Fennel steam inhalation
A short steam practice from the household tradition. A bowl of hot water with crushed fennel seeds, a towel over the head, ten minutes of slow breath.
Steps
Crush the fennel seeds
A heaped tablespoon of fennel seeds, lightly crushed in a mortar so the aromatic oils can leave the seed. Whole seeds work less well.
Pour over hot water
Half a litre of just-boiled water into a heatproof bowl. Add the crushed seeds. Set the bowl on a stable surface with a folded towel underneath so it does not slide.
Tent the towel
Sit down, lean forward, and drape a large towel over your head and the bowl. Keep your face about thirty centimetres above the water at first. If the steam feels too hot, lift the towel for a moment and let some air in.
Breathe slowly for eight minutes
Eyes closed. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Eight minutes is plenty. Come out, wipe your face with a soft cloth, sit a moment before standing up.
Not suitable for children under six, who can scald themselves on the bowl. Children between six and twelve should only do it with an adult present and at a greater distance from the water. People with asthma or other reactive airways should check with a clinician first, as steam can sometimes set off a wheeze. Skip in pregnancy if you are sensitive to strong aromatic vapours. Always test the steam temperature with your hand before tenting the towel.