The cold and flu season brings a fair share of coughing, stuffy noses, mucus and sinus pain. For chest or sinus congestion, the most basic home treatment that I would recommend is a eucalyptus steam inhale.

Steam inhalation is a gentle and effective way to soothe and decongest your sinus and lungs. Add a few drops of organic eucalyptus essential oil to help loosen congestion so the mucus can be expectorated. This will ease symptoms and help to prevent bacterial infection.

Here are 3 simple tips:

1. Warm shower: Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a face cloth on the floor of the shower. As the steam rises from the shower, breathe the steam into your sinus and lungs.
2. For Adults: Boil a pot of water. Add 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Place a towel over your head and breathe the steam in through your nose and into your lungs.
3. For Children: Give your child a warm bath, or run the shower to steam up your bathroom. While they are bathing, fill the sink with hot water and add 3-5 drops of eucalyptus oil. Spend 15 min or so in the bathroom with your child breathing in the steamy air. Avoid adding the eucalyptus oil directly into the bath water to prevent it from splashing into your child’s eyes.

Note: For young children and infants, it is advisable to consult with your health care practitioner to determine if eucalyptus steam inhale is safe for your child. You can use a simple steam inhale in the bath tub without essential oil as an alternative. It is NOT safe to apply eucalyptus oil directly to the face of infants or children.

Dr. Shannon Sarrasin is a naturopathic doctor who is clinically trained and naturally focused.
She is co-owner of Flourish Naturopathic at Moss Healthcare.