You always know when that pesky early spring cold or flu is about to hit – the sudden difficulty in breathing, the cough, the aches. Or when allergy season comes – always earlier than you think, right? There’s nothing pleasant about the sensation of blocked sinuses, runny noses, or watery eyes. Just when the world is starting to warm up and bloom beautifully all around you, you suddenly feel miserable and just want to crawl under the covers.
But steam can help combat that congestion, giving you relief when you need it most. Inhaling steam — a natural remedy as ancient as a pot of steam boiling on an open fire — is reputed to clear congestion, improve breathing and kill off cold viruses, which are sensitive to heat. The most common cause of colds, the rhinovirus, is inactivated at temperatures above 109 degrees Fahrenheit according to laboratory studies. Steam can be incredibly helpful if you suffer from a cold, wheezing chest, sinus discomfort, and other ailments, please do be aware that it is in no way a substitute for medical advice.
>> See The Science Behind the Health Benefits of Steam Showers
Upper respiratory infection, or URI, is a generic term for an infection of the nose, mouth, throat, sinuses, larynx and pharynx, which make up the upper respiratory system. They are more common in the winter and early spring because people tend to stay indoors, sharing the same germ-laden re-circulated air. Most are viral, which means that antibiotics won’t cure them. So what can you do?
While many people reach for over-the-counter remedies, their effectiveness can wane over time. WebMD proposes eight home remedies to help you feel better faster:
That last piece of advice is where your MrSteam home steam shower can become a vital part of helping get relief as you recover.
Steam inhalation introduces warm, moist air into the lungs via the nose and throat, providing soothing relief. The hot steam moistens the nasal passages and relaxes you, thus clearing your blocked nose and opening up congested sinuses, all of which allow you to breathe more easily.
The hot steam circulating around your body and in your lungs, causes the temperature to rise and consequently blood vessels to dilate. This can improve blood circulation. Your immune system reacts to this rise in temperature by increasing the production and action of white blood cells. White blood cells helps you resist bacteria and germs.
MrSteam’s created a list, 40 Benefits Associated with Steambathing, that points out several ways in which your steam shower can help you feel better, faster if you are suffering from congestion and other related symptoms. Here are just a few.
Steambathing:
>> See The 40 Benefits of Steam Bathing
Steam treatment on its own effectively fights respiratory congestion, but aromatherapy can add additional benefits. MrSteam Essential Oils can also help promote a sense of calm and well-being.
>> See How To Add AromaTherapy To Your Steam Shower To Invigorate Mind And Body
The best aromas to use for cold or flu symptoms are those with expectorant and detoxifying properties:
Next time you suffer from an upper respiratory infection, consider trying the combination of steam and aromatherapy – and we hope that you’ll experience sweet relief as a result.
Just remember, serious conditions can masquerade as the common cold and a mild infection can become something more serious. If you have severe symptoms or are feeling more ill with each passing day, we encourage you to make an appointment to see a doctor.