Guest blogger, herbalist and RWP staffer, Sophie Cassel will be writing a series of blog posts this year with the goal of giving us some ideas for using the herbs we grow. This month’s post is just in time to provide some relief to congested sinuses and dry skin. Thanks, Sophie.
photo by Lisa Cassel Arms
Winter in the north country is known for snowy hills and cozy times by the woodstove, but it’s also a time of dry skin, stuffy noses, and the lingering spectre of colds and coughs. The dry air both outside and in our heated homes robs our skin and respiratory system of its moisture, leaving us with nosebleeds and cracked lips and making us more susceptible to infections. While humidifiers and hot tea are wonderful allies, my favorite way to combat winter dryness is with the simple process of facial steaming.
I love face steams for a few reasons. First, they’re cheap and easy. If you have access to boiling water and a big towel or blanket, you’ll be able to do a steam. They’re also effective on multiple levels, relaxing the mind while bringing needed heat and moisture to dry, irritated passageways. And finally, they’re luxurious- call it a “home spa” and make it a regular part of your winter self-care routine!
While a basic face steam can be achieved by simply hanging out under a towel with with a bowl of boiled water, the addition of aromatic herbs doubles the benefits. That’s because the strong aromas we associate with herbs like mint, lavender, or sage come from volatile oils- otherwise known as essential oils, and considered part of a plant’s communication and defense systems. These oils pack a punch because they readily volatilize into the air, which is why when you brush past your rosemary plant you get such a strong odor. They are also readily absorbed by our body, having effects on both mood and our own immune system.
When we add fresh or dried aromatic herbs to hot water, those essential oils vaporize from the plants into the air, where we can absorb them directly into our respiratory systems, bringing that antibacterial action directly where it’s needed. It’s a great way to use the bounty of your garden through the winter, and more environmentally responsible and affordable than using vials of store-bought essential oils.
To make, you’ll need:
Glass or metal bowl (my gallon-sized measuring bowl works great)
Large bath towel or thick blanket
Freshly boiled water
2-3 tablespoons of your favorite aromatic dried herbs. For mucus-busting, my favorites are sage, thyme, peppermint, and species of Monarda (commonly known as bee balm or Oswego tea). To restore dry skin and soothe the mind, I love using lavender (flowers and/or leaves) and rose petals. Experiment with combinations of your favorite herbal scents, knowing that if it smells fragrant when you crush the leaves or flowers, it will make an excellent steam. You can definitely use store-bought tea bags if you’re without freshly dried herbs, but they won’t be quite as potent.
To use:
Toss the herbs in your bowl and place on a table where you can sit comfortably. Have your towel ready as you pour about a quart of freshly boiled, very hot water into your bowl (be careful!) Quickly cover yourself and the bowl with the towel so that the steam rises towards your face. It should be quite hot, but not uncomfortably so. Practice taking deep breaths through your nose and mouth and sit quietly with the steam for about 10 minutes, or until the quantity of steam dies down. You can add more hot water if you’d like, or use the cooled tea to water your houseplants. I also like to leave the bowl out near a radiator to fill the house with the remaining aromatics. Finish up with a gentle skin cream to seal in all that moisture.
Try to do this a couple times a week to maintain radiant skin and a healthy respiratory system, or at the first sign of any cough or cold. Bonus points if you have a hot cup of tea waiting for you at the end!