When we breathe, we collect air from the environment that can be dry or humid, cold or hot, but then, from the lungs, we exhale air that is always humid and warm: it is our own fogthe most natural and accessible. And sometimes the best remedy to soften our respiratory mucous membranes.

With a handkerchief, scarf or mask kaopoca Japanese, we can make a small tent, breathe in it and inhale that vapor.

But we can also produce fumes heating and evaporating water, alone or with medicinal plants. Or, instead of inspiring it, we can apply it locally to specific pathologies.

In this video you will find other strategies apart from steam to expel mucus and improve a cold:

The vapors help you breathe better and much more

Vapors are beneficial both by the action of heat and by the plants that we add to the water

Breathe in the steam deflatesrelieves, thins mucus, helps expectoration and activates metabolism.

It is indicated at the beginning of a cold or headacheand in sinusitis, laryngitis or otitis media; In bronchitis, the pot is placed on a low stool to also direct the steam to the chest.

The headaches They also improve acne, due to their skin cleansing effect.

In local applications, steam may be useful against excessive sweatingin rheumatic disorders and in nails.

Combined with cold applications, helps with circulatory problemsas well as causing a reaction in the feet and warming them. heat and humidity

When making the vapors, they must always be hot and pleasant. The cold, humid mist imitates a foggy environment that is counterproductive to the respiratory tract. Cold mist vaporizers are sold that, even when used in hot environments, do not benefit respiratory health.

Try to make the vapors in a warm environmentwith digestion completed. And never on the cold ground.

What plants to add to the water?

Choose them for their properties: sage for excessive foot sweat; horse chestnut and vine for leg circulation; thyme and rosemary for nail polish; harpagofito, rosemary or turmeric, among others, for rheumatism…

You can also breathe vapors by letting the pot release the steam and aromas of the plants throughout the room or kitchen and stay there breathing for 20 minutes or an hour.

You can measure the ambient humidity with a hygrometer: normal is 50-70%. If it doesn’t arrive, you can put a pot with water and plants that give off steam and a good smell.

Cultivate medicinal plants at home. Its smell will create an environment more similar to the humidity of the forest, with the warmth of home. This pleasantly softens the mucous membranes and improves cleanliness and respiratory function.

Making vapors at home is very simple

in a pot Heat 3-5 liters of water and the chosen plants. Sit in front and covers head, neck and chest uncovered with a sheet or towel, and on top of it a wool blanket.

For inhalelittle by little uncover the pot and breathe through your nose and mouth. Close the towel or sheet and the blanket so that the steam does not escape, but without tightening them too much to avoid burning yourself.

The effect is immediate. Sweating will occur within a few seconds of starting to inhale the steam. Extend the session from 10 to 20 minutes. For greater effectiveness, do two sessions a day.

Finish the steam bath with cold water friction of the entire wet area to create contrast. Then dry yourself and wrap yourself warmly immediately.

He eucalyptus(Eucalyptus globulus) is one of the plants that you can add to water in case of a cold.

Also take advantage of the local heat baths

He foot steam bath It is indicated at the beginning of a cold or headache, to help the reaction of cold feet, in excess sweat (along with cold applications), circulatory problems, rheumatism and nails.

Apply it like this: Sit down, put the pot on the floor and place a wooden rack on top to support your feet. Wrap the lower half of your naked body with a towel and a wool blanket on top. When finished, run your feet under cold water and dry them well.

He sitz bath It is used as a sudorific procedure (more intense than the dry sauna).

in an old chair Open a hole in the center for steam to pass through and place the pot underneath. Sit warmly like in the foot bath (protects the testicles). Rest for 15 to 30 minutes in bed (warmed), sweating. Wipe your entire body with cool water and dry yourself.

You can also treat other parts of the body with partial baths. Steam is applied to the area to be treated for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, bed rest (warmed), cold body washing and vigorous drying. A hose with a nozzle can be used to direct the steam.