[Margaret Pilkington]

A very effective and cheap way of inhaling steam is to use a litre plastic jug, put a couple of inches of boiling water in the bottom and then close the top of the jug by placing you nose in the place where the spout is and your chin into the jug(this is why you should put only a small amount of boiling water into the jug), and beathe in the steam.
This is a particularly effective treatment when you think you are about to get a cold...before it gets into full swing.
The steam kills the viruses that lurk in the nose and back of the throat....and while it may not stop the cold entirely, it may shorten the discomfort and ease the symptoms.