Who should not use herbal steam to treat colds and flu?
One of the effective methods for treating the common cold is steam inhalation using herbal leaves. However, when to steam, how long to steam, and who should not steam... are important considerations.
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The effects of steam inhalation with herbal leaves in treating colds.
This method can be used for both cold and heat-related colds. The leaves used to make the steam bath contain essential oils that help relieve cold symptoms and detoxify the body effectively. The ingredients can include a variety of leaves such as: pomelo leaves, chrysanthemum, basil, mugwort, perilla, lemongrass, bamboo leaves, lemon leaves, mint, etc. These are all familiar medicinal plants that are commonly grown and found in gardens and fields, easily accessible, and effective in preventing and treating many illnesses, especially colds: Bamboo leaves have a cooling effect, calm the mind, expel phlegm, induce sweating, and have antiseptic properties; Lemongrass leaves are good for digestion, antiseptic, decongestant, expectorant, and treat diarrhea, bloating, and vomiting; Pomelo leaves relieve cold symptoms and aid digestion; Mugwort regulates blood circulation; Mint has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties; Perilla leaves dispel wind and cold, and treat colds; Basil clears heat, relieves external symptoms, promotes qi circulation, relieves intestinal pain, and eliminates dampness. Treats colds, headaches, sweating, etc.
Normally, body temperature is maintained by circulation in the skin. When the body catches a cold, the pores become blocked by cold air, causing the body temperature to rise and resulting in symptoms such as fever, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, dry skin, lack of sweating, discomfort, and body aches.
During steam inhalation, the hot steam dilates peripheral blood vessels, stimulates sweat glands, and eliminates toxins from the body. Essential oils from herbs are carried by the steam through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, ears, and skin, clearing the ducts of the eyes, nose, ears, and sinuses, helping to reduce pain, inflammation, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath, leaving patients feeling comfortable and relaxed.
How to steam
Wash the herbs thoroughly, put them in a pot, add enough water to cover them, and boil for a few minutes. The patient should be in a closed room, avoiding drafts. Place the pot of steaming water on the bed, and the patient should cover themselves with a blanket and sit for 10-15 minutes. A caregiver should be present to assist and care for the patient during the steaming process. During the steaming, be careful to avoid sudden temperature increases. Open the pot slightly, slowly, and control the amount of sweat to prevent sudden dehydration, which can lead to shock, hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse. Stop steaming once the patient has sweated and feels comfortable; do not prolong the steaming. Afterwards, dry the patient with a clean towel and put on clean clothes.
It's important to note that you shouldn't shower immediately after a steam bath because your pores are open, and exposure to cold will cause them to close, preventing water from escaping and potentially leading to a cold or slow blood circulation. After a steam bath, it's best to eat rice porridge with onions and perilla leaves, add a little salt, or drink warm water and rest.
How many times should I steam myself?
For colds and flu, steaming once or twice is sufficient. Avoid steaming too many times or continuously, as this can lead to dehydration, fatigue, worsening of the illness, and pose a health risk.
Cases where steaming is not recommended.
Cases where herbal steaming should not be used to treat illness include: people with high fever, who are sensitive to heat but not to cold, who are not thirsty, and who sweat excessively; viral fever; weakened bodies; the elderly; young children; pregnant or postpartum women; women during menstruation; people with diarrhea, dengue fever; after drinking alcohol; those with skin diseases; people with hypertension or cardiovascular disease; and people exhibiting symptoms of mental illness, etc.
Steam inhalation with herbal leaves can help patients recover quickly, but it's not always suitable. If a patient has had a cold for three days or more, and the symptoms don't improve or there are signs of secondary infection, steam inhalation should be avoided. Instead, they should go to a medical facility or reputable traditional medicine clinic for examination and treatment using other methods.
According to Health & Life - NT
