After a while, it seems unaffordable to run to the doctors every time a cold catches hold of you. Ultimately, we resort to home remedies. Among these, steam inhalation continues to be the most effective against cold, cough, flu and irritable sinuses. Reinforce it with an essential oil for additional relief and therapeutic benefit. Steam inhalation is a method of introducing warm, moist air into the lungs via the nose & throat for therapeutic benefit. The hot steam moistens the nasal passages, thus clearing your blocked nose and opens up congested sinuses allowing you to breathe more easily.