Eucalyptus steam inhalation is recommended by some alternative practitioners for relieving nasal congestion and sinus congestion, usually

from colds and flu. It can be done two to four times a day to relieve symptoms. If you're not able to do this, a steamy shower, vaporizer, or facial sauna is an alternative. Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) is an essential oil which can be found in many health food stores and online. It should not be confused with camphor oil. Eucalyptus oil should not be ingested, applied directly to the skin, or used in excess of suggested amounts.

Materials

Kettle Water Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) Sheet or large towel Large bowl or container

Instructions
Fill the kettle and bring the water to a boil. Place the bowl on a stable surface, such as a table. Turn the kettle off and carefully pour approximately four to six cups of water into the bowl. Add two to three drops of eucalyptus oil to the water. With your head at approximately arm's length away, cover your head with the towel. Don't bring your face too close to the water. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Continue for 10 minutes. If you start to feel overheated or uncomfortable, remove the sheet.

Safety Precautions
Do not add more than the suggested amount of eucalyptus oil. Keep children away while doing a eucalyptus steam inhalation. Certain people should avoid eucalyptus steam inhalation, such as those with heart conditions, central nervous system disoders, and pregnant women. Infants, children, and elderly people may not be able to respond appropriately to the heat. Side effects may include headache, dizziness, nausea, and tiredness.

Eucalpytus oil should not be taken internally or applied directly to the skin.

Steam inhalation with essential oil

When steam and essential oils are combined they form a very potent way to help treat some ailments, especially those of the upper respiratory tract, nose and sinuses. This type of treatment should not be used by anybody suffering from asthma.

This type of treatment can be effective when you are suffering from a cold, wheezing chest, sinus discomfort etc. - but remember if you have a medical problem, please contact your licensed medical practitioner. We have listed some conditions below, with corresponding essential oils that may be of help. You could use a single oil, or you can combine oils - it all depends on personal preference, and what works for your particular problem.

Breathing difficulties

Cedarwood Eucalyptus Pine

Bronchitis

Basil Benzoin Cedarwood Clove

Eucalyptus Frankincense Pine Sandalwood Rosemary Tea tree oil Thyme

Colds

Bay Black pepper Clove Ginger Myrrh Orange Pine Rosemary Tea tree

Coughing

Benzoin Black pepper Cardamom Cedarwood Frankincense Peppermint Rosemary Cypress

Sinus

Basil Rosemary Tea tree Eucalyptus Lavender Peppermint Marjoram

Instructions to do steam inhalation

Pour hot water into a bowl and 3 drops of the essential oil that you have selected, place your head about 12 inches (30 cm) above the bowl and cover your head with a towel in such a way that the sides are totally closed and you in actual fact form a tent over the bowl.

Keep your eyes shut and breathe deeply through your nose for 1 to 2 minutes. If you feel that the treatment is getting too much for you, raise the towel so that fresh air is brought into the area and breathe through your mouth a couple of times and then resume the treatment. Should you at any time feel uncomfortable discontinue the treatment. When using this treatment with children or elderly people make sure that they do not burn tSteam inhalation is a home remedy typically used to relieve symptoms of sinusitis, pollen allergies, and other ear, nose, and throat issues. A common benefit cited by medical professionals is that it reduces congestion, as it breaks up mucus in the airways. Some people combine steam inhalation with aromatherapy to provide natural relief without the use of any medications. Often, humidifiers are recommended for people with health problems caused by dry air in the home. When a humidifier alone does not provide enough relief, steam inhalation might help alleviate some symptoms. A common method of inhaling steam is to boil a few cups of water and then pour the steaming water into a large bowl. Next, a towel can be placed over the sufferer's head, as he leans over the bowl of water, breathing deeply through his nose for approximately 15 minutes. As an alternative to using a bowl and a towel, many retail stores and online merchants sell electric steam inhalers with masks. Many people find that aromatherapy provides more relief than steam alone. To alleviate allergy and sinus symptoms using steam inhalation and aromatherapy, an essential oil may be added to the steaming water. Some oils recommended for this purpose include eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary. These are generally used sparingly, with only two to three drops being used at a time. The oils can be used individually or as a combination of scents. hemselves by getting too close to the bowl, or that the steaming water is upset and burns result. Definition: Inhalation of warm, moist air into the mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Effects: 1. Relieves inflammation and congestions of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. 2. Relieves irritation (throat tickle) by moistening the air. 3. Loosens secretions and stimulates expectoration. 4. Relieves spasmodic breathing. 5. Relaxes muscles and thus relieves coughing. 6. Prevents excessive dryness of the mucous membranes. Things Needed: 1. Boiling water in a kettle with a spout. An empty juice can may serve the purpose. 2. Hot plate or gas stove or local stove using charcoal (uling).

3. Vicks Vaporub ointment or tincture of Benzoin or Camphor oil for good smelling sensation. 4. Old newspaper. 5. Umbrella. 6. Sheets. 7. Paper bag. Procedure: 1. Fill up kettle with water just below the level of the spout, and bring the water to boiling point. Add 1 tsp. of medication (Vicks or Benzoin) into the boiling water. 2. Carry the stove and the kettle with caution near the bedside of the patient, if the patient is unable to stand or sit on the chair. 3. If a croup tent is indicated, open an umbrella over the head of the patient and cover it with a sheet to form a tent. 4. With the newspaper make a cylindrical tube to direct the steam into the tent away from the patients face. 5. If the patient is able to sit on the chair, he may sit near the stove in the kitchen. With the cylindrical tube of paper the steam is directed into the patients face for inhalation. 6. Treatment time: 30 minutes to one hour, morning and evening, as tolerated. Precautions: 1. Avoid all risks of burning. 2. Avoid drafts during time of treatment. Close windows near the patient. 3. Extra care must be observed when giving treatment to children and restless patients to avoid scalding.