Formulation And Evalution of Herbal Steam Vapour Pods

Nasal cavity plays an important role in the respiratory system. The cell body required energy to carry metabolic reaction. This metabolic reaction plays important role in the proper body functioning of human. The metabolic reaction take place in presence of oxygen (O2) and the main waste product of this reaction is carbon dioxide (CO2). The atmospheric oxygen taken by the respiratory system of the body with this oxygen the surrounding air enters respiratory tract. This air may be dry or moist, warm or cold and carry varying quantities of pollutant dust or dirt etc. air can damage the internal lining of the respiratory tract. The allergen, dust, pollutant stick to the inner lining of the respiratory tract and cause allergic rhinitis. The allergic rhinitis result in sleep disturbance, fatigue, mood depression and a decrease in cognitive function. This allergic rhinitis is treated with different herbal medicine (clove oil, eucalyptus oil, Ajwain oil, Mentha, thymol, etc). This medicine is inhaled from nasal route and give relief from the allergic rhinitis.

ANATOMY OF NOSE

POSITION AND STRUCTURE

Nose is a part of the respiratory tract. The air inter the respiratory tract from nasal cavity. The oxygen (O2) is taken from atmospheric air and carbon dioxide (CO2) is expelled from body the overall proses is called as respiration.

The nasal cavity is divided in two equal parts by the septum. the divided cavity is irregular. the posterior part of the septum is made of ethmoid bone and the vomer. Anteriorly made of the hyaline cartilage.

 

 

Figure 1: Structures forming the nasal septum.

 

 

Figure 2: Lateral wall of right nasal cavity.

 

 

Figure 3: Coloured scanning electron micrograph of bronchial cilia.

Openings into the nasal cavity

 

Nostrils are the opening of the nasal cavity. Nasal hair are present in the nasal cavity they are coated with sticky mucous.

The posterior nares are the opening from the nasal cavity into pharynx. The nasal bone has cavity called as the paranasal sinuses. There are tiny openings between the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. They are coated with mucous membrane

The main sinuses are:

maxillary sinuses in the lateral walls

frontal and sphenoidal sinuses in the roof (Fig B)

ethmoidal sinuses in the upper part of the lateral walls.

The sinuses are used in speech and also lighten the skull. The nasolacrimal duct extend from lateral walls of the nose to the conjunctival sacs of the eye. They drain tear from eyes.

Factor causing nasal congestion

Rhinitis (rhin- nose, itis- inflammation) is cause due to allergen. Allergic rhinitis is type-I hypersensitive reaction. The allergic rhinitis cause the nasal congestion.

Infections - such as colds, flu or sinusitis

Irritants present in the air, tobacco smoke, perfume, dust and car exhaust Allergen

1.         The respiration is the process of taking air inside the lunge and removing the air for lunge while respiration the air pollutant present in the air goes inside the respiratory system and cause allergic rhinitis. This is the main reason of the nasal congestion. The allergen bind or adhere to the inner lining of the respiratory tract and cause inflammation. This inflammation is responsible for release of excessive mucous and this mucous block the nasal cavity and respiration become difficult.

2.         The infectious bacteria (viruses and fungi) inter in the body from the nasal cavity. This cause infection in the body. The primary symptoms of infection is itching in nasal cavity and inflammation in nasal cavity. The inflammation will cause release of mucous secretion this secretion will block the nasal cavity. The inflammation is cause due to inflammatory mediator (histamine, leukotriene C4, and prostaglandin D2) the inflammatory mediator cause contraction of the smooth muscle this will block the nasal

Herbal steam pods are small, usually single-use sachets or capsules filled with aromatic herbs that release therapeutic vapours when exposed to hot water or steam. They are designed to make traditional herbal steam therapy more convenient and consistent, whether for facial care, respiratory support, or relaxation. Herbal steam pods typically contain dried herbs, flowers, and sometimes essential oils that are selected for properties such as decongesting the airways, soothing skin, or promoting relaxation. When placed in a steam device, bowl of hot water, orsteam shower, the pod slowly infuses the steam with plant compounds and fragrance, creating an easy aromatherapy-style treatment.

Herbal steam pods are modern wellness devices that deliver the benefits of traditional steam inhalation in a compact, user-friendly form. They typically contain precisely measured combinations of essential oils and herbal extracts selected for their decongestant,

antimicrobial, soothing, and aromatherapeutic properties, such as eucalyptus, menthol-rich mint oils, camphor, and clove. When activated with hot water or a compatible steaming device, these pods release a warm, aromatic vapour that can help open nasal passages, loosen mucus, and provide rapid symptomatic relief in conditions like common cold, allergic rhinitis, sinus congestion, and mild respiratory discomfort. In addition to respiratory benefits, herbal steam therapy promotes overall wellness by enhancing circulation, inducing gentle sweating, and supporting detoxification and relaxation. The comforting warmth of steam combined with calming herbal aromas may reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and create a spa-like self-care experience at home. Compared with conventional synthetic decongestant products, herbal steam pods aim to offer a more natural, portable, and convenient alternative with fewer systemic side effects, aligning with the growing consumer preference for plant based, multifunctional respiratory and wellness solutions.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

1.         Borneol:

Drug: Borneol

Synonyms: Borneo camphor, Bornyl alcohol

Biological Source: Various aromatic plants and trees, most notably blumea balasamifera,Dryobalanops aromatica, and Cinnamomum camphora

Uses:

•      Borneol is widely used in the preparation of rosemary, lavender, and other fragrances which are applied in the production of household products like soap and detergent.

•      effectively treats bronchial symptoms to improve lung function and ease breathing (helpful for sufferers of bronchitis and asthma).

•      Borneol also assists in the healing of wounds. Historically, it has been incorporated

into topical treatments for such applications, including the treatment of hemorrhoids.

 

 

Figure 4

2.         CAMPHOR:

Drug: Camphor

Synonyms: Camphora, Cinnamomum camphora

Biological Source: The large evergreen plant nativ to east asia camphor laural tree

Uses:

•      Respiratory aerosol: Camphor is also used via an aerosol, typically by steaminhalation, sometimes in the form of branded nasal inhaler sticks, to inhibit coughing and relieve upper airway congestion due to the common cold.

•      Topical medication Camphor is commonly applied as a topical medication as a skin cream or ointment to relieve itching from insect bites, minor skin irritation, or joint pain.

•      Scent Camphor has been used for its scent, as an embalming fluid, as topical medication, as a manufacturing chemical, and in religious ceremonies.

 

 

Figure 5

3.         MENTHOL:

Drug: Menthol

Synonym: Menthyl alcohol

Biological Source: primarily derived from the essential oils of various Mentha species, most notably Mentha arvensis (cornmint or wild minta and Mentha piperita peppermint)

Uses:

•           Helps relieve nasal congestion

•           Soothes cold and sinus symptoms

•           Provides a cooling, refreshing effect

•           Helps clear blocked airways

 

 

Figutre 6

4.         EUCALYPTUS OIL:

Drug: Eucalyptus Oil

Synonym: Eucalypti Follium

Biological Source: The fresh or dried leaves of trees from the eucalyptus genus primarily eucalyptus globulus

Uses:

•      Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce swelling and inflammation, which can aid conditions like bronchitis and arthritis.

•      Antibacterial and antiviral: Fights against certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and acts as a disinfectant.

•      Antiseptic: Aids in preventing infections in minor cuts, burns, and wounds. Decongestant and expectorant

•      Helps break down mucus and loosen phlegm, clearing the airways.

 •     Analgesic Provides pain-relieving effects that can help with muscle and joint aches

 

 

Figure 7

5.         Methyl Paraben:

Drug: Methyl Paraben

Synonyms: methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, Nipagin

Biological Source: Occurs naturally in various fruits like blueberries, cloudberries as well as vanilla

Uses:

•           Preservatives in Cosmetics, Personal care products, pharmaceuticals to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, thereby extending shelf life

 

 

Figure 8

6.         Glycerine:

Drug: Glycerine

Synonyms: Glycyl Alcohol

Biological Source: Plant oils (soy, palm, coconut), Animal Fats

Uses:

•      Moisturizing Skin in cosmetics, Softening and sweetening of foods, solvent or thickener in pharmaceuticals (cough syrups, capsules)

 FORMULATION

 

 

 

 

Figure 9.Physical Appearance

 

 

Figure 10. Hardness/Firmness

 

 

Figure 11. Melting Point

 

 

Figure 12. Vapour release/ Aroma intensity

 

 

Figure 13. pH Measurement

 

 

Figure 14. Skin irritation Test

 

 

Figure 15. Stability/ Compatibility

 

 

Figure 16

Table 3

 

 

 

 

Figure 17

 

 

Figure 18

 

 

Figure 19

RESULT

The herbal steam vapour pods demonstrated satisfactory results in all evaluation parameters conducted during the study. The formulation produced effective and consistent vapour release when exposed to hot water, providing a pleasant and refreshing herbal aroma that supports comfortable steam inhalation. The vapour intensity was observed to be moderate to strong, indicating efficient release of volatile herbal constituents.

The pH of the formulation was found to be within the acceptable range, suggesting that the pods are suitable and safe for regular use. Stability studies carried out under different storage conditions revealed no significant changes in the colour, aroma, shape, texture, or overall appearance of the pods, confirming good physical and chemical stability of the formulation over the study period.

In addition, the formulation showed no signs of irritation or adverse effects during the evaluation, indicating good compatibility and safety. The herbal ingredients used in the pods contributed to a soothing and refreshing effect during steam inhalation. Overall, the developed herbal steam vapour pods were found to be stable, effective, user-friendly, and suitable for therapeutic steam inhalation applications with a combination of traditional herbal benefits and modern convenience

In the present era, a large number of Indian population relay on the traditional system of medicine which is mostly plant based. Due to wide applicability of plant materials, now a day the development of herbal and ayurvedic preparations is increasing progressively. Specially, the incorporation of medicinal plant materials in the modern pharmaceutical dosage forms are gaining much importance. In pharmaceutical industry the various formulation and synthetic drug are available for nasal decongestion. The main aim of the formation is to prepare and evaluate the herbal formulation contain herbal ingredient. Extracted clove oil and mentha

CONCLUSION

The proposed herbal inhalation pod formulation advances targeted upper respiratory

pharmacotherapy, delivering phytoconstituents for rapid decongestion with enhanced patient adherence and reduced systemic effects.Preliminary physicochemical optimization and

stability protocols address formulation gaps, confirming translational viability for OTC respiratory relief.

The formulation and evaluation of herbal steam vapour pods will represent a significant advancement in the development of targeted herbal inhalation therapies for upper respiratory disorders such as nasal congestion, common cold, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. The proposed formulation will utilize carefully selected medicinal herbs and essential oils possessing decongestant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, thereby enabling effective local delivery of bioactive phytoconstituents directly to the upper respiratory tract.

This localized mode of administration will facilitate rapid onset of action, improve therapeutic effectiveness, and will enhance patient compliance due to ease of use, portability, and non-invasive nature of the dosage form. By bypassing systemic circulation, the herbal steam vapour pods will minimize systemic exposure and reduce the likelihood of adverse effects, making them safer for repeated and short-term use when compared to conventional oral medications.

Comprehensive physicochemical evaluation studies will be conducted to ensure formulation quality and consistency, including assessments of weight variation, aroma intensity, oil retention capacity, evaporation rate, and uniform distribution of herbal constituents. Microbiological evaluation and stability studies under different storage conditions will be performed to establish product safety, shelf-life, and resistance to degradation, ensuring reliability throughout the intended period of use.

The stability data obtained will address existing formulation gaps and support optimization of the vapour pod composition, packaging, and storage conditions. Sensory evaluation and user acceptability studies will further validate the effectiveness of vapour release and therapeutic comfort, contributing to the overall performance of the formulation.

In the future, the outcomes of this study will confirm the translational feasibility of herbal steam vapour pods, enabling their development as a standardized, cost-effective, and eco-friendly over the counter (OTC) respiratory relief product. Furthermore, the formulation approach and evaluation parameters established in this research will serve as a foundation for future clinical investigations, large-scale manufacturing, and potential commercialization of herbal inhalation therapies. Overall, herbal steam vapour pods will emerge as a promising alternative to synthetic inhalants, offering a safe, effective, and patient-friendly solution for the management of upper respiratory conditions.

Based on over research, it concludes that these pods give relief from the nasal decongestion and allergic rhinitis. Natural remedies are more acceptable in the belief that they are safer with fewer side effects than the synthetic ones. As formulation contains clove oil it gives relief in headache which occur due to nasal congestion and Mentha will give cooling effect. The herbal inhaler has increasing demand in the world market. From the present study it can be conclude that the prepared pods inhaler was safe, convenient and efficient.

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