Preparing an Herbal Steam

Respiratory wellness - a lot of winter respiratory woes come from its cold, dry conditions (externally and thus internally!). The mucous membranes of our respiratory system (including in the mouth, nose, trachea & lungs) are meant to stay warm and moist. Mucus is naturally antimicrobial and helps protect the body from external pathogens. By regularly steaming in the dry seasons, we’re helping to support our body do what it naturally wants to do: keep us healthy and in balance.

Facial care - the heat in steam opens the pores and if you add in a handful of fresh or dried aromatic herbs, this will serve as a delightful treatment for the skin.

I also find the practice of steaming to be wonderfully relaxing and meditative, as it is all about deep breathing and invigorating the senses.

supplies needed:

• large, wide saucepan or bowl

• aromatic herbs (see suggestions below)

• water

• towel

Method One - stovetop

1. Bring 1 - 2 inches of water to boil in a large, wide saucepan.

2. Toss in a handful of aromatic herbs of your choice, cover and simmer for 5 - 10 minutes.

3. Turn off heat, move pan to a heat-safe countertop.

4. Drape towel over your head to trap in the steam, venting as needed.

5. Spend several minutes (or until steam dissipates) breathing deeply and slowly, alternating between mouth and nose.

Method Two - bowl

1. Add a handful of aromatic herbs of your choice to a large, wide bowl.

2. Pour boiling water over herbs.

3. Drape towel over your head to trap in the steam, venting as needed.

4. Spend several minutes (or until steam dissipates) breathing deeply and slowly, alternating between mouth and nose.

note: In the wintertime, steaming happens almost every day in our home! I re-use the same herbs for several days in a row, until they are very noticeably not aromatic anymore. The steeped steam “tea” can also be strained & sipped on, added to a tub for an herbal bath or foot bath, mixed with clay to be used as a facial masque, used as a facial toner, or composted.

herbs for: