DIY Old School Steam Inhaler Nebulizer

I remember as a kid back in the 1970’s, my country Grandmother (she was born in 1911) putting a “whistling” tea kettle on the stove and when it started to “whistle” she would set in front of it (about a foot 12”) and inhale the steam. I also remember her putting a spoonful of Vick’s Vapor-Rub into the water. As the kettle got hot, the salve would melt and release the medical oils into the steam. I don’t remember her ever use the kettle to make tea in so I’m sure it was for steaming only.

I have not seen anyone mention this use of a tea kettle on the internet. It’s always some company’s selling some fancy electric device or something like that.

CAUTION:

Nebulizing HOT STEAM should always be done with an ADULT PRESENT to supervise.

If the patient should happen to get burned while nebulizing, immediately run cold water over the burn for 10 minutes or wrap a hand towel soaked in vinegar around the burn for 20 minutes. It will never leave a blister or scar.

Whistling Tea Kettle

Water

Vicks VaporRub

Stove

Add water to kettle.

Put kettle on stove and turn on med-high heat.

Add spoonful of Vicks Vapo-Rub to water.

Put top on kettle.

Wait til kettle starts to whistle.

Set in front of kettle (about one foot) and inhale steam through nose.

Do this for about 10 minutes several time a day.

VINTAGE STEAM INHALERS

VINTAGE HOT STEAM INHALERS