Ever had a cold or congestion and instinctively inhaled the steam from a mug of warm tea or taken a steamy shower for the benefits? Depending on what you were drinking, this could have had benefits other than just the temporary relief the steam provided. The steam technique is a great one to keep in mind if cough or congestion strikes this year.
Benefits of an Herbal Face Steam
Besides the soothing feeling of warm steam on the face during illness, there are two additional benefits worth noting, especially when you add herbs to the mix:
Improve Skin
Steam is often used in spas as part of a facial treatment. Facial steams are touted for their ability to open pores, soften skin, and improve circulation.
Ease Congestion
I’ve used herbal steams for years for their ability to soothe coughing and congestion during illness. If I catch a cold, I often do an herbal face steam before bed to help me sleep.
I found mentions of this type of facial steam in some of my old natural remedy and homesteading handbooks. It turns out that this remedy may have been used as far back as Ancient Egypt in public bath houses and private residences.
Steam Inhalation for a Cold
The best part about herbal face steams is that they take literally three minutes to prepare (unlike the longer process of making elderberry syrup). They are also very simple to make with herbs you probably already have in your kitchen (unlike the ingredients for a more obscure remedy like dit da jow).
Herbal Face Steam Recipe
Yield
Materials
- 1 TBSP thyme
- 1 TBSP rosemary
- 1 TBSP basil
- 1 TBSP oregano
- 1 TBSP peppermint leaf
- 1 TBSP eucalyptus
- 1 TBSP lavender flowers
Instructions
How to Prepare
- Put about an inch of water in the bottom of a large pot and bring to a boil. Alternately, if using a bowl, boil water in a tea kettle or pot and pour into the bowl.
- Fold a towel in half and place it on a sturdy, heat-proof, flat surface like a counter or table.
- Place the pot or bowl on top of this towel.
- Add any combination of dried herbs you desire, stir well, and cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes.
Herbal Face Steam Instructions
- Remove the lid and check the temperature of the steam to make sure it isn’t too hot for your face.
- Lean over the pot and cover head with a towel to create a tent, letting as little air escape as possible.
- Slowly breathe in the steam for up to 10 minutes. I find it helpful to try to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth at first and then eventually try to breathe in and out through the nose to loosen congestion. If needed, let any mucus fall into the pot (yes, I know it is gross, but the pot can be washed!).
- When finished, pour out the liquid and herbs in the pot (never reuse!) and thoroughly wash the pot. For skin benefits, I also like to wipe my face with a 50/50 mix of apple cider vinegar and water after a face steam to tone skin and remove anything that has loosened from the pores.
Notes
- Use as many or as few of the above herbs as you’d like. Using them all will obviously result in a more potent herbal steam.
- Not recommended for children or pregnant women.
- Use caution when handling and breathing hot water and steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve asked a number of great questions since I originally wrote this post. Sharing the answers here to hopefully be helpful to all!
Can I add essential oils?
Yes, some people use essential oils for face steams. I personally don’t (for these reasons) as essential oils are highly concentrated and the steam can intensify their effects. I prefer to stick to using essential oils properly in a diffuser and stick with using dried herbs in a face steam.
Is this safe for kids?
Face steams are not recommended for young children (due to the potential heat of the steam and their sensitive skin) or pregnant women (due to the potential effects of the herbs) without checking with a medical professional. A humidifier in the bedroom or the steam from a warm shower may be a better approach in these cases.
Can I add garlic for more benefits?
Personally, I stick to getting the benefits of garlic by eating it or taking it in capsule form. I don’t enjoy the smell when used in combination with this facial steam method.
Is there a way to reuse the herbs/water?
I don’t reuse the herbs, since who knows what is in the water once I am done! I drain and throw the herbs away or pour the hot water over any weeds I’m trying to get rid of outside. (Make sure first those weeds aren’t beneficial natural remedies!)
Are there other natural remedies to try for cough or cold?
Definitely! We use this homemade herbal cough syrup or cough drops as well as a short list of immune-supporting foods and supplements when under the weather.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Walker, an internal medicine physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor or work with a doctor at SteadyMD.
Ever tried a facial steam to help alleviate congestion?
Are the herbs themselves safe for children? In a pinch, I do have a system I use for my daughter to easily and *safely* inhale steam, and I would love to add the herbs if they are safe for her to inhale. She’s four. Thanks!
is it okay to use store brought Rose & Glycerin which is Lanolin free. For facial steam.…?
I have used steam a great deal,once a week. It works.
The herbs that I use is sandalwood? witch hazel ?neem? Rosemary ?with either lavender or rose petals…divine?
I tried this recipe a couple times last year and discovered that it may take two times a few hours a part but then it lasted for weeks! Amazing! And to think I used to drug myself numb to cut congestion. I also shared a sample mix with my adult daughter who also enjoyed quick permanent relief. We’re sold! I really appreciate all the wonderful research and careful planning that goes into your work and I refer everyone to it!
Thank you!!! It worked like a charm. I was a little worried all the spices would smell terrible once my head unclogged, but they didn’t! I appreciate the time and research you put into all your posts. Thanks!
Can you use fresh herbs? Thanks for your reply. I am grateful for all of your post and the research/first hand experience that go into them.
You absolutely can, dried herbs are just more readily available for most people. 🙂
I have a question about dried lavender buds. I make soap with Shea butter soap base. After a couple days My buds start turning brown and around them turns yellow and brownish making my soap look bad. Am I doing something wrong? Can I prevent this ?
Thank you for this! I have horrible congestion that is impacting my sleep. Love that I can make this with existing herbs in my kitchen. Can I also use my oils or would there be an benefit to that?
Thanks for a great post — I’ve been learning about Mayan Abdominal Massage, and a similar technique is recommended for vaginal/uterus-type issues (cramping, heavy clotting, etc.). It is called a vaginal steam. Have you heard of it, or have any experience you could share?
My family has done this since I don’t know how many generations, but I do remember it as a child. As a teenager, my mother taught me how to do a face steam for clearing pores and cleaning the skin. Although we used just water without the dried herbs and it was great. I can imagine the herbs improving my beloved face steam!
Hi Katie,
Now that fall is in full swing and winter is coming, this post is perfect! I’ve already started to notice a little bit of a sniffle and I can’t wait to try this. Do you suggest using all of those herbs or can I pick and choose which ones to use?
I just use what I have on hand…
So just to clarify, 1 T total of whatever herb? Thank you.
It’s not an exact science. I’ve used up to a Tablespoon of each one. I recommend experimenting to see what works best for you…
I’d like to give a jar of mixed herbs as a gift to a friend who is experiencing cold symptoms. I’d like to include instructions on how to do this – even if they’re somewhat ballpark. Would you say 1-2 T would be sufficient? Thanks so much for the help!
Good timing on this one! Question – the instructions say 1 T each of desired herbs: thyme, rosemary, etc. Does that mean 1 T EACH of the herbs (amounting to several tablespoons), or 1 T of any combination? Thanks so much!