The doctor has told me to inhale steam from a bowl four times a day to try to cure a persistant cough,okay I said,but now not sure of correct way ,how long a session do I need ? I have some olbas oil so should think a couple of drops of that might help. Do I need a towel or is it okay without ?
Anyone else had to do this ?
2007-04-02 22:18:05 · 11 answers · asked by lucy 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
. Simply heat a pot of water until it is steaming, and then place it on a table. Sit down and lean over the pot, close the eyes, drape a towel over the head, and inhale the steam into the nose, sinuses, and lungs.
The steam will soon relieve any congestion. But continue to inhale steam into the nasal passages for as long as you can without discomfort.
Inhaling steam is even more effective and pleasant if you add a few drops of essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary, juniper, pine, and rose geranium. A single oil will do, but all five are better.
Half an hour is probably the maximum for inhaling steam. Inhaling steam for 10 to 15 minutes or so each morning and evening can provide wonderful relief for a head cold. Hope you are better soon
2007-04-02 22:30:10 · answer #1 · answered by Corndolly 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
RE:
when inhaling steam from a bowl, anyone know the correct procedure?
The doctor has told me to inhale steam from a bowl four times a day to try to cure a persistant cough,okay I said,but now not sure of correct way ,how long a session do I need ? I have some olbas oil so should think a couple of drops of that might help. Do I need a towel or is it okay...
2015-08-04 11:22:47 · answer #2 · answered by Guilbert 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Work up to this, so that you get used to it and will know if something's not quite right, such as the water at wrong temp etc.
Start with some cooler water (I mean not so hot, rather than cold) and also progressively extend the time period that you're steaming for. You nasal and lungs are sensitive things, with delicate skin linings.
I've always used a towel, even if using a steaming device, that you can get from somewhere like Boots, in the UK. It prevents some of the steam from escaping, concentrating and directing it into your nose. If you feel dizzy, take a break, as well as if you get blocked up.
Experiment with additives, someone suggested the Olbas oil, or you could make your own mix: you can buy menthol crystals very cheaply, otherwise oil of Eucalyptus is good. These will help prevent sinus congestion. You could finish these off if you ever get blocked sinuses, once you've finished treatment.
Good luck! Rob
2007-04-03 02:55:54 · answer #3 · answered by Rob E 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best way to do it is, fill your bowl with steaming hot water add the Olbas Oil, get a big enough towel, and put your head over the bowl and breath in through your nose and exhale out of your mouth. Do this for about 5 minutes. This should help clear your airways. My son had to go into hospital and was put on a nebuliser machine when he was a toddler. It's the same kind of thing - in a round about way!
2007-04-02 22:35:34 · answer #4 · answered by Nicky♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont really know if there is a correct procedure but yes, use a towel as it will keep the steam in so you can inhale it easier. Can use olbas oil or vicks, but close your eyes! Usually about 10-15 minute sessions are enough.
2007-04-02 22:21:21 · answer #5 · answered by ejb199 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sit at a low table like an end table with the bowl on it poor the hot water in and lean forward draping a large towel over you and the bowl you should look like a kid is trying to wake a tent out of you if the table is to high you wont get enough steam but if it is to low you can get a sore back so you may have to try a few before you find the right one
2007-04-02 22:23:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a towel, much easier. Don't have the water really really boiling as this could burn the inside of your nose and hurts like mad! Don't spend too long under there. I would reckon 10 minutes at the most each session. Couple of drops max
2007-04-02 22:44:15 · answer #7 · answered by itaintsnowing 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never heard of olbas oil. Interesting. Eucalyptus leaves, steeped in boiled water (not boiled in water), left covered with a lid for 5 minutes, then recovered with towel, lift one side or corner of the towel, breathe in the steam, recover with towel. Lift corner and breathe steam again....Eucalyptus will loosen any congestion in your sinuses and lungs and aids in expelling mucous. Feel better.
2007-04-02 22:31:55 · answer #8 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can do it with or without the oil put a towel over your head lean over the bowl the steam will open your airways
2007-04-02 22:20:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep , put the oil in , drape the towel over your head and inhale for about 5 mins !!
2007-04-02 22:20:43 · answer #10 · answered by nicemanvery 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋