How to Relieve Chest Congestion Naturally

Chest congestion occurs when there is an accumulation of excess mucus and fluid in the lungs. The common symptoms are; a cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and tiredness due to labored breathing.

Sometimes the congestion can be so bad that a crackling or rattling sound can be quite clearly heard as the patient breathes. Note: We aren't talking a high-pitched wheezing sound here: that's an entirely different kettle of fish, and, if that is present, then urgent medical help should be sought.

Chest congestion is actually a 'symptom' of some underlying condition, such as; a common cold, post nasal drip, respiratory infections, viral / fungal / bacterial infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, sinusitis, fluids as a result of heart disease, allergens, and croup (inflamed larynx & trachea in children).

A doctor would usually advise the use of drugs and medications to relieve chest congestion. These are things like; expectorants to loosen and clear mucus, cough suppressants, antibiotics, nasal sprays, vitamin supplements, etc. Which ones used -- and they could be in combination -- would depend on the symptoms, their severity, and the underlying cause(s).

However, you can relieve chest congestion using natural home remedies. And there are quite a few out there. Here are 10 ways to relieve your chest congestion that many sufferers have found to be effective...

There are many home remedies to relieve chest congestion that have natural expectorant, cough relieving, and even antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Here are 10 of the most effective congestion relievers:-

1. Keep Well-Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help loosen mucus. It's better to drink warm rather than cold water in this instance.

2. Steam Inhalation

This is a very popular way to relieve chest congestion. It helps to slacken the mucus and makes it easier to take up.

All you need do is add 5 to 6 drops of eucalyptus (or peppermint) oil to a large bowl of boiling water and mix it through.

Then, with a towel over your head, place your head close to and over the bowl. Seal the towel around your neck and around the bowl to trap the steam.

Breath in and out slowly and deeply for at least 10 minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.

Of course, you can also get similar benefits by having frequent long steamy showers!

3. Saline Solution Gargle

This remedy helps to soothe the throat and slacken off any mucus lingering at the back. The salt also helps to kill bacteria.

Just add 1 to 2 tablespoons of table salt to a glass of warm water and stir to ensure the salt has dissolved.

Stand over a sink, take a small mouthful of the solution, tip your head back, and gargle for as long as you can; at least 1 to 2 minutes. Then spit out into the sink.

Repeat until the glass is empty. Do this 2 or 3 times daily.

4. Honey and Lemon Tea

A calming drink of tea helps to soothe the throat too.

Make some tea as normal. All you then need to do is add some honey and some fresh lemon juice. Stir. Sit down, relax and take your time. Try to let the tea run slowly over your throat.

I prefer green tea, you may do so too. I also prefer manuka honey. Although this is more expensive it is said to have superior antiviral and antibacterial actions.

5. Other Herbal Infusions

There are many herbal infusions that you can get. Some of the most popular are chamomile, mint, peppermint, ginger, cardamom, nettle, and so on. Many of the herbs used in such infusions have natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV has natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. But the most effective is 'raw' apple cider vinegar, the one that has sediment (called the "mother") at the bottom of the bottle or container.

Just add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water and drink three times per day.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Turmeric Tea

Here's a quote from a forum on myhomeremedies.com:

"I took 2 tablespoons of turmeric along with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in tea. Take it every hour. I got relief in about 8 hours. It completely cured it. Turmeric is a miracle... It really worked. I was surprised."

8. Avoid Certain Foods

There are some foods that seem to increase mucus in the respiratory system. So get rid of these from your diet; milk products, sugar, salt, and anything fried.

9. Foods to Relieve Chest Congestion

Believe it or not, there are certain foods that can actually help to relieve congestion. So you may wish to consume more of these. These are foods such as; spicy foods, curries, asparagus, pineapple, lots of citrus fruits, ginger, and garlic.

10. Raise Your Head When Sleeping

Improve mucus drainage by keeping your head above your feet at night. You can either use two or three pillows or raise the head of your bed by placing a couple of bricks or blocks under the legs.

So there you have it: ten ways to relieve chest congestion naturally ay home.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

https://www.healthtap.com/topics/chest-congestion

http://www.homeremedyshop.com/20-home-remedies-for-chest-congestion-relief/

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

http://www.livestrong.com/article/262246-how-to-naturally-get-rid-of-chest-congestion/

http://www.myhomeremedies.com/topic.cgi?topicid=141

http://www.chestcongestionrelief.com/

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

The content of this Hub is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a substitute for proper medical diagnosis, treatment or advice, and you should not assume that it is. Always consult your health-care provider / physician / doctor before taking any medications, natural remedies, supplements, or making any major changes to your diet.