Natural Remedies for Chest & Lung Congestion

Chest congestion can make even the happiest of people miserable. It makes both breathing and sleeping difficult, and can even lead to a loss of appetite. Though there are many cough medicines and expectorants on the market to treat this problem, some choose to treat chest congestion naturally. It should be noted that while the following remedies may be effective, they are not intended for long-term use. If your congestion persists after a week of implementing these remedies, seek the advice of your health care physician.

Increase Your Fluids

• Being well hydrated plays a large role in breaking up chest congestion. The more fluids you take in, the thinner the mucus becomes, making it easier to expel it from your lungs. One of the best things to drink for chest congestion is hot water with lemon and honey. To improve the effectiveness, you can boil a lemon wedge in the water, and then mix a drop or two of honey along with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the water. Gargling with the warm water mixture first helps soothe your throat, especially if it is sore from frequent coughing. You can then drink your water mixture to help thin the mucus in the lungs.

Make a Thyme Cocktail

• Heated thyme helps relax the lungs and loosen the mucus causing the congestion. To make this home remedy, simply boil one cup of water and add two tablespoons of fresh thyme. Then cover and continue boiling for an additional five minutes, after which you pour the mixture into a cup and enjoy while hot.

Breathe in Steam

• Though this can be accomplished while in the shower, it is most effective when using a pan of boiling water. To receive the full effects, cover your head with a towel while breathing in the vapors of steam coming from the pan of water. The vapors help loosen phlegm in the lungs and chest, making it easier to cough up and release.