Nasal Steaming Info & Tips

As the COVID19 Virus (SARS-COV-2)  rages on- many have become impacted across the globe. People are seeking to find pro-active ways to stay safe from the virus. One of these has been the use of nasal steaming. Nasal steaming is directed to open up the nasal passage ways to reduce pressure and allow any existing mucus to flow a bit easier within the nasal passageways.
For this reason it may not be the best thing to use, if you have no nasal congestion at all, because it may further open the nasal passages to exposure- something that may not be good right now… but may be beneficial to those who have congestion in the nose.With that said- lets be sure we are not becoming victim to bad information floating on the internet via memes and videos from strangers. Precaution and safety first. So in this quick post we will cover things to make sure you are safe while using this nasal steaming method, that may or may not be communicated on social media.

Nasal Steaming Precautions:

#1 Do not use tap water (use distilled water if you can)

–  Distilled water is free of impurities. If you do not use distilled water there is a possibility you will steam and inhale in gases, toxins, or other impurities from the tap water without knowing it. Tap water contains many toxins and can potentially making the situation worse. If all you have is tap water – exercise caution. This is recommended to prevent making the problem worse. Some would think just boiling tap water is enough- it may be.. but why take chances of making the problem worse if you can obtain distilled water?

 

#2 Do not steam with OLD orange/ lemon peels. It is recommended you use fresh peels no more than a day old

– Do not allow the peels to just sit in previously used water from a previous steam earlier in the day or week. The peels are organic and sitting in water for long periods of time can attract bacteria to them, so re-using these could cause you to breathe in new bacteria in. We do not want that.

 

#3 Do not stand over the pot while it boils on the stove to steam

– Some people may stand over a boiling pot of water (with towels over their head) to get the hottest steam possible. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.  STEAM CAN BURN TOO! 

Boil the distilled water on the stove first. Once it has reached a boil-  then remove it from the stove and then steam your nasal area.
This prevents you from being exposed to any dangers while the pot is on the stove. It also prevents the towel from catching on fire by accident. It also eliminates any chances to be accidentally burned on your face from rising heat from the pot.

Additional Tips- Be Creative 

You can add herbs to the distilled water for additional effect- not just peels.
Dry Herbs / Essential Oil suggestions:  Thyme, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Oregano, Lemongrass, Peppermint, and Lavender

If you do not want to nasal steam .. using an air diffuser with essential oils  is just as helpful in cleansing the overall air of the room you are in too. This can assist with the nasal steaming.

Be sure to always drink plenty of fluids to keep nasal passageways moist and receptive to removing excess mucus. See our recommended daily water intake article.

JUST SOME BASICS- BE HEALTHY SAFE & SMART.