Beating away the winter flu with home remedies

I have been one of the unfortunate ones, getting my first winter head cold for several years.
Not only was my nose streaming ... but also a variety of traditional remedies came streaming to my mind.
It was out with the:
¦ Lemon/honey/ginger drinks
¦ Chicken/ginger/garlic/chilli broth soups
¦ Echinacea and vitamin C
¦ Saline nasal washes with the neti pot
¦ Steam inhalations with various combinations of manuka, tea tree, thyme, peppermint and eucalyptus
The fortunate end to my story is ... two days later the head cold was over.
Although I am sure all the above remedies helped and contributed to my fast recovery, I am convinced that the, often over looked, steam inhalations were particularly significant.
Steam inhalations are effective in helping to clear any congestion and infection within the lungs, nasal passages and head. This makes them ideal for conditions such as colds, flu, sinusitis and headaches.
To make an inhalation you need finely chopped herbs or essential oils, a heat proof bowl, boiling water and two large towels. I also use sunglasses or swimming goggles. Any of the herbs listed above are very effective and a great starting point. Please be careful if you choose to use essentials oils. They are very strong and generally only 1-3 drops are needed.
Put the bowl on a folded towel on a table; make sure it is very stable and won't slip. Half fill the bowl with boiling water, sit in a chair close to the table and bowl with the towel draped over your shoulders. Put on your sunglasses or swimming goggles, if you choose.
Place a handful of finely chopped herbs on the surface of the water or add your essential oil drops. Immediately cover your head, shoulders and the bowl and breathe in the medicated steam for approximately 10 minutes. It can be an intense experience. Do not hesitate to take a break and/or blow your nose as you feel necessary.
If the mixture seems to be getting weak after a while, you can add more herbs or oils.
Do not go outdoors for at least 30 minutes after the inhalation, as your mucus membranes will be sensitive and cold air could have an adverse effect.
Be very cautious when using inhalations with babies, toddlers, very ill, elderly or frail individuals. To avoid accidents with the boiling water, stay with the person the whole time and hold the bowl firmly. In these cases it can often be more appropriate to fill the hand basin in the bathroom with boiling water, shut the door and let the individual inhale the steam coming from the basin
Happy, healthy and safe steaming...
¦To contact Kim: herbaceousnz@gmail.com, goorganicdelivered@gmail.com or 027 307 3062.