Springtime Respiratory Herbal Steam

Steaming is a far-too-often overlooked blessing of working with herbs; and I think springtime is a great opportunity to get into the lungs and show them some extra love.

In this simple recipe (leave out who you don’t have on hand), I’ve gathered herbal allies that support clearing, purifying, warming, and opening the respiratory system. In spring, we celebrate the element of rising air and this is a perfect time to draw in your medicine with breath.

.5 cup Mullein Leaf
.5 cup Calendula Flower
1 tbsp. Chickweed
1 tbsp. Hyssop
1 tbsp. Lavender Blossoms
1 tbsp. Plantain Leaf (P. major, P. lanceolata)
1 tsp. Thyme or Oregano
1 tsp. Mint

Combine all herbs with intent and petition. Rest your intent on the breath, then mingle your breath with the herbs as you gently toss them in a mixing bowl by hand.

• Bring 8 ounces of water to a gentle roll

• Turn off heat

• Toss in herbs and cover

• Let sit 10 minutes

• Move pot to a table or the floor and remove lid

• Use a towel or small blanket to tent yourself over the steam, adjusting as needed to avoid too much heat on the face

• Alternate between nose and mouth breathing, drawing in the medicine-rich steam deep into lungs and sinuses

• Do three rounds, then take a break for a minute

• Repeat three times