Steam inhalation is a type of home remedy for treating colds and flu. In some cases this procedure is done to relieve a person from nasal congestion.
Back in the days, people use herbs for treatment of illnesses and first aid. Just like these herbs, steam therapy is being practiced by elders to feel better from having fever. Some for congested sinuses.
The most common procedure is to boil water with salt and place this boiling water into a bowl. Drape a towel over your head as you lower it down in about 10 inches away from the water. Inhale the steam for atleast 5-10 minutes or as needed.
Some families add therapeutic herbs to their boiling water like ginger and oregano which are also known for the benefit of treating cough and colds.
Even my family and I practice this at home especially when we have fever. Based on this experience I would say that it's somehow effective, although it doesn't go away in an instant but it helps with the healing process.
The steam is said to dissolve thick mucus on nasal passages. It clears your throat and other respiratory airways. After minutes of doing the therapy, you'll have better breathing.
On the other hand this steam inhalation therapy has been connected with Covid 19 treatment. A lot of testimonies had proven steam therapy turns out to be effective in preventing the illness to prosper. Some had treated themselves at home by doing this everyday.
However, some doctors and medical experts do not approve of this method. They advise people to refrain from what they take as false and old belief regarding its effectivity.
In Cebu City, Philippines, where the largest number of Covid 19 cases of the country is recorded, steam inhalation kits such as bowls, kettles and towels were distributed to residents for prevention.
It created tension between some young doctors and the governor of the said province. The purpose of the government is to help especially the poor communities who can't afford hospitalizations. But this initiative is being mocked by the doctors. They posted offensive and disrespectful words against the governor on social media that caused her to burst into anger.
Some medical experts say it doesn't treat you from the virus. But some also had recommended this procedure. So, which is which? Who would believe whom?
For me, maybe it can really help with the prevention. It may not be proven to be the most effective treatment but atleast it helps prevent the symptoms from developing in our bodies.
We all know, steam inhalation is not really a prescribed medicine, but why don't we just try it? There's no harm in trying, right? It's better to atleast do some remedies than just wait for Covid vaccine which will take a longer time. Maybe we could atleast save lives.
In steam inhalation there is no assurance that a person can really get better with any illnesses but personally, I tried it myself and we practice it at home. It does give relief. But we have different bodies. Your body might not react the same as mine with this type of therapy.
Take note that this article is written from my personal experience with steam inhalation. This might not work for others so if you try it at home and your symptoms worsens, better stop immediately. Just a friendly reminder. 😉
Stay healthy!!