BLOG

Daily Steam Inhalation Has Been Proven to Kill Coronavirus – TRUE or FALSE?

Daily Steam Inhalation Has Been Proven to Kill Coronavirus – TRUE or FALSE?

As there has been an increasing number of discussions and rumours spreading on WhatsApp and Facebook stating that inhaling steam through the nose and mouth can help fight Covid-19, and because many of our clients have asked, we thought it would be a good time to offer our opinion on the subject.

Having been in this industry for many years, we have come across a plethora of judgmental claims relating to banya treatments and the positive/negative effects of steam in general, so we decided to check to see whether any of these social media statements are worthy of your attention.

Recently, in order to kill coronavirus, people have been advised to boil water, sometimes with other ingredients such as lemon or peppermint oil, and then place their face over the steam and inhale. Some posts tell users to do this for 15 minutes or for however long they can stand it. The authors have even suggested that steaming “might help relieve the consequences of SARS-CoV-2” in mild infections or in the early stages of the disease.

In order to provide you with an informed opinion, we have conducted a lot of research, checking facts and articles, and studying potentially false images, videos and stories on Facebook and YouTube. As a result, we feel able to say that these claims are false because there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be cured or treated by inhaling steam.

Although many of us have traditionally used steam inhalation as a home remedy for common colds and upper respiratory tract infections, there is nowhere near enough evidence to warrant encouraging people to inhale steam to prevent or treat Covid-19, especially if it means they don’t adhere as strictly to proven methods of prevention; for example, increased hand washing, wearing face coverings and social distancing.

Furthermore, although they both cause a respiratory illness, the virus behind the common cold has been proven to be different to the one causing Covid-19. Treatment trials for Covid-19 are currently running around the world, but to date none of them have been proven to be a consistently effective cure (although some, such as corticosteroids, have been used with some success).

Although steam is at the heart of banya, we do not believe these claims and, as the BBC has pointed out, they may even cost lives. Steam, heat and banya do not treat Covid-19.

However, regular visits to Banya No.1 will boost your immune system, which is a very tangible benefit in terms of preventing or coping with the common cold which is caused by a viral infection.

Our verdict

Regardless of how many precautions you take, the simple fact is that everyone is at risk of contracting coronavirus. Inhaling steam will not help you fight the infection, but those who are in prime physical health with the strongest immune systems will be in the best position to overcome its effects.

Your first line of defence against coronavirus is to avoid situations where you may be infected by it.

Your second line of defence is to strengthen your body as much as possible so you can resist its effects. Banya visits have been proven to be an extremely useful tool in boosting your body’s immune system so that it is in the strongest possible position to fight off any viral infection.

You can read an excellent fact-checking article here: https://fullfact.org/online/steam-covid/

other articles:

gif
see more
Celebrating Our Latest 2024 Award Nominations
Awards
icon

Celebrating Our Latest 2024 Award Nominations

We are thrilled to announce that Banya No.1 – Hoxton has been recognised as a finalist in three prestigious categories at the BABTAC Awards 2024: Boutique Spa of the Year, Spa Leader of the Year, and Digital Marketing. These recognitions are particularly meaningful as they follow our achievements last year, where we proudly won the … Read more

Learn more
The Banya Sauna Experience
Banya vs Sauna
icon

The Banya Sauna Experience

Immerse yourself in a sanctuary of warmth and wellness with the traditional Russian Banya. Far beyond the familiar sauna experience, Banya offers an exceptional opportunity for groups of friends, family, or colleagues to engage in a centuries-old ritual promoting health, camaraderie, and holistic relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the … Read more

Learn more
Social Wellness Activity – 10 Social Benefits from the Russian Banya
Community
Russian Banya
icon

Social Wellness Activity – 10 Social Benefits from the Russian Banya

Immerse yourself in the warmth of camaraderie and the steam of tradition with these ten transformative social wellness experiences at the Russian Banya. In an increasingly digital and isolated world, the timeless practices of communal steam baths offer an organic escape and a unique opportunity to strengthen social bonds. From invigorating rituals to shared meals … Read more

Learn more
Bathhouse vs. Spa – What are they and what is the difference?
Detox
Health benefits
icon

Bathhouse vs. Spa – What are they and what is the difference?

Bathhouses and spas are both popular destinations for relaxation and wellness, but they offer distinct experiences. Bathhouses, often steeped in cultural tradition, are communal spaces that emphasize the social aspects of bathing. These venues typically feature steam baths, sauna experiences, and plunge pools, creating an environment where people come together to cleanse and unwind. In … Read more

Learn more
Vote For Us & Get 10% Off Your Next Visit!
Awards
icon

Vote For Us & Get 10% Off Your Next Visit!

Fresh off a successful year filled with spa accolades, Banya No.1 – Hoxton continues to shine in 2024. After securing two awards and reaching finalist status four times last year, we’re thrilled to announce our nomination as a semi-finalist by BABTAC in the Best Boutique Spa category for the second consecutive year. Moreover, The Good … Read more

Learn more
Join The World Wellness Weekend Movement with Banya No.1
Community
Events
icon

Join The World Wellness Weekend Movement with Banya No.1

Are you a wellness influencer or journalist passionate about health and wellbeing? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! Banya No.1, a pioneering name in wellness, is proud to be an official partner of the World Wellness Weekend (WWW). Our Founder, Andrei Fomin, isn’t just an advocate for holistic health; he’s a global … Read more

Learn more
Women Only and Men Spa Steam Sauna & Ice Bath Experiences
Banya tips
icon

Women Only and Men Spa Steam Sauna & Ice Bath Experiences

Welcome to Banya No.1 – Hoxton, London’s premier destination for traditional steam sauna and ice bath experiences. Nestled in the heart of the city, we offer a unique blend of relaxation and rejuvenation, catering to all preferences with our women only, men spa and mixed gender sessions. Whether you’re planning a spa day for yourself, … Read more

Learn more
Revitalise Your Routine: Our GM’s Top Wellness Tips for a Thriving 2024
New Year
New Year’s Resolution
Russian Banya
icon

Revitalise Your Routine: Our GM’s Top Wellness Tips for a Thriving 2024

New Year is the time when we love to embark on a “new life,” all matters have been postponed until January, and there’s no turning back. Today, I won’t write about recovering from long holidays, feasts, and alcohol intoxication. Instead, I’d like to offer advice—cultivate new beneficial habits in 2024. If you already have three … Read more

Learn more
Experience the Perfect Harmony of Sound Bath & Thermal Spa in London
Sound Bath
icon

Experience the Perfect Harmony of Sound Bath & Thermal Spa in London

We’re excited to announce our latest wellness offering at Banya No.1 – Hoxton: the Sound Bath Ritual! In this post, we’ll explore the therapeutic practice of sound healing and sound bath, and how it beautifully complements our exhilarating thermal experience, ensuring a holistic and transformative after-effect. What is Sound Healing? Sound healing is a therapeutic … Read more

Learn more
Discover the Health Benefits of Ice Bath at Banya No.1
Health benefits
Plunge pool
Russian Banya
icon

Discover the Health Benefits of Ice Bath at Banya No.1

Dive into the experience at Banya No.1 – Hoxton, where we offer an exhilarating journey through authentic thermal wellness and invigorating contrast therapy in the heart of London, perfect for those exploring the health benefits of ice bath and hot and cold therapy! Here, we invite you to experience our traditional thermal cycle of hot, … Read more

Learn more