Written on the box in grease pencil was a scratched out price and a new price of 75 cents, as well as the claim that the product was new even though the box had obviously been opened and was taped back up. Knowing this particular store, I figured it was not really new but, for 75 cents, I could afford to check to see if it worked. If not, it wouldn't have broken my budget.Turns out it looked unused and it did work. Now, as you know, I don't give a hoot really about my appearance. I did not buy the steamer for silky skin. Inhaling gentle steam can do wonders for the sinuses and I was prone to sinus infections. (These ended almost entirely when I quit eating dairy products.)
Every time I have a sinus congestion or a cold, I pull out the ol' steamer and breathe the steam for half an hour or so. I set in on a table, pull up a chair, and position my face several inches above the face shield. To enhance the steamy benefits, I sometimes put a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil in the fragrance cup on top.I usually also drape a towel over my head and the steamer to create a tiny little steam room for my head. This has to be done carefully as it can get too hot and the steam can burn the delicate mucous linings of the nose. I use my arms and hands to vent the towel as needed, taking a break occasionally if it gets to be too much. The great thing is the steamer uses far less energy and water to create a healthy steamy environment than trying to get an entire bathroom steamed up by running a hot shower.
I started showing symptoms of a cold this weekend but completely forgot about the steamer until talking on the phone with a friend yesterday morning. She could barely recognize my voice as it was so hoarse and she cautioned me to be careful as it sounded like the cold was settling in my chest. At that moment, I remembered the steamer. My neti pot had not helped relieve symptoms much this time but the steamer went a long ways yesterday towards relieving them. I also finally remembered that I had two medicinal teas in my kitchen for sore throats and respiratory health.
This is the first cold I've had in years. It's no fun but I'm grateful to know I can deal with it at home with just a few tools and supplies. No need to go to the doctor or spend a fortune on dubious health remedies.
11 comments:
Oh, eys, steaming is good for the sinuses and it's also quite good for the facial skin.
this steamer is much more efficient than a boiling pot of water on the stove and a towel over the head, I must say.
My mom put fennel seed in the boiling water ot help her skin, I don't know if it's improved my skin or not but I like the scent of the fennel a lot.
Peace to You, shamba
Nice find! My husband boils water in the electric kettle and does the towel-over-the-head thing -- it really helps.
LOL next Chile goes to a spa!
Ugh! I have a cold, too. I haven't been sick in ages, and it's miserable.
But I'm a tea drinker, which is working to my advantage ;).
It's funny, I also seem to forget about using all my natural things on hand when illness hits us since it's not really that regularly. I'm so used to just getting on with it and letting things run their course and hoping for the best but am getting better at thinking what I can use that's around the home. I have done facial steams (using water from the kettle in a bowl with a teatowel over my head) with a dollop of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of oil of oregano and that works wonders too.
I have the exact same little machine in my home, but I did pay a little more for it. It's great when you have a sinus problem. I usually just drop a cough drop down into the water for that eucalyptus steamy effect. Nothing better.
I hope you feel better soon! :-)
-Elli
Shamba - have to admit, my skin feels good. :)
And this set-up is much safer than a boiling pot on the stove! Hm, fennel sounds intriguing. Might try that.
Cheap Like Me - I don't know why they marked it down so low but I was thrilled!
Rob - you payin'?
Wendy - sorry to hear you're also sick. I'd forgotten how miserable colds were. I also haven't had a bad flu in years and am keeping my fingers crossed (and washed) on that.
Nikki - I think the vinegar would make me gag. You know, I think I have other remedies in the cabinet but don't have the energy to sort through the mess in there. Organizing that was one of the projects I'd hoped to get to this month.
Trailshome - hm. The sugar from the cough drop doesn't gunk up the steaming mechanism? I might try that. Oh, wait. I have some eucalyptus essential oil spray. I should go put that in the cup on top...
Elli - thanks. I think I'm over the worst of it finally.
a former patient of mine who was in her 90's still continued to steam her face twice a week.
She didn't look a day over 70.
Chile, that was a real score.
pelenaka - hm, well maybe I should steam more often. I don't look my age really but I attribute much of that to not abusing my skin with tons of make-up, make-up remover, and 20 different skin care solutions each day. ;-)
My mom had a personal steamer that she gave me. I love it! Makes me feel so good when I'm sick. Actually I haven't really gotten sick yet this semester but if it's going to come to it I'm glad I've got it.
Post a Comment