Evaluation of the Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Herbal Steam Inhalation in Allergic Rhinitis Patients
Nichamon Mukkasombut, PhD¹, Arunporn Itharat, PhD¹,², Puritat Kanokkangsadal, PhD¹, Waipoj Chanvimalueng, MD³, Khomsan Phongchomphu, B.ATM⁴, Kittitat Taphey, B.ATM⁴, Srongpon Inthanacitjuy, B.ATM⁴, Chanakran Chanpakdee, B.ATM⁵
Affiliation : ¹ Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; ² Center of Excellence in Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Research, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; ³ Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; ⁴ Medical student, Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand; ⁵ Thammasat Ku Kot Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Background: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is rising in Thailand and worldwide. AR causes nasal itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and congestion, impairing sleep, work, and daily life. Herbal steam inhalation, a traditional Thai remedy, is believed to improve circulation and relieve nasal obstruction. While herbal steam bath has shown benefits for AR, the efficacy of herbal steam inhalation remains unstudied.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and satisfaction of herbal steam inhalation in patients with AR.
Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight patients with AR were randomly assigned to receive either herbal steam inhalation (containing Cymbopogon citratus, Citrus hystrix, Zingiber cassumunar, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Allium ascalonicum, and camphor) or plain steam generated from water at 60℃ for five minutes. Efficacy was assessed using the minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) by acoustic rhinometry, total nasal symptom score (TNSS), and visual analogue scale (VAS). Satisfaction and adverse events were recorded.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in VAS and TNSS (p<0.05) without significant intergroup differences or MCA change. Satisfaction levels were significantly higher in the herbal steam group (p<0.05). Mild adverse effects occurred in 13 herbal and 9 control participants. However, no serious events were reported.
Conclusion: Herbal steam inhalation is a safe and well-tolerated complementary therapy for AR. While it provides similar improvements in nasal patency and symptom scores compared to plain steam, it demonstrates significantly higher patient satisfaction, suggesting its potential role in enhancing patient comfort, treatment adherence, and serving as an alternative option for symptom relief.
Received 20 November 2025 | Revised 20 February 2026 | Accepted 23 February 2026
DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2026.5.03893
Keywords : Herbal steam inhalation; Allergic rhinitis; Steam inhalation; Thai traditional medicine
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