Immune Modulation

Steam Inhalation

Hydrotherapy at Home

Local application of the antimicrobials via steam inhalation will help combat any virus or bacterial infection. The mucus will be liquefied and expelled from the respiratory tract with the hot, wet air. Heating the nasal passages with the condensing steam increases circulation to the respiratory tract and decreases congestion. Thyme, eucalyptus and lavender oils are antimicrobial. Thyme is the strongest. A nasal saline rinse is a great follow-up to this treatment.

Hydrotherapy at home

Gather:

Large mixing bowl- place on table
2-3 drops Essential oil – eucalyptus, thyme or lavender 
Boiled, hot water
Bath-size towel

  1. Set timer to 8 minutes (i.e. microwave, phone timer)
  2. Position face over bowl
  3. Pull towel over top
  4. Seal tent with arms around edges
  5. Close eyes & breathe through nose.

Directions: Fill the mixing bowl half way with boiled, hot water. Get bath-sized towel ready to make a tent over your head. Set the timer for 8 minutes. Sit up with head over bowl, towel over head and bowl, arms sealing sides of the “towel tent”.

Sometimes the vapours can seem too strong. If this is the case, open up side of tent for a few seconds to allow just a little vapour to escape, then seal it back up again.

Stay under the steam inhalation tent until the 8 minute timer goes off.

Repeat up to 3 times daily. Thyme, eucalyptus and lavender oils are antimicrobial. Thyme is the strongest. Local application of the antimicrobials via steam inhalation will help combat any virus or bacterial infection. The mucus will be liquified and expelled from the respiratory tract with the hot, wet air. Heating the nasal passages with the condensing steam increases circulation to the respiratory tract and decreases congestion. A nasal saline rinse is a great follow-up to this treatment.

Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Procedure recommended for adults only. Extremely young or old may not be able to respond to the heat. Contraindicated in those with congestive heart failure, asthma, or serious heart or respiratory conditions as the moist heat may further comprise breathing. This procedure is to be used at own risk and does not constitute medical advice or replace the need for you to see a doctor.

See also

If you seek a caring professional who is a registered naturopathic doctor in Guelph with a functional medicine approach, you’ve come to the right place. Dr, Brow focusses on stimulating the body’s natural mechanisms to repair damage and rebuild health. A HeartMath® Certified Practitioner and a level 2 Certified Gluten Free Practitioner, she holds the designation of ADAPT Trained Practitioner from Kresser Institute, the only functional medicine and ancestral health training company.

References:

Boyle W., Saine A. (1995) Lectures in naturopathic hydrotherapy. Eclectic Medical Publications. Oregon.

Godfrey A., Saunders P. (2010) Principles and practices of naturopathic botanical medicine. CCNM Press. Toronto.