If you have been suffering from a persistent cough, chances are that you have a mucus buildup. Although this is not a serious condition, it can surely affect your health. And when left untreated, this may lead to more complications. Before you consult a doctor, there are few home remedies that can help clear the symptoms. Keep reading to know more about the many treatment options.
Causes of Chest Congestion:
There are several irritants that lead to the formation of excessive mucus build-up and chest congestion. The main causes are common diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis, smoking, GERD (Gastroesophageal acid reflux), asthma, and allergies.
Symptoms of Chest Congestion:
Heart congestive failure is not common and is distinguished by lung congestion. More commonly, upper respiratory tract infections lead to chest congestion. Below are the symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Headache
- Phlegm
- Breath shortness
- Postnasal drip
- Tiredness
- Coughing up blood
Although these signs seem small, it is not advisable to leave them untreated for weeks. You should consult a doctor if your cold lasts for more than two weeks. You may treat the same using home remedies, beginning from the first week.
How to Treat Chest Congestion:
Here are the top ten home remedies to treat your congested throat. These treatments are simple and affordable:
1. Ginger:
Drinking a cup of hot ginger tea can relieve the signs of chest congestion by clearing the throat. This remedy acts as an antimicrobial agent for reducing the phlegm effectively while the phytochemicals present in it can treat the harmful microorganism. You may prepare the ginger tea adding one inch of ginger in a cup of boiling water and one tsp honey. Cut the ginger and soak the pieces in hot water for five minutes. Strain and add honey. Mix well. Drink two to three cups of the herbal tea while still warm.
2. Pineapple Juice:
Pineapple juice can help clear up the congestion with its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and cleansing agents. You may consume one or two glass of the juice daily in or between your meals.
3. Turmeric:
Turmeric has effective antibacterial properties and is a great healing agent. Making a paste using ½ tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp black pepper powder, and one tsp honey can ease the uncomfortable feeling of a congested throat. The use of black pepper acts as a decongestant and expectorant. Both turmeric and black pepper are helpful in easing the chest congestion discomfort.
4. Essential Oil:
The essential oil has certain properties that can help treat chest congestion. These agents can reduce mucus formation, acts as microbial and anti-inflammation agents against infection. You may use two to three drops of the essential oil mixed with any carrier oil. Apply this oil blend to your chest, sinuses, and back. Use it daily before bedtime.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar treats excess phlegm formation and helps you expel it after gargling. For best use, mix one tsp of ACV in a cup of warm water. Mix it well and gargle. Repeat this solution twice daily for best results.
6. Thyme:
Thyme works as an antimicrobial and expectorant agent to heal cold symptoms like chest congestion. You may drink two to three cups of thyme tea daily for the best treatment. Preparing herbal tea is simple. All you need is two tsp of the dried thyme and a cup of hot water. Soak the ingredient in the water for a few minutes, strain, and consume it.
7. Epsom Salt Bath:
Epsom salt can expel all the toxins from our body and relax the muscle joints. You may take a hot water bath to decongest the mucus. To prepare the bath all you need is two cups of Epsom salt and warm water. Soak your body in this solution for 20 minutes and rinse off using plain water. You may either use a bathtub or a bucket of warm water to add the solution. You may not sense instant relief after the first time. Repeat after a day to see the improvement.
8. Mustard Poultice:
Mustard works on improving blood circulation and increasing sweating, allowing the airways to clear up and reduce the congested throat. You may prepare a mustard poultice using ingredients like one cup flour, mustard powder, two cloth pieces, coconut oil, and hot water. Mix the mustard powder using water to form a smooth paste. Apply the coconut oil on the chest. Dip a cloth in hot water, wring out the excess, and compress on the chest. Spread a thin layer of the mustard mixture over the cloth. Dip the second piece of cloth in hot water and place it over the paste. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the area with clean water.
9. Honey:
Honey has antimicrobial agents to help treat respiratory tract infection. It can clear airways, reduce throat irritation, and treat coughing. You may add one tsp honey, one tsp lemon, in a glass of warm water. Mix well. Drink one glass daily to relieve from chest congestion.
10. Steam Inhalation:
One of the oldest and simplest remedies is steam inhalation. This is a great alternative to a hot shower. You may experience instant relief from congestion and headache. For best use, add few drops of essential in a bowl of hot water. Cover your face with a towel. Lower your face towards the bowl and inhale the steam for 10 minutes.
If the symptoms persist, then consult a doctor. Otherwise, the home remedies mentioned above are also highly effective in clearing chest congestion without any side effects.
If you have any question, please comment below and don’t forget to share this post.
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