Snotty nose and just can’t breath? Try a mullein steam for your sinuses. This natural, herbal remedy will help to clear your head and get you breathing better. I’ve found this to be one of my favorites during both cold and flu season and allergy season. It leaves your sinuses feeling very relieved.
The Annual Sinus Infection
Every year, I come down with a sinus infection. At least once if not more. It happens in the spring during allergy season. As if on a schedule my nose starts to run and then that deep congestion that leaves me breathing through my mouth sets in. It’s wonderful. In the past, I have gone to a doctor for some antibiotics and nasal spray. Between that and a daily dose of allergy medication, it would eventually clear up.
Then I became interested in herbal and natural remedies. I realized that maybe the antibiotics weren’t as good for my body as I thought. This year I went into the winter prepared. And by the time spring allergies rolled in I was prepared!
Sure enough, I came down with something. My nose was rendered completely useless and I’d developed a cough. Unfortunately I was not able to take off work, so I had to figure out how to carry on. I started by using a sinus roller, which offered some help when I was still able to breath a bit through my nose. Then I tried a neti pot and that helped, but not enough. I decided to see if my trusty stash of herbs could help.
I boiled the water and steamed my face in mullein. My sinuses began to clear and I was able to breathe normally. Even my cough improved. I continued with the mullein steam and increased my dose of elderberry syrup. Soon enough I was feeling better.
Several others at work came down with the same thing. They treated themselves with conventional medicine. While I was feeling better after 48 hours, they were down for a week or more. This boosted my confidence in the herbal remedies I had prepared. Plus I had proven to myself that they actually worked.
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About the Mullein Steam
Mullein helps the body get rid of mucus because it is an expectorant. This means it can help you cough up anything in your lungs or throat. In our case it helps to lessen the mucus clogging our sinuses. Mullein is also a demulculant. This simply means that it creates an anti-inflammatory coating over the mucus membranes. This property helps to soothe those responsible for your excess mucus.
The best way to use mullein is by putting it exactly where it needs to go. The steam will go into your sinuses and lungs directly. Therefore going right to the mucus membranes that need it the most when dealing with congestion. It can also be taken as a tea, although less direct and less steamy.
The steam is not to be forgotten. It helps to loosen the mucus similar to taking a hot shower. The steam reduces the irritation and thins the mucus allowing it to drain out more easily.
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Mullein Steam for Your Sinuses Recipe
Ingredients
½ cup dried mullein
2 cups water
Instructions
- Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a rapid boil.
- While the water is coming to a boil, put ½ cup of dried mullein leaves in a bowl. Avoid glass to prevent breaking.
- When ready, pour the boiling water over the dried mullein making sure to get all of the herb wet.
- Quickly place your face above the bowl, taking care because it is HOT. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel to hold in the steam.
- Close your eyes and take deep breaths for 10-15 minutes.
If you are finding the steam to be too warm try lifting your head up farther away from the water. You can also take quick breaks if needed. Be very careful if allowing children to try this remedy. You might try putting the herb in a warm bath and closing the door to hold in the steam if using it with young children.
Other Tips for Congestion
A neti pot can seem intimidating, but it is a lifesaver. The trick is to use warm water and make a K sound in your throat. I promise you that it works better than blowing your nose ever will. This works really well after the mullein steam for your sinuses. The steam gets things loose and the neti pot gets them out.
Diffusing eucalyptus or peppermint can also help ease a stuffy or congested nose. Diluting them and using them as a roller bottle can also provide some relief.
Hot bathes or steamy showers can offer some relief. The steam helps to loosen things up.
Anytime you start feeling under the weather, increase your dose of elderberry syrup. It can support your immune system
Download Your FREE Herbal Remedy E-Book
Mullein Steam for Your Sinuses
Snotty nose and just can’t breath? Try a mullein steam for your sinuses. This natural, herbal remedy will help to clear your head and get you breathing better. I’ve found this to be one of my favorites during both cold and flu season and allergy season. It leaves your sinuses feeling very relieved.
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried mullein
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a rapid boil.
- While the water is coming to a boil, put ½ cup of dried mullein leaves in a bowl. Avoid glass to prevent breaking.
- When ready, pour the boiling water over the dried mullein making sure to get all of the herb wet.
- Quickly place your face above the bowl, taking care because it is HOT. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel to hold in the steam.
- Close your eyes and take deep breaths for 10-15 minutes.
If you are finding the steam to be too warm try lifting your head up farther away from the water. You can also take quick breaks if needed. Be very careful if allowing children to try this remedy. You might try putting the herb in a warm bath and closing the door to hold in the steam if using it with young children.
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Do you think this could be made into a tincture and put into a humidifier? My 14 month old daughter has chronic respiratory issues and colds are really tough on her and stressful for us. The ability to add something to her humidifier at night would be extremely valuable when she is sick!
Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve never used it that way before. You should be able to use it in a warm bath though.
I use the neti pot along with the mullein tea and warm water mixture. Burns a little but is very effective. I do the neti pot 3 times a day for a few days or until it quits burning. Once it quits burning you killed the bacteria and viruses.