Ancient Face Steaming

Steaming is an ancient healing therapy still practiced throughout many cultures. Whether it’s the sweat lodges utilized throughout Mexico, Central, and South America or the Bonya (sauna) Russian steam baths, the benefits of steaming are known throughout the world and luckily we can partake in these benefits with a simple home remedy known as herbal face steams. There are two main reasons one would want to use face steams, for skincare or respiratory support. Though the process is the same the herbs will differ and there will be a few considerations. Let's learn how to do a face steam before going into these specifics.

How to Do A Herbal Face Steam

Materials Needed:

5 cups filtered or spring water
Pot & large heat-safe bowl (optional)
Herbs of choice 5-6 Tbsp (See sections below for herb measurements)
Towel

Bring 5 cups of water to a boil
Turn off the heat and add your 5-6 Tbsp of herbs dry or fresh
Mix and cover the pot
Allow the herbs to steep for 10 mins
Now you can either transfer the herbs and liquid to a large heat-proof bowl or you can just move the pot off the burner onto a heat-proof surface like a trivet or hot pad
Grab your towel and form a “tent” putting it over your head and bowl so no steam escapes however if the steam is too hot you can leave an opening to bring in cool air. If you're doing this for respiratory issues you'll want to take deep inhalations and exhalations to allow things to break up, open, and drain.
With your head above the bowl close your eyes and allow the steam to rise to your face for 5-10 minutes
Come out from your tent and if you are doing this for skincare pat your face with cold water to close up the pores and then apply moisturizer. If you are doing it for respiratory issues blowing your nose after may be supportive.
Thats it! Repeat once a week for skin care and as needed for respiratory issues.

Steams & Herbs For Skincare

Herbal steams can be used for all skin types and maintaining this practice once a week can leave your skin glowing and cleansed. As the warm steam from the water and volatile oils from the herbs rise to your face your pores open and the volatile oils are absorbed by the skin. This results in deep pore cleansing as it promotes perspiration and softens blackheads. Depending on the herbs being used your skin can get tonifying or moistening benefits. There is also the bonus of nervous system support when herbs like lavender and chamomile are used.

Herbs For Skincare

Rose- Tonifying, sensual, and uplifting addition great for dry skin

Calendula- Anti-inflammatory, and soothing for dry irritated skin

Comfrey- Moistening, anti-inflammatory, restorative for any damaged tissues

Chamomile- Anti-inflammatory and calming great for all skin types

Rosemary- Revitalizing aroma to uplift the mood and sharpen awareness. Great protective astringent to tone the skin

Red Raspberry leaf- An astringent great for oily skin

Lavender- Calming, drying, and anti-inflammatory that can cool hot irritated skin

Rosemary Gladstars Recipe For Dry-Normal Skin

2 Tbsp Comfrey leaf

1 Tbsp Calendula

1 Tbsp Chamomile

1 Tbsp roses (petals or buds)

½ Tbsp Lavender flowers

Oily Skin Recipe

2 Tbsp Rose (petals or buds)

1 Tbsp Red Raspberry leaf

1 Tbsp Comfrey leaf

1 Tbsp Lavender flowers

Steams & Herbs For Respiratory Support

Herbal steams can be beneficial for sinus infections and congestion, respiratory infections, allergies, cold/flu, and to help open the airways. They also work very fast in most cases. I recommend doing them as needed until the infection, congestion, etc. is gone. As the warm steam and aromatics are breathed in it breaks up mucus in the sinuses and lungs and delivers antiviral properties to support the immune system and fight infection. These were a part of my protocol for COVID.