Q: Is there a natural remedy for chest congestion? - D.W.
A: Here's 4 natural remedies for chest congestion:
1. Salt Water Gargle
One of the mostly used home remedies for chest congestion is salt water gargle. Gargling with saline water helps in removing mucus from respiratory tube. Put one glass of water to boil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt in it. Stir it well and add a pinch of turmeric powder to it. Take a swig of warm water and gargle for 1-2 minutes. Repeat the process, four or five times a day to experience a soothing effect.
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2. Onion and Honey
Onion has anti-inflammatory properties. It is an effective remedy for curing chest congestion, when used with honey. Place a slice of onion in a bowl and cover it with honey. Let it stay for overnight. The next day, remove onion from it and consume this onion soaked honey, 4 times a day. Take one teaspoon of honey at a time.
You can also have raw, baked, or cooked onions to help mucus flow easily.
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3. Bay Leaf
Bay leaf is a very beneficial herb, which is a natural remedy for several health problems, including chest congestion. For curing chest congestion, one can have tea prepared from bay leaves. For this, you are required to...
...take fresh bay leaves and put them into a cup of boiling water. Let it soak for some time. Drink it warm.
You can also use bay leaves as a hot compress. Put some bay leaves in hot water. Boil it for some time. Then, strain it. Now, dip a clean cloth in the strained water and place it on the chest to get relief from chest congestion.
RELATED: More Congested With Mucus at Night? Here's How to Fix It
4. Thyme
To get relief in chest congestion, thyme is an effective natural remedy. This natural herb makes lungs so strong to fight against the mucus-causing bacteria. Thyme acts as a protecting shield against bacteria. For usage of thyme, prepare tea by adding one-fourth of half teaspoon of thyme in one cup of boiling water. Soak it for five minutes and add a little honey to make it sweet. Drink this herbal tea.
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You can also use diluted thyme oil for chest congestion. Mix olive oil or corn oil with thyme oil in 1:1 proportion. Rub it gently on the chest to relieve discomfort.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Colds and Flu center for more helpful articles and tips.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to 'Ask Dr. Renee'. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
