Home Remedies to Get Rid Chest Congestion Naturally

What is Chest Congestion?

Chest congestion is a common health issue that effects all age group. It makes your chest feel tight and difficulty in breathing due to the build-up of mucus in respiratory tract and trachea. When we breathe allergens, dust and bacteria gets trapped by the mucus and causes chest congestion. It needs to be checked or it may lead to infection of the respiratory tract.

What are the Causes of Chest Congestion

Accumulation of virus and bacteria in the mucous membrane of the chest is the main cause of chest congestion. Other causes are common Cold, allergies, sinusitis or Sinus Infection, respiratory infections, viral Infections, bronchitis, heart diseases, pulmonary oedema, pneumonia, tuberculosis, asthma, lung cancer and cystic fibrosis.

What are the Symptoms of Chest Congestion

Chest congestion can be identified by difficulty in breathing, chest pain, stuffy nose, coughing, dizziness, tightness in chest, thick tongue, difficulty in swallowing, phlegm in lungs, noisy breathing and throat pain.

Next time when you encounter above symptoms then try home remedies for chest congestion listed below in this article.

Home Remedies for Chest Congestion

1.Steam Inhalation-

Steam inhalation dissolves the mucus and relieves congestion. It is an instant and easy home remedy for you. Take a bowl and pour steaming water in it. Add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil, 2 drops of rosemary oil and 3 drops of peppermint oil in steaming water. Place your face over the bowl and cover your head with a towel. Take deep breaths for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this 2-3 time in a day.

Alternatively, to loosen congestion you may take a hot shower, or apply hot compress on your chest. Also drinking warm water will lose mucus present in the chest and make you feel comfortable.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar-

Apple cider vinegar kills the mucus-producing bacteria easing chest congestion and making you breathe better. Add 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar and blend it with a half teaspoon of honey and add it to a cup of warm water. Drink this concoction 3 times in a day.

* Apple cider vinegar if taken in large amounts may cause digestive issues.

3.Thyme-

Thyme is a well-known herbal remedy for a cough and chest congestion. It fights mucus causing bacteria and promotes the function of lungs. Boil a cup of water and add one-fourth teaspoon of thyme to it. Steep for 5 minutes and then add honey to taste. Strain and drink this tea 2 times in a day. You may also mix thyme oil to olive oil in 1:1 ratio and rub on your chest to relieve the symptoms of chest congestion.

4.Garlic-

One of the most trusted home remedies for chest congestion and cough is garlic. It is used to treat respiratory issues since ages. Garlic is anti-inflammatory. Crush 2 garlic cloves. Add it along with a half teaspoon of honey to a cup of milk. Boil it for a few minutes and strain it. Drink it 2-time in a day and you will find instant relief.

5.Salt water gargle-

Salt water gargle is another effective home remedy to relieve chest congestion. Salt thins the mucus and flushes it out of the respiratory tract. Warm water soothes a cough and irritation of the throat. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gargle with it for a few minutes. Repeat this 3 times in a day.

6.Turmeric-

Curcumin is an active compound present in turmeric that acts as a natural expectorant. It is inflammatory and eases chest pain and cough. Add a pinch of turmeric to a glass of warm milk and drink it 2-3 times in a day.

7.Onion-

Onion has the ability to dissolve mucus and prevents the build-up of mucus in the chest. Being antimicrobial it prevent infection. Crush an onion and extract its juice. Add an equal amount of lemon juice, water and honey to it. Mix all ingredients and heat it till it is lukewarm. Drink this 3 times in a day.

Also, eat raw onions and add it to cooking.

If you do not find relief from the home remedies for chest congestion even after 2 weeks, consult your doctor. Also see your doctor if there is reddish or yellow sputum, fever with chills, increased chest tightness and you gasp for breath.