Regardless of the time or culture, people have understood the benefits of using steam baths for their health. This is true not only to experience the physical but the mental benefits of relaxation as well. It doesn’t matter whether you are experiencing a physical problem such as achy, tired muscles or respiratory distress, constant mental tension or just a hard day at the office, a steam bath can help. It stands to reason, however, that once a steam bath has helped to open pores, adding oils to your self-therapy will add to those benefits. Steam-shower-health-benefits

A steam bath provides a gentle and natural way to open pores, and allow botanicals to work their magic in every part of your body. Open pores allow oils access to the lower levels of cells in your skin. Steam also facilitates deeper breathing, which allows you to take in oils and herbs to be breathed with ease.

To infuse the steam for your shower into the steam generator, take a handful of each dried herb or just a teaspoon of pure essential oils to the water prior to heating it.

Eucalyptus – use about 1/2 cup of fresh or 1/3 cup dried. The oils from the plant will be released into the hot water, and the steam is helpful in supporting and clearing your respiratory system.

Thyme – use about 1/2 cup of fresh thyme or 1/4 cup dried. This can be very relaxing and don’t worry about smelling like a pork roast either.

Pine Needles – Use about 1/2 cup of pine needles (or just snip off a few inches of a pine branch).

Peppermint – Use about 1 cup of fresh peppermint leaves or 1/3 cup dried, or 2 or 3 peppermint tea bags.

Herbs can be used alone or mixed. Eucalyptus and peppermint make a relaxing and wonderful combination.

Also, consider adding calming, soothing herbs, such as chamomile and lavender, to help with a feeling of general well-being. This combination is particularly attractive when you add a measure of rose hips as well.

A steam bath is a wonderful detox regimen for whatever is ailing you. Steam will cause your body to sweat, carrying out toxins, which can benefit your liver and other organs. You can also use a steam shower to give you the cleansing effects of the heat and water along with the herbs. One herb that is especially good for acting as a diuretic and encourage your body to expel uric acid is juniper essential oil.

Want to really go for the gusto? During an oil-infused steam bath, apply an herbal face mask with rose and chamomile.