2 standard steaming methods according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health

In 'Interim guidelines for the use of traditional medicine forCovid-19 preventionAccording to traditional medicine, the disease-causing agent enters the body through the upper respiratory tract, in the early stages it is mainly concentrated in the nose and throat area, the Ministry of Health stated.

Use some traditional medicine methods in combination with other disease prevention methods as prescribed to limit infection and prevent disease.

Regarding non-drug prevention, the guidelines state that people can practice breathing exercises or self-massage. In case of drug use, families can use drugs and essential oils with low chemical effects to fumigate their homes and workplaces. Specifically:

Method 1

- Ingredients: You can use ingredients such as patchouli, lemongrass, lemon, mint, basil, ginger, garlic, grapefruit leaves, marjoram, perilla, cajeput...

- Dosage, how to use: You can use one type of medicinal herb or a combination of many types of medicinal herbs, each type 200g-400g, depending on the area of ​​the room. Put the medicinal herbs in the pot, pour water to cover the medicinal herbs, cover the pot, boil gently, open the lid to let the steam saturate the essential oil and diffuse into the room, continue to boil for another 30 minutes, close the door for about 20 minutes. Do it twice a day, morning and afternoon.

Items such as essential oils, essential oil lamps, aromatherapy tents... are also in high demand. Photo courtesy: Thanh Phuc

Method 2

- Ingredients: You can use ingredients such as patchouli, lemongrass, lemon, mint, basil, grapefruit, cajeput, cinnamon essential oils... licensed for circulation by the competent authority.

- Dosage and usage: Depending on the room area (10 - 40m2), take the appropriate amount of essential oil (2 - 4ml), dissolve the essential oil in 75% ethanol, shake well, put it in a spray bottle, spray around the room, close the door for about 20 minutes, spray 2 to 3 times a day.

The Ministry of Health's guidelines also note that essential oils should not be used directly on people. Do not use essential oils in bedrooms with children under 30 months old, children with a history of seizures due to high fever, epilepsy, or people allergic to essential oils.

Regarding local disinfection/cleaning of the nose and throat area, you can use a solution derived from medicinal herbs that have the effect of clearing the lungs and benefiting the throat, or traditional medicine to gargle, spray the nose and throat, or steam the nose and throat to clean the upper respiratory tract.

Also according to the instructions, families can choose to use some medicinal herbs and traditional medicines to nourish the body's vital energy and improve physical condition such as Chinese yam, tangerine peel, astragalus, poria, white beans, codonopsis, ginseng, coix seed, licorice...

People with underlying medical conditions should follow the doctor's advice and instructions. People who are obese or flabby should use spleen-strengthening and damp-removing medicine.

Dr. Ngo Quang Hai (Former Deputy Director of the Training and Command Center, Central Acupuncture Hospital) said that the purpose of the steaming method is to clean the nose and throat, help protect the nasal mucosa, and at the same time help improve symptoms in the nose and throat area. Because steaming is only on the surface of the mucosa, it does not affect the virus inside the cell, so it only has the effect of reducing respiratory symptoms, helping patients with stuffy nose, dry throat, thin phlegm... Steaming does not cure Covid-19, nor does it prevent the spread of the disease.

Each steaming session lasts about 20 minutes. After steaming, you need to dry yourself, keep warm and avoid the wind. Note that during the steaming process, if you experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness, dizziness or any unusual signs, you should stop immediately. The elderly, those with chronic diseases, or those with physical weakness... need to have someone to support you while steaming, sitting behind you to hold your shoulders and avoid falling. In particular, only those with symptoms should steam, do not overdo it. You should steam alone and the best frequency is once a day.