Guest post by Susan Hamilton of Home Remedy Book.

Related: How Do Home Remedies for Chest Congestion Work?

Steam

Steam inhalation from heated water is moisturising, so it dissolves the mucus. By liquifying the phlegm, it allows your body to eliminate it and ease the symptoms of Chest congestion. You can increase its effects by adding a few drops of refreshing eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil.

Use this home remedy for chest congestion by pouring water into a large bowl. Then, place a bath towel over your head and lean over the bowl. Cover your head with the towel and deeply inhale the vapours. Keep inhaling until the steam completely dissipates.

Ginger Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for many ears as a cure for lungs-related conditions. It soothes throat pain thanks to the polyphenols which reduce mucus membranes from the inflammation.

Chop a tablespoon of raw ginger in pieces as small-sized as you can. Pour an 8-ounce cup of hot water on top of them and let the mixture steep for five minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey and mix. Then, drink one – three cups of ginger tea daily until the symptoms minimise.

Onion

Onion contains quercetin, which is useful in dissolving the mucus. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it helps prevent infection and further mucus buildup.

Extract the juice from an onion and mix with equal quantities of lemon juice, water and honey. Heat the mixture for up to a minute. Then, drink the resulting solution for three – four times every day. Eating raw, cooked or baked onion also helps you prevent cold and further chest congestion.

Oregano oil

Oregano is rich in medicinal properties. It contains carvacrol and flavonoids which work as natural decongestants. Rosmarinic acid reduces fluid buildup and swelling and is efficient as an anti-allergy agent.

Mix one part of organic oregano oil with three parts of water. Then, rub the mixture onto your chest and throat around three times per day.

Humidifier

Air humidifiers are generally healthy and many of us should use them. They maintain sinus healthy, while providing moisture and humidity to the inside of your nose. Humidifiers open and release nasal passages while you sleep and can treat chest congestion, according to researchers.

* Warm humidifiers harbour bacteria and have more intense effects.

* Cold humidifiers can be used safely around children and pets.

Salt water Salt moisturises your trachea and lungs by eliminating the liquid it meets. Sea salt is effective as it naturally contains minerals and beneficial agents. Also, heated water conducts salt water and calms throat irritations.

Pour one or two tablespoons of salt in an 8-ounce warm water glass. Mix the water until salt dissolves completely and gargle for up to two minutes. Repeat this for three – five times per day.

Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rahego/3261970490