How To Do A Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation (cold & sinus relief)
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Get rid of a stuffy nose or sore throat naturally with eucalyptus oil steam inhalation.
If you feel like you are getting sick or are in search of a natural way to help your sore throat or cold, steam inhalation with essential oil is a home remedy that really helps!
The warm steam mixed with the natural anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-congestion properties of eucalyptus essential oil helps to clear your sinuses and respiratory tract giving you amazing relief.
With cold and flu season in full swing, natural remedies to help combat this cold weather are always welcomed! One of the worst parts about having a cold is the terrible sore throat and stuffy nose that comes with it.
A few years ago my family and I started doing steam inhalation using eucalyptus oil and we have all been big fans ever since! It’s one of our favorite go-to home remedies whenever we are feeling under the weather. We like to do it right when we start to feel that tickle in the back of our throats or whenever we have a stuffy nose.
Eucalyptus oil is known for giving respiratory relief, easing congestion, and supporting your sinuses. After just a few minutes we feel immediate relief not only just in our throats and sinuses but feeling better overall.
Eucalyptus benefits
Studies have shown that eucalyptus essential oil is effective in providing respiratory relief and boosting the immune system. It is known to be naturally anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. This oil is also an excellent cleaning disinfectant and an effective mosquito repellent!
The natural decongestion properties of eucalyptus oil are particularly helpful if you have a stuffed nose and can’t sleep.
Lastly, eucalyptus is also apart of a known anti-bacterial immune-boosting blend along with rosemary, clove, cinnamon, and lemon essential oils.
(Dr. Axe “Eucalyptus Oil Uses and Benefits“)
(WebMD “Eucalyptus oil Benefits and Uses“)
(Healthline “Can Essential Oils Treat Sinus Congestion?“)
(Always do your own research when using essential oils, especially if you have an allergy to them.)
What you need for a eucalyptus steam inhalation.
Eucalyptus essential oil – Make sure it’s 100% pure without any fillers or additives from a reputable company. Organic is preferred, but if not, it’s ok! We like to use this one from NOW Foods. I also like Mary Tylor and Plant Therapy essential oils.
Stainless steel pot – We find that heating the pot over the stove helps the steam to stay warmer for longer. It’s our preferred method over using an electric kettle and then pouring it into a pot or bowl. Grab the biggest pot to provide plenty of steam.
Filtered/ distilled water – Because we are going to breathe the steam in, it’s best to use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water so we don’t breath in any chemicals from the water or pipes.
Towel – Used to capture the steam so you can breathe it in for sinus relief.
Shower cap (optional) – We wrap our hair with a scarf and a shower cap to protect it from reverting from the hot steam.
How to use eucalyptus steam for cold and flu relief
Step one. Heat a large pot with 2 cups of water until boiling.
Step two. Remove from the heat and add several drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Cover your head with a towel then lean over the pot. Make sure the towel surrounds the pot to trap the steam.
Step three. Keep your eyes close and/or covered with your hands, take slow deep breaths and inhale the steam for several minutes. Add more oils as needed.
Tips for eucalyptus steam inhale:
Keep your eyes closed or covered. The hot steam and the minty properties of eucalyptus can irritate your eyes if they aren’t covered or at least closed during the steam inhalation.
Add oils as needed. Many suggestions for steam inhalations are for 1 – 3 drops of oil. We find that this doesn’t help to relieve our cold or sinus symptoms. I like to use several drops, breathe it in, and then when I can’t smell the eucalyptus anymore I add a few more drops. Start with a few drops then increase as needed, of course, don’t add too many.
You might cough. Hot steam mixed with essential oil can cause coughing. If it’s too much for you, open the towel so you can breathe fresh air.
Repeat steam inhales as needed. Sometimes we might do it 1 – 2 times a day until the cough or sore throat is totally or mostly gone.
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How To Do A Eucalyptus Steam (cold & sinus relief)
Equipment
Materials
- 2 cups distilled/ filtered water
- Several drops of Eucalyptus essential oil 100% pure and organic
Other items
- Towel
- Large pot
- Shower cap optional for covering your hair
Instructions
- Heat a large pot with water until boiling. Remove from heat.
- Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water. Cover your head with a towel then lean towards the pot, closing your eyes and/or covering them with your hands.
- Use the towel to surround the pot to trap in the steam more. Inhale for several minutes, adding more oil as needed.
- Discard water when finished.
