41 Home Remedies for Chest Congestion

Chest congestion describes a tightness in the chest. It can also be a heavy feeling in the chest region, and it happens when there is poor circulation within this framework of the body. When there is a failure of circulation, the movement of oxygen within the lungs becomes restricted or poor. The underlying reason for chest congestion varies as it might depend on a range of ailments or infections.  

When present, chest congestion leads to difficulty in breathing and often times, there is an accumulation of liquid around or within the lungs. The liquid itself cannot be described as just mucus as it might be any other matter.

 

Diagnosing Chest Congestion

When chest congestion is afflicting a patient, the physician might not always describe it as chest congestion since it might be due to another ailment.  It is most likely to be a symptom of a different affliction. A careful examination by the health personnel will tell what lies within.

The use of a pulse reading or stethoscope can give an insight into what ails the patient. The idea is to determine the flow of oxygen and to determine if it is sufficient for the patient.  A chest x-ray might be requested by the physician in order to have a clear picture of the internal walls of the chest. This might also point out if any inflammation has taken place.

 

Home Remedies for Chest Congestion

The use of natural remedies for chest congestion is to provide relief to the sufferer and it is not meant to avoid a proper medical diagnosis or treatment.

1. Bay Leaves

The Bay leaf has a reputation for bringing relief to people who are ailed by infections. It brings relief when you are afflicted by chest congestion.

To use this home remedy, collect a few bay leaves and rinse them to remove impurities. Immerse in boiling water for ten minutes. Allow to cool for five minutes and strain. Drink as tea to get relief.

2. Salt Gargle

Gargling with salt is a means of remedying chest congestion. The saline water is effective in thinning the mucus so that your respiratory tube can be clear of any mucus build-up.

To use this home remedy, fill a glass with warm water and mix in two tablespoons of salt and a pinch of turmeric powder. Take a ship and gargle with it. Spit out the mixture after gargling for two minutes. Repeat the process three times through the day. Repeat for the next three days to get relief.

 

3. Onion and Honey

Onion is reviewed for its capacity to ward-off inflammation and remedy the condition. Honey, on the other hand, is proven for thinning out chest congestion.

To use this home remedy, put a couple of onion slices into a bowl and cover them with honey. Let this sit overnight. In the morning, remove the onion from the honey and eat a teaspoon of the honey. Eat this four times a day to get the best results.

 

4. Hot shower

Heat provides a huge relief when you are faced with chest congestion. When you proceed to the shower, the dropping of hot water right on your back breaks up the mucus hardened within. The water therapy soothes any pain you might feel on your back.  

Slip into the bathroom and let the hot shower soothe your congestion and give you the desired relief. A shower that is about ten minutes long should do the trick. You can do this up to three times each day to get relief.

 

5. Lemons

Lemons are excellent antibacterial and antiviral agents. They are well-reviewed in several home remedy texts across the globe.  With mucus forming bacteria lurking in your lungs, lemons will provide an immediate counteracting action.

To use this home remedy, get a lemon wedge, or some rind, and immerse in a glass of hot water. Leave this to steep for five minutes and then strain. Drink as tea one glass at a time thrice a day. You can gargle with the tea as well.

 

6. Ginger Tea

This remedy is reputed for its soothing outcome whenever it is consumed. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent.  It will provide relief to you when chest congestion calls. Simply drink ginger tea three times a day to get relief.

7. Hot Tea

Drinking hot tea is a habit for some people while some others only drink it sparingly. Hot tea proves useful as a remedy when you have chest congestion. Drink any type of tea three times a day to get relief. For added relief, add a teaspoon or so of honey, lemon, or both.

 

8. Black Coffee

The use of black coffee is important as a remedy for chest congestion. If a cough accompanies the congestion together with shortness of breath, black coffee can help. The caffeine content of black coffee helps a lot in this regard.

 

9. Boiled Vinegar

The use of vinegar is well-reviewed and it has proven virile against a number of infections. It also soothes chest congestion. Get some vinegar to boiling point. With the vapors rising, inhale fully until you feel relieved.

 

10. Steam Inhaling

Inhaling steam helps to put the airways in a good stead when there is chest congestion. It works by loosening the mucus trapped in the airways so that there can be a flow and expelling.

To use this home remedy, put some boiled water emptied into a bowl. Place a towel to cover your head. Place your face over the bowl and let the steam suffuse your pathways. You can add some peppermint oil for better impact. Any hardened phlegm will be broken up by essential oils. It is important to have your eyes shut when doing this. Use this home remedy as often as needed.

 

11. Onion Treat

Onions have a wide range of properties that impact cold and chest congestion. When consumed, they can break up any inflammation. To use this home remedy, simply steep onion slices in a glass of hot water for a few minutes before drinking the mixture.

12. Tomato Tea

The use of tomato tea is rarely referenced when the discussion of relieving chest or nasal congestion is on the cards. The fact is that as a wellspring of vitamin C, tomatoes work effectively to boost human immunity.

To use this home remedy, mix half a cup of tomato juice with a teaspoon each of garlic, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Heat this mixture and drink it as often as you like.

 

13. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)  is replete with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It expels the bacteria-laced in the mucus that is trapped within your respiratory tract You are better placed to breathe with the ACV dosage and the congestion will dissipate. Take a shot of ACV at eight-hour intervals. Do not consume more than needed in order to avoid stomach upset.

 

14. Turmeric Mixes

Turmeric is often used in Ayurveda as a natural means to stop oxidation. It is also awash with anti-inflammatory properties. Added to honey, milk , and black pepper, it works effectively in stemming chest congestion. For the first home remedy, mix the following ingredients and drink it whenever your chest is congested.

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot milk
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoons honey
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Alternatively, make a tea of turmeric powder using 2 tablespoon scoops with the same amount of ACV. Drink this as a tea.

 

15. Mustard Plaster

The use of mustard plaster is virile for the treatment of respiratory infections. To use this home remedy, mix the following ingredients. Rub the paste it makes on your chest. Put a wet cloth on top of the paste. Leave it on for ten minutes. Do this three times a day, for three days, to get the best results.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

 

16. Massage Oil

Massage oil is prepared to have an emollient effect on the body. As it is often hot, it opens up the blocked airways and congestion. The top picks among the massage oils are arnica and lavender.  These two have a strong and refreshing odor that loosens up blocked tracts. The oils should not be used directly on the skin so as to avoid burns.

These oils can be inhaled to refresh your airways. Drop in hot water and inhale. You can also spill in a fabric or jar and inhale.

17. Radish

The use of radish hydrates the skin and is also used to exfoliate dead skin cells. It considerably clears out chest congestion. There are two ways to use radishes as a home remedy for chest congestion.

The first way to use this home remedy is to chop a radish and place it in a jar. Cover the radish pieces with lemon juice. Let this sit in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, eat the solution. Do this once a day for three days to get the best results.

Alternatively, you can simply juice a radish (in a juicer). Drink this juice up to three times a day to get relief.

 

18. Cut Cold Beverages

Cold beverages should be off-limits when you have a congested chest. They close the respiratory tract when you need them to be opened up. When your airways are closed, mucus is excessive and they remain trapped in there. This also leads to phlegm building-up along your passageway and can cause irritation of varying degrees. Iced drinks and water should be a foregone conclusion when you have chest congestion.

 

19.  Hot Packs

When you make use of hot packs, you will be able to obtain relief from chest congestion. Put the hot pack either on your chest or near your throat to feel relief.

 

20.  Licorice Root

The use of licorice is well-reviewed in many home remedy texts across the globe. It works as an organic expectorant that relieves chest congestion and cough. It soothes irritated throat and lungs.

To use this home remedy, mix ½ a teaspoon of grated licorice root in a glass of hot water. Let the root steep for five minutes. When the time is up, filter out the root and drink the remaining water. Do this three times each day to get the best results.

21.  Decongestant Salve

Decongestant salves can be made from a couple of active ingredients to ward-off chest congestion. Coconut oil, as well as eucalyptus oil, is added to the salve to open up the clocked tracts and airways. The camphor is effective against inflammation and breaks up the accumulated mucus. Mix the following ingredients and rub the resulting paste on your chest before bed to feel relief.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 drops eucalyptus oil
• 5 drops peppermint oil
• 3 drops camphor oil

 

22. Lobelia Leaves

Lobelia leaves are reputed to boost the human immunity and expel mucus build-up. It can be used as a tea for easy application. To make this tea, put two teaspoons of lobelia leaves in a cup of hot water. Let this steep for twenty minutes before draining the leaves and drinking. Drink this twice a day to get the best results.

 

23. Betel Leaves

The use of betel leaves is recommended for chest congestion as it contains essential oils. There is a phenol component that is a proven antiseptic and inflammation reducing agent. This remedy is virile when chest congestion is present and can also aid in the relief of acid reflux. You can use as a tea by steeping in boiled water.

 

24.  Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has a reputation among home remedies for a number of ailments. This also aids the relief of chest congestion and has enough active ingredients to counter inflammation and bacteria activity. Simply drink chamomile tea three times a day to get the best results.

25. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil also features on the list of home remedies commonly referred to across the globe. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that make it suitable for use against chest congestion. Mix a few drops of oregano oil in a carrier oil before rubbing it on your chest to get relief.

 

26. Water

Water makes it easy for circulatory functions to be possible in the human body. Chest congestion should prime you to increase your water intake. Other fluids like juices and tea boost the water content of your body. Failure to drink more fluid will lead to the buildup of mucus and worsen the chest congestion. Getting well-hydrated is important so that circulation can be at optimal levels. You can drink more warm water during the course of the day to break-up the mucus and give you the desired relief.

 

27. Quit Smoking

Smoking can aggravate respiratory problems, infections and lung problems and it can also irritate the mucous membranes, triggering excessive production of chest mucus. You should quit smoking as soon as possible.

 

28. Parsley

This natural herb is effective in breaking up mucus that comes from cold. It also remedies chest congestion. It expedites the process of recuperation by releasing histamines. Fresh or dried parsley can be added to your meal, soups, and salad at meal times to treat chest congestion.  

29. Rosemary Oil

This oil has rich antioxidant contents that are as much as the antimicrobial activity it produces. This relieves chest congestion effectively. Add ten drops of rosemary oil to a hot bath. Soak in this bath for at least twenty minutes to feel it’s results.

 

30. Body Slant

The practice of positioning can help you get some relief from chest congestion. This includes having a deep breath as coughing is prompted. This will expel more mucus.

When you lie on the bed, let your upper body hang by the edge with your head close to the floor. Cough in this position. The effect of gravity will help you drain the lungs at the base. More mucus will be expelled using this method.

 

31. Chicken Soup

This remedy is virile with several antioxidants and anti-inflammation properties. The lungs will be soothed by these ingredients. The overall effect is that more mucus will be expelled. A regular dose of chicken soup will dampen a cough and give you relief. Consuming this throws up more mucus than usual to expedite your healing.

 

32.  Humidifier

The humidifier should be put on in your home to enrich the moisture quality of the air you breathe. This is needed more at night time. It is effective for loosening up the mucus for prompt expelling.

 

33. Sweet Menthol

Menthol can be obtained in several forms and the usage helps to make your breathing space comfortable. They can be used as chest rubs to provide relief when you have chest congestion.

 

34. Yoga

The practice of yoga is noted for its use of the airways through special breathing techniques. There is also an increase in the inflow of oxygen when pranayama is put to use daily.

A reclining angular pose is recommended up to fifteen minutes each time. Do this daily. The chest congestion will abate faster.

35.  Head Elevation

Helping to get your body into a rhythm is one way to expel mucus and get some relief from chest congestion. When your head is raised while you are on the bed, it helps to get more mucus drained. Using a pillow to raise the head into a better position so that through the night, mucus can get drained.

 

36. Thyme

The use of thyme is a rich tradition in several cultures across the globe with Asian cultures in prominence with regards to chest congestion  It is noted to strengthen the lungs as it has anti-inflammation and antibacterial components that ward off inflammation and infections.

To use this home remedy, mix ¼ teaspoon of thyme in a cup of boiling water. Allow this to steep for five minutes. When the time is up, add a teaspoon of honey and drink the tea.

Alternatively, mix equal parts thyme oil and olive oil. Rub this mixture into your chest to use as a salve.

 

37. Salt Reduction

Not many know that chest congestion can be reduced when you eliminate salt from your diet. Allow your meals to be made without salt for a few days while you recuperate from chest congestion. Other snacks like roasted nuts, biltong and chips should be avoided as they contain high salt content while you recuperate.

 

38. Cut Dairy

The use of dairy, while you are combating chest congestion, should be minimized. They line the mucus when you consume them and produce irritation. Using soy products in the place of dairy is recommended so that you can have better relief. After healing is complete, reduce your dairy intake too as a better lifestyle choice.

 

39. Spicy food

Using spicy meals in place of bland ones can help you recover from chest congestion. This will clear your build-up of mucus and reduce the coughing and sneezing. Your meals should be spiced with garlic, peri-peri, as well as jalapenos if you have chest congestion symptoms.  If you just had a bout of the cold or flu, it is wise to go on a regimen of spicy meals. When you eat spicy meals, the mucus gets thinner and softer to expel.

 

40. Sugar Reduction

Sugars are not good for chest congestion symptoms as they are culprits in chest lining and mucus proliferation. Pasta, bread, cake, and pastries should be off-limits while you recuperate. Starchy meals are no good either at this time. Excess sugar should be avoided and use honey instead. Any meal of complex carbohydrates should be avoided till you net healed and the mucus gets cleared out.

 

41. Ditch the Oils

Oily foods have a way of proliferating mucus and this hurts your chest lining. The phlegm gets built-up with more oils getting through your bloodstream and this should be avoided. It is effective if you are keen to avoid fitful coughs. There is more discomfort when you eat fried meals as these irritate your throat and promote the unpleasant symptoms.

Which of these home remedies are you most likely to try? Comment with your response below!

References

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-chest-congestion.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Chest-Congestion

http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/home-remedies-for-chest-congestion

http://www.livestrong.com/article/150703-home-remedies-for-chest-congestion-cough/

http://www.myhealthtips.in/2013/09/best-home-remedies-for-chest-congestion.html

http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/chest-congestion-home-remedies/

https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/pain-relief/how-to-get-rid-of-chest-congestion-naturally/