With the blooming flowers comes an onslaught of pollen and other allergens that can induce congestion, sneezing, and coughing. When your chest is congested, breathing can seem like work. Rather than suffering through a cough or taking cold medicine, naturally get rid of your chest congestion with a few safe herbal remedies.
Symptoms & Causes of Chest Congestion
- Chest congestion itself is actually a symptom, not a condition. Typically, one’s chest becomes congested because of a viral or bacterial infection. The common cold, the flu, or pneumonia can induce chest congestion.
- A congested chest is caused by the accumulation of fluids and mucus in the lungs. One usually experiences coughing, wheezing, discomfort, or general chest pain.
- If the lungs or airways are severely congested, the heart may not be able to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. This can ultimately lead to congestive heart failure.
How To Remedy The Situation
Rather than resorting to whatever medication you can immediately get your hands on, try using natural ingredients because they are often more beneficial and effective. Cold medications or too many pills can do more harm than good. The following natural remedies can help clear up that chest congestion in no time!
Use Onion
The onion has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it great for clearing up your chest congestion. You know how cutting onions can make you cry? Well, sulfur and quercetin, which are responsible for those tears, can help with decongestion. All you have to do is follow the steps below.
Instructions
- Cut the onion into four pieces and heat them in the microwave for 2 minutes.
- Remove the pieces from the microwave, place them in a small towel, and bundle to make a poultice.
- Place the poultice on your chest or back for 30 minutes. If the poultice is too hot, wait a few minutes for it to cool down.
Get Steamy
Since most people don’t have a built in steam room in their houses (that would be the dream!), you can use a large bowl of hot water, essential oils, and a towel. Inhaling the vapors from the oils, along with the steam itself, can help clear out the nasal cavity and major airways. The best oils to use are eucalyptus and peppermint. Here’s what to do.
Instructions
- Boil two cups of water and then pour it into a glass or metal bowl. Add 5-10 drops of both eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil to the bowl.
- Hover your face about six inches over the water and drape a towel over your head and the bowl, almost like a tent. Take slow, deep breaths until your nasal passages start to clear. Do this about twice daily until your congestion goes away.
DIY Decongestant
This is a potent remedy, but it is designed to promote healing throughout the body. The apple cider vinegar targets the infection in the body, while the lemon juice gives you a healthy vitamin C boost. The cayenne pepper helps clear out/thin the mucus in your sinuses and the ginger helps boost your immune system. Ingredients and instructions are below.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons raw honey
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Pour the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes and then remove from the heat.
- Stir in the cayenne and ginger powder. Slowly whisk in the honey until everything is thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into a glass container, shake well before consuming, and take 1-2 tablespoons daily to get rid of your cough.
