Before You Toss Your Tree, Here's How To Use The Needles In An Herbal Steam

There's nothing like a real Christmas tree to infuse your home with the spirit—and the scent!—of the season. And if you decorated your home with a tree, wreath, or boughs made from living evergreens this year, then you likely have all the ingredients you'll need for an invigorating herbal steam. 

Cedar, pine, fir, and cypress needles all work beautifully in an herbal steam. Their oils are also slightly astringent and may help soothe the sinuses as they promote relaxation.

Before you use your leftover greenery in an herbal steam, you may also want to confirm that the plants were not sprayed with herbicides or pesticides. You'll be inhaling the properties of the plants directly, so you will want to treat the greenery with the same care and attention you would your food or water. If you're not sure whether the plants were sprayed or not, call the tree farm or landowner that provided you with the greenery and ask them directly. 

Ready to enjoy a moment of intentional self-care? Here's how to breathe in the smells of the season:

When it's time to finally haul your holiday evergreens to the compost or trash, you can strip the needles and store them in a paper bag to use in steams within the next six months. Just make sure that the needles are completely dry before you put them in storage to prevent mold. If they seem a bit wet or juicy, then place the loose needles in a basket or on a clean sheet of paper for 2 to 4 days to dry thoroughly.

Taking an herbal steam is a delightful, sustainable way to make your holiday decorations last longer. With the help of the fragrant needles, you'll be able to feel yourself unwind from some of the busiest weeks of the year.