Both colds and cases of flu can bring several different symptoms with them that can develop into more severe problems if not dealt with appropriately.
While chest congestion can be annoying, it can also develop into a few more severe and even chronic respiratory conditions if not dealt with appropriately.
The good news is, there are some different time-tested, tried-and-true remedies for dealing with congestion.
Here are 8 great ways to stop congestion on its tracks and help you breathe easier.
1. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has been used for centuries to treat a vast number of ailments, including congestion.
Many modern over-the-counter products used to treat chest congestion contain eucalyptus, but it's also one of the best home remedies for congestion.
One of the best ways to treat congestion with eucalyptus is with eucalyptus essential oil.
While you want to be careful with applying eucalyptus oil directly to skin because some people are highly sensitive to it, most people can mix a few drops in a carrier oil and spread it directly on your chest.
You can also drop a few drops in a bath or on a warm, wet towel to lay across your chest.
The active properties of Eucalyptus are very delicate, however, so be sure not to put it in water that is too hot, or it will lose its therapeutic power.
2. Steam
Almost nothing breaks up congestion like steam. If you happen to have your own steam room or shower, you're set.
For everyone else, however, there are still plenty of solutions. One is to simply sit in the bathroom while a regular hot shower runs or just take a hot bath.
A humidifier will also turn almost any room warm and steamy.
For more concentrated steam, or if you don't have a humidifier, you can use a pan of hot water.
Heat up the water on the stove, place a towel over your head and lean over the pan of water. Make sure the water is just warm and not boiling, however, because you don't want to burn your face on the steam.
3. Hot Water or Tea with Lemon and Honey
Almost anything warm or hot is going to help loosen congestion, but the anti-bacterial properties of lemon help to boost the healing properties of the hot water or tea.
Honey will help coat your throat and lungs to both soothe and further ease congestion.
Chamomile tea is highly supportive for your body.
This natural herb can help reduce inflammation in mucous membranes and relaxes your respiratory system.
You can also add a bit of mint, which eliminates mucus buildup and helps you breathe easier.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a well-known remedy for coughs, colds, and congestion. You can eat ginger raw or make it into a hot drink like the tea with honey and lemon.
Fresh ginger is more concentrated, so you will need to be careful with quantities. You can ask your doctor for the amount recommended.
Drink ginger tea two-three times a day for maximum effect.
You will notice that the warmth of the tea soothes lung inflammation and thins the thick mucus layer from the chest.
Ginger also prevents body odor and boosts your immune system.
You can increase the anti-inflammatory effect by adding raw ginger to salads or warm foods as a tasty and a bit spicy supplement.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may taste just awful, but there are few better natural remedies for congestion.
You can swig a straight shot of apple cider vinegar once every 8 hours or you can drink it with a bit of lemon and honey.
Be careful not to overdo it on apple cider vinegar, however, because the high acidic content can give you an upset stomach if you drink too much.
Also, find the quantity you can bare without forcing yourself to ingest it. Take small sips at first to see how your throat reacts to the vinegar taste.
6. Steam Vinegar
Since both steam and vinegar are such great antidotes to congestion, you can combine the two and steam vinegar instead of water for a double dose of congestion-fighting power.
Vinegar keeps its properties when steamed and clears your lungs in no time.
Steam vinegar is suitable for evening use, as it allows you to have enough time for steaming and getting used to the vinegar smell.
However, be careful not to get your face too close to the steam as the strong vinegar smell might be eye sensitive.
7. Bay Leaf
Like eucalyptus, bay leaf is another natural remedy for congestion.
You can either make a bay leaf tea by steeping some bay leaves in hot water and drinking it like a tea, or you can use bay leaves as a compress.
You can find these leaves in small or large convenience stores. Make sure they are fresh when purchased.
Simmer bay leaves on a stove for 30 minutes, then let cool until the water is just warm.
Soak a small towel in the water and then lay the towel across your chest. You will quickly feel how the thick mucus buildup clears from your lungs and you can breathe easier.
8. Onion and Honey
Onions are known to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and have been proven to be highly effective against congestion.
That's why they make a powerful addition to chicken soup, which is also one of the best remedies for colds and flu.
To target the power of onions towards combatting congestion, however, they are best consumed raw.
Soak a slice of onion in a tablespoon of honey overnight.
Remove the onion and eat a bit of it four times a day with an additional tablespoon of honey.
You can turn this remedy into a habit and eat some honey in the morning, on an empty stomach. During winter you will discover useful protection against cold and flu.
What Helps Chest Congestion from Covid 19?
The mortality rates can be deceiving since the mortality rates for AIE also depend on the pulmonary health of the patients. Patients with underlying health conditions such as asthma, COPD, or heart conditions, are at higher risk of having lower pulmonary function levels. Older individuals and smokers are at a higher risk of AIE mortality. Smoking can have an effect on the patient's condition resulting in increased rates of mortality.
There is also an increased risk of a patient presenting with a poor prognosis for AIE compared to patients who do not have asthma. The increase in mortality rates is due to three factors, the first being that there is a time gap between when AIE begins and when a patient gets a diagnosis. People with chest congestion with AIE can be asymptomatic for months, and asymptomatic patients are at higher risk of experiencing it.
To Health
When it comes to congestion, there are few remedies that will immediately eliminate it entirely. Mostly, it just needs to be treated properly until it goes away.
There are several ways you can manage congestion, but it needs to be treated on an ongoing basis. Failure to properly tend to congestion can lead to a few more respiratory severe complications, so don't just let your congestion go unattended.
Thankfully, there are several excellent remedies for it, so you don't need expensive medications or even a trip to a pharmacy. However, the above suggestions are suitable if you cannot leave home or for urgent use.
It’s best if you consult with your healthcare specialist as soon as possible.