20 Jan 6 Must-Try Chest Congestion Home Remedies

Chest congestion is a relatively common condition among children and adults. The occasional congestion can be relieved with effective remedies from the comfort of your home. 

Whether it is your child, you, or your significant other, chest congestion can be a source of great discomfort for the whole family. This seemingly harmless ailment can easily switch gears and aggravate into a severe problem. Stop it right in its tracks by making sure you get timely relief.  

Chest Congestion Symptoms 

Chest congestion takes place when mucus builds up within the lower breathing tubes and lungs. It can cause difficulty in taking full breaths and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Congestion can also lead to a wet cough or wheezing. A wet cough, also known as productive cough, can further aggravate things by bringing up mucus. The good news is coughing and mucus both are your body’s innate response to eliminating germs and irritants. If you or your children experience either of these symptoms, it is an indicator the body is functioning correctly to protect you from getting ill. 

What Causes Chest Congestion? 

Chest congestion is relatively common among individuals due to the following two reasons: 

• Bacteria and Viruses: These ailments enter the body through mucus membranes. Viruses and bacteria lead to inflammation within the body; therefore, it makes excess thick mucus naturally as a means of eliminating it. However, your body may not be able to get rid of this mucus. Hence it can get stuck within the chest and lungs. 

• Airborne Particles: If you live in a country with high pollution levels, you have a high probability of developing chest congestion. Airborne particles, such as dust and allergens, tend to get trapped within mucus membranes and make you feel congested. 

How to Get Rid of Chest Congestion? 

Try the following home remedies for chest congestion to get quick relief from the comfort of your home. 

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root 

Licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root, is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. This sweet-tasting herbal extract is rich in anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant attributes. Licorice root benefits by relieving chest congestion, inflammation, and upset stomach.  

If Glycyrrhiza Glabra Plant tickles your fancy, we have just the thing for you. Try this herbal tea for sore throat. This delicious tea contains an essential blend of marshmallow and licorice root that combine to preserve, coat, and relieve inflamed throat tissues. Here’s what you need to make this delicious herbal tea: 

• 1 Part dried Licorice root 
• 1 Part dried Sage 
• 1 Part dried Marshmallow root 

Directions: 

Add all herbs in an airtight jar, shake it around, and combine well. 

In 8 ounces of boiling water, add 1 tbsp. tea. Cover and let it steep for approximately 30 – 45 minutes. 

Pour in a mug with a strainer and enjoy. Once the tea cools down a bit, you can sweeten it with honey, although you will not need to, as licorice is already too sweet. 

If you suffer from kidney issues, high blood pressure, or heart issues, take your health care provider’s guidance before taking licorice tea. When consumed in large quantities, this herb can put stress on kidneys and heart health. 

Benefits of Drinking Water 

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is vital for a healthy body, great skin, and hair. It is also essential for improving chest congestion and thinning out mucus. The thinner the mucus, the easier it is to cough up. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of warm water, hot herbal tea, decaffeinated green tea, or soups. These hot beverages help soothe a sore throat, chest congestion, and cough. Avoid drinking coffee, as it can dehydrate the body. 

Onion Juice 

This kitchen necessity is easily accessible to most. Onions contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine attributes that loosen mucus and ease congestion. Benefit from this remedy by extracting onion paste, using a blender, and a little water. Now take the paste in a muslin cloth and squeeze it. Take this juice and mix lemon juice, water, and honey to it. Heat it and drink it throughout the day up to four times. 

Heads up, this mixture can smell pungent and can therefore put some individuals off. If it does not appeal to you, you can add a few tablespoons of it to salads as a salad dressing along with raw onions. 

Try Gargling Salt Water 

This tried and tested age-old remedy works like a charm to provide much-needed relief. All you need for this is half a glass of warm water and ¾ teaspoon salt. Mix, dissolve and sip on a little water at a time. Tilt your head back and gargle, spit it out and repeat. Saltwater helps to eliminate mucus that coats the throat. This safe and effective home remedy can be repeated several times throughout the day by adults. However, this remedy is not suitable for kids, as they are prone to swallowing. 

Steam Inhalation 

Inhaling steam has a ton of benefits for relieving congestion. It helps thin out mucus, which promotes phlegm production. Moreover, it also relieves symptoms of inflammation and a stuffy nose. If you frequently face chest congestion, it is better to invest in an electric steam inhaler or humidifier. However, if you do not have one, you can try this makeshift method that only requires hot water.  

Begin by heating water in a saucepan and leave it to boil. Now pour it carefully into a bowl, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam. Breathe steam slowly through the nose for approximately two to five minutes while staying at least eight to twelve inches away from the bowl. 

You can steam up to three times a day safely from anywhere between ten to fifteen minutes. However, be careful when you steam as getting too close to scalding hot water can harm your skin. Always remember to follow up steam with a glass of water to stay well hydrated. If your kid requires steam, be sure to monitor them as it can be risky. 

Malabar Nut  

There are plenty of yummy herbal extracts and foods you can incorporate into your diet to alleviate chest congestion symptoms. Try Adhatoda Vasica, commonly known as Malabar Nut, is a plant chock-full of expectorant, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it suitable for relieving nasal and chest congestion. 

Adhatoda leaf uses include relieving the flu, common cold, cough, and breathing problems due to its productive properties. The extract of this herb is readily available for consumption and makes for an excellent home remedy. 

Conclusion 

We hope our home remedies provide you quick relief from chest congestion. If your condition does not improve or aggravates, please consult your doctor. An expert is best equipped with medicines and machinery to help make you feel better.