Anthroposophic nursing and homecare for sinus congestion
From the online resource: http://pflege-vademecum.de/index.php
Chamomile Steam Inhalation
The simplest form of steam inhalation is a head steam bath over a bowl of hot water or medicinal herbal tea. Chamomile has a germicidal effect on inflammatory processes in the air organs and is therefore the ideal medicinal plant for soothing the mucous membrane in the nasopharynx. Head steam baths unfold their effects in two ways. The essential oils in the tea work directly through the skin and are inhaled simultaneously through the nose and mouth.
For diseases of the upper respiratory tract and bronchial tubes, steam inhalation has an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect on the mucous membranes. The steam moistens the respiratory tract, dissolves the mucus and works up to the paranasal sinuses. The active ingredients in the steam alleviate headaches caused by a cold due to a blocked nose and paranasal sinuses, the swelling of the mucous membranes decreases, breathing becomes freer and the urge to cough usually subsides quickly.
True chamomile can be distinguished from others by the cushion of air between the florets and the receptacle. The delicate white corolla around the golden yellow florets, the discreet little leaves and the branching stalks give the whole plant an airy quality, which we can recognize in its healing aspect. It primarily affects organs hampered by blockages of air, such as when air is trapped in the stomach or intestines, or in a congested nose.
Through its intense absorption of warmth in midsummer this modest plant manages to store light and warmth and then release them again in a transformed state. The effect is warming, anticonvulsant and thereby calming, as well as anti-inflammatory and germicidal.
Notes:
- Make sure that the tea infusion is not too hot, as the steam could burn the skin and mucous membrane and damage the fine cilia in the mucous membrane. The water for the head steam bath is 80°C (176°F) maximum!
- When children receive this treatment, make sure that the bowl is standing well, preferably on the floor or in the sink; or take the child on your lap and inhale together with the child
- Alternatively, you can use an electric facial sauna, in which case the amount of water is smaller and the face rests on a kind of funnel.
Materials:
- 2 tbsp. chamomile flowers
- 2 liters boiling water
- Teapot with a lid
- A basin
- Possibly a headband to protect the hair
- Large hand towel
- Comfortable place to sit
Instructions:
- Pour the boiling water over the chamomile flowers, cover and let steep for 10 minutes
- Then empty the infusion with the flowers into the bowl
- The patient bends her head over the bowl; her head should remain about 40 cm above the water bowl
- If necessary, cover her hair with a headband so that it does not get wet
- Spread a large towel over her head and the bowl
- Let the hot steam work in for 10 minutes, while the patient breathes in and out through the nose. If her nose is blocked, she can alternatively breathe in and out through her mouth
- After inhaling, dry her face and let her rest in the room
- Avoid draughts and direct exposure to cold air
Dosage
2–4 x daily
Onset of effect
Immediate
Length of therapy
Until the symptoms subside
This post was originally published in the Spring 2026 Newsletter