How to use herbal steam inhalation to disinfect and treat colds and flu at home.

In traditional medicine, many herbs have warming, antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties that help treat colds and flu. You can disinfect your home with readily available herbs through steam inhalation.

Herbal remedies for colds and flu

According to traditional medicine, herbal steam baths help purify the air, disinfect, reduce the risk of infection, and treat colds and flu. For indoor disinfection, you can use soapberry, natural essential oils (lemongrass, tea tree, cinnamon, peppermint), or boil herbal leaves to make a steam bath.

Lemongrass is one of the herbs that helps prevent and treat colds and flu.

Some commonly used plants and fruits include soapberry, melaleuca, mint, lemon, lemongrass, cinnamon, etc.

In particular, fumigating with soapberry has the effect of disinfecting, killing viruses and mold, purifying the air, and helping to clear nasal passages and make breathing easier.

Instructions: Roast 3-5 soapnut fruits over a charcoal or gas stove until fragrant. Place the roasted soapnuts in a pot of boiling water, cover for about 5 minutes, then open and use to fumigate the room. You can also burn soapnuts directly in a closed room to purify the air.

Alternatively, crush 3-5 soapberry fruits, put them in a pot of boiling water, and simmer for 10 minutes. Then, place the pot in the middle of the room with the lid open to allow the steam to spread throughout the room. This method is safer than burning directly and is suitable for families with young children. However, be careful to avoid burns from the steam or water in the pot.

You can fumigate a room by burning soapberry pods. Take 3-5 soapberry pods and burn them directly over a charcoal or gas stove. When the pods start to smoke, carry them around the house to disinfect. When the smoke dissipates, place the pods on a plate to let them burn completely.

It's important to note that you shouldn't burn too much as the thick smoke can irritate the respiratory system.

Steam inhalation with herbal essential oils

Natural essential oils have the following uses: they help fight bacteria, purify the air, and relax the nerves.

Effective essential oils include: lemongrass essential oil (antibacterial, mosquito repellent, stress reducer, disinfectant, insect repellent).

Tea tree oil supports the respiratory system, fights inflammation, purifies the air, aids breathing, and reduces cold and flu symptoms.

Peppermint essential oil helps clear nasal passages, reduce coughs and congestion, and promote alertness. Cinnamon essential oil has strong antiseptic properties and warms the air.

Instructions: Add 3-5 drops of essential oil to the diffuser. Turn on the diffuser for 30-60 minutes per session, 2-3 times a day.

You can also diffuse essential oils using boiling water by boiling 500 ml of water and adding 3-5 drops of essential oil. Place it in a corner of the room, and the steam will spread throughout the space.

Please note: avoid using essential oils that are too concentrated, as this may irritate the nose and throat.

Using herbal steam to disinfect the house.

Ingredients: 5 stalks of lemongrass, 1 ginger root (crushed), 10 perilla leaves, 5-7 mint leaves, 1 liter of water.

Instructions: Boil water, add the herbs, and simmer for 10 minutes. Place the pot in the middle of the room, open the lid to allow the steam to rise. You can cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam directly if you have a cold or flu. Note that if you inhale directly, you should only do so for 10-15 minutes, avoiding prolonged steaming which can cause dehydration.

Alternatively, boil water for steaming with ingredients such as lemongrass, ginger, perilla, basil, mint, and eucalyptus, for home use. This steaming process helps disinfect, relieve colds, and support respiratory health.

Instructions: Boil water with the above leaves for 15-20 minutes, then place the pot in the center of the house, leaving the lid open so that the steam spreads throughout the room.

This steam pot can be used with a towel draped over the head to directly steam the body for 10-15 minutes to treat colds and flu. However, it is important to note that steaming should not be done when you have a high fever or are dehydrated.

People with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure should exercise caution when using a sauna. Young children and pregnant women should consult a doctor before using a sauna.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cach-xong-thao-duoc-khu-khuan-tri-cam-cum-tai-nha-18525021014220207.htm