The Best Home Remedies for Chest Congestion(PART ONE)

Chest congestion is an unpleasant inflammation of the lower respiratory system that can make your breathing become difficult and painful. In many cases, it is caused by common conditions, such as colds and respiratory infections. In order to prevent any complications, it is important to clear it before it worsens. Here are some natural home remedies for chest congestion that can help you alleviate the symptoms and return you to your previous, congestion-free, health.

What is Chest Congestion

Chest congestion is the accumulation of excess fluid and mucus (a slippery secretion produced by the respiratory membranes – also referred to as snot or phlegm) in the lungs. It is a symptom of many illnesses, some benign and some of a more serious type. For the latter, a visit to the doctor is always recommended, so that you receive the right treatment timely.

The most common symptoms of chest congestion include:

cough
difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
pain in the chest
dizziness
runny nose

If you don’t have any concerns regarding the origin of your congestion and it can be attributed to the common cold or the flu, it’s best to try and treat it naturally before reaching for the artificial chemical substances.

How to Get Rid of Chest Congestion Naturally

Increase your fluid intake

Drinking plenty of fluids is essential. It helps the body stay hydrated (when you’re ill, you’re more likely to suffer dehydration) and thins the mucus, so it’s easier to cough it out. In addition to pure water, drink herbal teas. Chamomile and ginger teas can be particularly soothing. According to WebMD (and many mothers and grandmothers), consuming hot chicken soup also does the trick. Some studies suggest that the soup helps activate the disease-fighting white blood cells and improves the function of protective structures inside the lungs.

Fluids to avoid:

Alcoholic beverages
Caffeinated drinks (coffee, black tea, sodas)
Drinks with high sugar content

Use Steam and Essential Oils

Steam, too, will help you soften the mucus and clear your chest. It can be used in different ways:

Steam vaporizer – If you have access to one, use it to create warm and humid conditions in your room during the night.
Hot showers – Treat yourself to a steamy shower or sit in the bathroom whilst a hot shower is running.
Steam inhalations – This is my favorite steaming method. Boil some water and pour it into a bowl. Add a few drops of essential oils (good for congestion are eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree and thyme oils). Then, cover your head with a large towel, lean over the bowl and inhale for 10 minutes or more.
Sauna – If you can, and your condition is not contagious, visit to a steam sauna might be beneficial and will help ease the congestion, as well as detox the whole body.

Spice up your meals

Garlic – Garlic is one of my favorite home remedies and it’s also one of the herbs I mentioned in my e-Book The Herbal Remedies Guide. Add garlic to your food or eat it raw. This natural antibiotic acts in an anti-microbial way and boosts the immune system. Pay special attention to avoid these 6 common mistakes when using garlic as a medicine. Garlic is also one of the ingredients in my homemade natural syrup for chest infections.
Ginger – You can eat it raw, make a hot drink or use it as a spice. You can also combine it with some other spices to make a delicious and potent beverage. Try adding a teaspoon of ginger to a cup of hot water and add some ground cloves and cinnamon. Sweeten with raw honey.
Chili peppers – Full of antioxidants, they will provide a kick to your meal and act as a natural decongestant and expectorants (aiding the clearance of mucus).
Turmeric – This anti-inflammatory ‘king of spices’ should also be included in your diet. Make a hot drink such as this turmeric golden milk or prepare a more exotic meal. Turmeric has low absorption and rapid metabolism but there are natural ways to improve its absorption in your body.

Drink hot tea with lemon and honey

This is one of the simplest home remedies that will help you relieve the symptoms and up your fluid intake. The vitamin C in lemons helps strengthen the immune system, while honey has anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. You can also use honey and lemon in many other ways to improve your health.

Use apple cider vinegar

You might not like the taste, but ACV will improve your breathing and deal with bacteria that cause the extra mucus. You can combine it with some turmeric and add raw honey to improve the taste. Drink a shot every 8 hours, but don’t overdo it or you might end up with an upset stomach.

You can also try this combination of ACV and honey (which is also helpful for sinus infections):

– a glass of warm water
– 1 teaspoon of honey
– 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

Make a hot pack

Put a steaming hot cloth on your chest and throat and leave it there for 10 to 15 minutes (lay down with your head elevated). You can also roast some fenugreek, cloves and carom (ajwain) seeds and put them in a cloth to create a pack that will provide you with immense relief.

Chuan Yien

Wedding and Decor Tips.