Since cold and flu season are officially here, today I’m posting Sarah’s recipe for a common face steam. There is evidence that face steams were used as far back as ancient Egypt and, according to Sarah’s research*, they were standard medical care in the 17th and 18th century American colonies.
Just like standing in a hot shower while you’re sick, or breathing in the steam off of a hot cup of tea and honey, herbal face steams help alleviate congestion and can ease coughing. As an added benefit, dropping your face into hot steam also opens your pores and increases circulation.
The other great thing about face steams is that they’re super easy and quick to make and use common household ingredients.
Face steams are not recommended for children. And please remember, steam is hot and you must use caution and common sense before placing your face over the bowl or pot so you don’t burn yourself.
*Sarah Munro is a fictional character in the Deadly Force Romantic Suspense series and heroine of the book ONE DARK WISH. Sarah is an early 18th century historian who, while studying 17th century pirate ciphers, started collecting and updating early colonial herbal remedies which she shares here on my blog.
Sarah Munro’s Herbal Face Steam
Ingredients
- One large pot
- or a tea kettle and a bowl
- Filtered water
- 1 Tablespoon each of your favorite fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, spearmint, sage, lemon verbena, or any other herbs you prefer
- 3 towels
Directions
Add an inch of filtered water to the pot and bring to a boil. Or, if using a bowl, add the water from a boiling tea kettle.
Put one of the folded towels on a heat-proof flat surface and place the hot pot or bowl on top.
Add your herbs and cover with a lid (or a plate on top of the bowl) for 2 minutes.
Remove the lid. Check the steam to make sure the temperature isn’t too hot for your face. Lean over the pot and, using the towel over your head, create a tent. Try to keep as much steam as possible inside the tent.
Taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth, breathe in the steam for 10 minutes. As the congestion loosens, try to breathe in and out through your nose alone. Allow any loose mucus to fall into the pot or bowl.
Once done, dry your face thoroughly with the last towel. Then dump the contents of the pot or bowl into the sink. (Never reuse the mixture in the pot!!) Wash the pot or bowl thoroughly in hot water and let air dry completely.
Important disclaimer about wild plants, foraging, and making herbal remedies:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
