Steam inhalation
Two things come together in a steam inhalation: the moist heat that loosens stubborn mucus, and the essential oil that rises with the steam. Most of the effect comes from the steam itself — which is why plain hot water also helps. It is exactly for that reason that this application is not harmless for small children or for people with asthma.
How it is done
- Put one to two litres of hot water in a wide bowl. Not boiling: around 60 degrees is enough and reduces the risk of scalding.
- Add a handful of herb or three to five drops of essential oil — more is not better, only more irritating.
- Drape a large towel over head and bowl and breathe calmly in through the nose and out through the mouth, eyes closed.
- Five to ten minutes, two or three times a day.
- Afterwards stay somewhere warm for half an hour and do not go straight outside.
- For the nose, pharmacies sell inhalers; they direct the steam more precisely and are far safer than an open bowl.
What this form suits
Plants carrying essential oil: chamomile, thyme, sage, eucalyptus, spruce needles, peppermint. For anything that mainly contains mucilage or bitters, inhalation achieves nothing — those do not rise with the steam.
Where it ends
Menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil must not come near the face of infants and toddlers: they can trigger laryngospasm and arrest of breathing. In asthma, inhaling essential oils can set off an attack — check with the treating practice first. An open bowl of hot water is one of the commonest causes of severe scalds in children and does not belong on the table when children are around. In acute sinusitis with strong pressure, heat can make symptoms temporarily worse.
Plants used this way
24 plants in this database have at least one documented use in this form. Not on this list: toxic and legally controlled species — and, for plants carrying a caution, any internal use resting on folklore alone. Everything remains reachable through the search and the plant index.
Aromatherapeutically, fresh leaves or the essential oil are used for exhaustion, migraine, insomnia and mild respiratory irritation.
Traditionally used to relieve cough associated with colds and as an inhalation or bath additive to help clear the upper airways; registered in the…
Steam inhalation of 2–3 drops essential oil in hot water or diffuser for cold symptoms and relaxation.
Folk ginger steam inhalation for cold symptoms, cough and sinus congestion — mildly stimulating to mucous membranes, warming.
Common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis (folk medicine)
In folk medicine mullein flowers are used as a warm, moist steam inhalation for catarrhal complaints of the upper respiratory tract.
Steam inhalation with hyssop herb infusion for upper respiratory tract catarrh.
Folk inhalation with juniper essential oil for colds and bronchial catarrh — mucolytic action via monoterpenes (α-pinene, sabinene).
Steam inhalation with crushed bay leaves in hot water for bronchial catarrh and colds.
Aromatherapy for calming and as a sleep aid — traditional use.
Traditional steam inhalation with chamomile flowers or blue chamomile oil for catarrhal complaints of the upper airways — anti-inflammatory and muc…
Steam inhalation with fresh Bowles' mint leaves or a few drops of essential oil in hot water is used in folk medicine for colds and sinus complaints.
Freshly cut onion as bedside inhalation for blocked nose and cold: a halved onion on the night-stand is a folk remedy said to ease nocturnal breath…
Folk-medicinal steam inhalation of oregano herb or a few drops of diluted oregano essential oil for stubborn bronchial mucus, rhinitis and incipien…
Steam inhalation with peppermint oil for symptomatic relief of cold symptoms and upper respiratory tract catarrh (EMA traditional use).
Steam inhalation using Norway spruce needle oil: the essential oil from needles and shoot tips contains bornyl acetate, borneol, α-pinene, and myrc…
Inhalation of pine needle oil (Pini aetheroleum) or an infusion of young shoots traditionally relieves catarrh of the upper and lower respiratory t…
Aromatherapy: fresh crushed leaves beside the pillow or in a bowl of warm water on the bedside table release the calming pineapple aroma.
Traditional use as steam inhalation for the common cold, bronchitis and catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract.
Steam inhalation with fresh or dried leaves used in folk medicine for colds and sinus complaints — pleasantly mild scent without menthol intensity.
Folk fumigation and steam inhalation with Thuja shoot tips for colds, blocked nose and bronchitis — mechanism: secretolytic via the essential oil (…
Steam inhalation for bronchitis and congested upper airways.
Folk steam inhalation for nasal congestion and sore throat.
Folk steam inhalation with mullein flowers for head colds and respiratory irritation — warmth and mucilage moisten irritated airways.