Chest Congestion Home Remedies

Chest congestion can occur as a chronic condition or as a result of a cold or bronchitis. Though there are many over-the-counter medications used in the treatment of chest congestion, alternative methods are available for those who do not like taking them. It should be noted that while these home remedies may be effective, they are not meant as a diagnosis or treatment for an underlying health condition. If you use these methods for a short period of time and find they are not working for you, seek medical attention promptly.

Inhale Steam

• For the best effect, you should boil a pan of water and pour it in a large bowl. Then place a towel over your head, lean over the bowl and inhale the steam from the water for about 10 minutes. For a greater effect, you can add a dropper of either lavender or eucalyptus oil to the steaming water; these oils combined with the steam help open up everything from the nasal passages to the lungs, and loosen the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to expel.

Increase Your Fluids

• Increasing your hydration breaks up chest congestion by thinning the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to bring up and expel. One of the best home remedies for this is gargling and drinking hot water mixed with lemon and honey. To make it more effective, you can boil a lemon slice in water for about five minutes. Upon removing the water, add a drop or two of honey along with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and mix it together. First gargle with the mixture and then drink it. Not only will you thin the mucus in your lungs, you will also be soothing your throat at the same time.

Drink Thyme

• Thyme is wonderful for relaxing your lungs, especially when used in the form of a hot drink. To make this home remedy, place two tablespoons of fresh thyme in a cup of boiling water, then cover and continue boiling for about five minutes. Remove from the heat and drink while hot. This will also help loosen the mucus and phlegm causing the congestion, helping you expel it.