Steam & Herbal Therapy: Benefits, Precautions & Healing Secrets

STEAM AND HERBS

There are two types of steam: steam baths and local steam, which is done for a specific joint or muscle.  A steam bath should last no longer than 10-12 minutes, while local steam should last no longer than 4-5 minutes. 

             A steam room is a heated room where people can relax and get relief from certain medical conditions. Steam rooms are common in gyms and spas. When a water-filled generator pumps steam into an enclosed space, moisture in the air is created. 

A steam room’s temperature is typically around 100-110°F, with a high humidity level. 

Using a steam room can help with circulation, sinus congestion, and muscle recovery after exercise. 

Benefits of Steam: 

• Increases circulation 

Sitting in a steam room has been shown to improve the cardiovascular system, especially in the elderly. 

According to a 2012 study Trusted Source, moist heat, such as that provided by a steam room, can improve circulation by dilating small blood vessels or capillaries. This improves blood flow and oxygen transport throughout the body. 

Steam room therapy can also help lower blood pressure, keep the heart healthy, and repair broken skin tissue from wounds like ulcers. 

• Skincare 

The heat in both steam rooms and saunas will cause a person to sweat. Sweating opens up the pores and aids in the cleansing of the outer skin. 

Warm condensation will aid in the removal of dirt and dead skin and may aid in the treatment of acne. 

However, unlike a sauna, a steam room also aids in the removal of toxins trapped beneath the skin. 

• Exercise recovery 

After a workout, a person’s muscles are frequently sore. This is referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It is critical to relax the muscles after exercise in order to promote a quick and pain-free recovery. 

According to a 2013 study by Trusted Source, applying moist heat immediately after a workout helped reduce pain and preserve muscle strength. The heat relaxes the muscles and soothes the nerve endings. 

• Relaxes stiff joints 

Just like a pre-workout warm-up, using a steam room before a workout can help loosen up the joints and increase flexibility. 

According to a 2013 study by Trusted Source, applying moist heat to a joint had similar healing benefits to using dry heat, but the application time was much shorter. 

Steam rooms can also help with joint pain relief. 

• Stress reduction 

Endorphins can be released by the heat of a steam room. They are known as ‘feel good’ hormones because they help the body reduce stress. 

Relaxing in a steam room can also lower cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone released by the body. People can feel more in control, relaxed, and rejuvenated when their cortisol levels fall. 

• Sinuses are opened 

The heat from a steam room relaxes the mucous membranes around the body, allowing for deeper, more comfortable breathing. 

The steam from a steam room can help break up congestion in the sinuses and lungs, which may help treat colds, unclog sinuses, and improve breathing. 

• Burns calories 

A person’s heart rate rises when they enter a steam room. Using a steam room after exercise can help you keep your heart rate elevated for longer. 

The heat generated by the steam room and the sweating it causes, according to experts, can stimulate the body and increase wellness when used in conjunction with a suitable exercise program. 

There is no scientific evidence to back up the belief that using a steam room can help you lose weight. 

Any weight loss after using a steam room is usually due to water loss, which must be compensated for by drinking water afterward to avoid dehydration. 

However, in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, using a steam room can help you burn calories. 

• Skin Detox 

Skin detoxification is one of the many advantages of using a steam room after a workout. If you’ve ever been to a spa, you’re aware that one of the most popular types of facials involves steam. Because steam is known to open your pores and loosen any dirt that may be clogged in them, a steam room is useful for skin detoxification. While your skin is detoxifying, the steam adds moisture to it, which is ideal for those of us who need a little extra glow. To get the most out of your steam room experience, rinse off and apply a moisturizer or serum afterward. Your open pores will allow for better moisturization, leaving your skin silky smooth.

Precautions and Risks: 

While there are numerous advantages of steam, users should proceed with caution and be aware of the risks. 

• Drink plenty of water before entering the steam room 
• Avoid food an hour before your steam bath 

• Because of the risk of dehydration caused by the heat, it is best not to spend more than 10 minutes inside. It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water beforehand. 
• A steam room is also an ideal environment for bacteria and germs to grow and spread. 
• Athletes’ feet and other fungal infections that thrive in warm, humid conditions are examples of this risk. When entering a steam room, it is best to wear a towel over your chest and flip-flops or shower shoes. 
• Steam rooms are not suitable for the following people due to their extreme heat: 

• pregnant women 
• anyone suffering from
• heart disease 
• those who have extremely low or high blood pressure 
• anyone suffering from epilepsy 
• those on antibiotics 
• people who use stimulants, tranquilizers, or alcohol

Steaming is typically done with only water, but herbs such as Nagod (Vitex Negundo), Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), and Parijat (Night flowering Jasmine) can also be added. These all are good for joint pain. 

 More herbs like Thyme, mint, eucalyptus, basil, and rosemary can all enhance the benefits of herbal steam therapy. 

Parijat, Nagod, and Punarnava can be used to make Kadha, face masks, sabzi (you can cook it and eat it), etc.