Suffumigi: the perfect natural remedies to fight colds, coughs and sinusitis
The fumigations, also called fumenti, are among the most effective natural remedies to combat colds, sinusitis and phlegm. Thanks to the water vapor, in fact, the fumigations help to free the respiratory tract and to relieve cough and sore throat, acting as adjuvants in the treatment of classic seasonal ailments.
The action of water vapor, combined with that of specific ingredients and essential oils, allows in fact to intervene in a targeted and natural way, without any type of contraindication. Together with herbal teas and ad hoc infusions, especially based on ginger and lemon - both perfect for counteracting cold symptoms thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties - fumigations are among the most effective natural remedies to treat seasonal ailments and free from coughs, sore throats and sinusitis.
But before proceeding, discover this effective drink which, among other things, can help you counteract the classic symptoms of seasonal ailments: it is easy to prepare and also tasty. Try it for yourself!
How are fumigations made?
To make fumigations, just take a rather large pot and fill it with water; after boiling it, and adding some ad hoc ingredients, including bicarbonate (buy the 3kg aluminum-free bio package on Amazon for € 15.87) or essential oils, you can proceed with steam inhalation. Remember though to take a cloth and place it over your head to avoid heat dispersion, thus letting everything work more effectively and help you clear the airways more quickly, speeding up the healing process.
In essence, the fumigations are nothing more than an "inhalation of water vapor to be practiced for 2/3 minutes in a row, and to be repeated at least three times with a temporal distance of a few seconds from each other". If you deem it necessary, you can repeat the operation several times a day, although the ideal would be to do it at the end of the day, before going to sleep.
Suffumigi with bicarbonate: the most effective remedies for colds
Bicarbonate is undoubtedly the most used ingredient when it comes to fumigations or fumenti. Easy to find and inexpensive, bicarbonate can easily be the only ingredient to dissolve in water. Two teaspoons are enough, and the action it will carry out on the water vapor will enhance the effects and benefits against flu symptoms.
"The fumigations based on bicarbonate are one of the most used natural remedies to overcome the pathological states and annoying conditions that can attack the oral cavity and the respiratory tract", writes Dr. Maria Carrano. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and disinfecting power, sodium bicarbonate is also used in conjunction with other very effective ingredients, primarily herbs or essential oils. But which ones to choose to intensify its power and allow the fumenti to act faster against colds and stuffy nose? Without doubt chamomile flowers, eucalyptus or thyme essential oils and tea tree oil are among the most effective ingredients used for this purpose. However, if you are caught off guard, you can easily fall back on coarse salt, an element present in every pantry, which acts as a valid substitute for baking soda in an emergency. The procedure is always the same: bring the water to a boil, dissolve two tablespoons of coarse salt inside and then proceed with inhaling the vapors.
Buy the best organic essential oils on Amazon:
- chamomile flowers - € 6.29
- eucalyptus - € 12.99
- thyme - € 6.89
- tea tree oil - € 12.49
A help also from nutrition: here are the anti-flu foods against colds
You can fight colds and flu starting from the table: there are in fact foods that, thanks to their properties, can increase the immune defenses and fight the symptoms of the dreaded seasonal ailments. But what are they? Here you can find a roundup of anti-flu super foods. Spoiler: there is also chocolate!
Suffumigi with chamomile: perfect with baking soda to counteract stuffy nose and colds
Thanks to its soothing and calming properties, chamomile helps to clear the respiratory tract and promotes the mucus thinning process. To make chamomile fumigations, just pour a little of its dried flowers into a pot of boiling water - if you want, with the addition of a little baking soda which enhances the effect - and then proceed with the "inhalation.
In case you do not have dried chamomile flowers, you can also safely use a normal tea bag.
Suffumigi with eucalyptus: the most suitable substances against sinusitis and phlegm
Eucalyptus and thyme are two very effective ingredients to counteract seasonal ailments and fight the symptoms of colds and sore throats. Eucalyptus in particular is indicated to free the respiratory tract thanks to its antibacterial power and the balsamic properties it enjoys, thus representing an excellent help against stuffy nose, sinusitis and phlegm. You can use eucalyptus essential oils as a valid substitute for baking soda: just pour 4/5 drops into the pot of boiling water and then proceed with inhaling the vapors. The ideal would be to do the eucalyptus fumigations in the evening, to promote better breathing during sleep.
Suffumigi with tea tree oil: ideal for treating viral and bacterial infections
Tea Tree Oil is another essential oil suitable for making fumigations and fumenti. Thanks to its healing and balsamic properties, it is a real cure-all for counteracting coughs, sore throats and colds. Also in this case, 4/5 drops will be enough for it to take effect and speed up the healing process.
Oil 31: a panacea to fight cough and sore throat
There is another oil, oil 31 (buy on Amazon for only 6 €), rich in beneficial and curative properties, perfect for making fumigations. Ideal to combat sore throat and cough, this oil, in addition to being used for fumenti, can also be taken orally, with milk and honey, to promote nasal decongestion and clear the respiratory tract, or with lemon juice, perfect solution to relieve the throat in case of pharyngitis.
For further useful information you can also consult this article by Dr. Luca Malvezzi, specialist in facial surgery at the Humanitas Hospital.
