frankincense, 1 drop of basil, and 1 drop oil of oregano. I quickly put my face over the pot and put the towel over my head. I keep my head higher so I don’t get a steam burn (you do not want that to happen). I keep my eyes closed so the oils do not burn my eyes. I start to breathe the steam in. If it feels too hot, I let air in the towel and move my head away for a second. I continue to breathe the steam and oil in through my nose and mouth. After I breathe it in, I hold my breath for about 10 seconds several times during this treatment.

I have done this for years, and it normally helps. There are a few times it has not worked. I have had to take antibiotics during those times. I believe the less you have to do that, the better. Hopefully, this may help some folks out. I am sure we are not through the fires yet, and this is good for any cold or flu congestion. Stay healthy!