24 Ways To Remove Mucus From Chest & Lungs Naturally (Chest Congestion Remedies) – NaijaGists.com

Natural remedies for chest congestion: how to remove mucus from chest and lungs naturally

What is chest congestion?

Chest congestion is a condition in which there is a buildup of mucus and in the lungs, leading to the inflammation of the lungs. This condition is marked by symptoms such as pain, and difficulty breathing.

In most cases, chest congestion is a symptom of some underlying respiratory problem like bronchitis. In such situations, proper diagnosis and treatment of the respiratory condition will help to alleviate the chest congestion.

Causes of chest congestion

As already mentioned, chest congestion is majorly a symptom of some other health condition. The following are some of the major causes of chest congestion:

• Smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of chest congestion. This is because the harmful substances in smoke obstruct the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to an increased production of mucus.
• Allergy
• Asthma
• Common cold
• Congestive heart failure
• Bronchitis: This is another common cause of chest congestion. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi (bronchial tubes) in the respiratory tract.
• Tuberculosis
• Pneumonia
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Acid reflux
• Pollution

Symptoms of chest congestion

The main symptom of chest congestion is an excess production of mucus in the mucus membrane. It is this excess mucus in the respiratory tract that leads to other symptoms.

• Coughing
• Discomfort and pain in the chest
• Tightness of the chest
• Difficulty breathing

Natural remedies for chest congestion

The following are some natural ways of treating chest congestion:

1. Hydrate: As previously mentioned, one of the reasons why chest congestion occurs is due to mucus buildup in the lungs. A simple and natural way of reducing mucus in the lungs and throat is by drinking plenty of water. Drinking enough water throughout the day will help to thin out the mucus in the lungs. For best results, it is recommended that you drink warm water.
2. Saltwater gargle: Gargling with saltwater solution is a simple, but effective way of relieving chest congestion. The solution works by loosening the mucus in the throat and making the throat clear. You should gargle with saltwater three to four times each day if you are suffering from chest congestion.
3. Drink up some hot soup: You can benefit from the health capabilities of soup. According to research reports, eating chicken soup can help to relieve chest congestion and reduce inflammation. So, if you are battling with chest congestion, try to drink up some hot chicken soup.
4. Avoid smoking: Smoking is bad for respiratory health; it will only worsen your case if you have chest congestion. As such, it is advised that you quit smoking if you are dealing with chest congestion. You should also limit your alcohol consumption too.
5. Take a hot shower: Taking a hot shower can also help to relieve chest congestion. This is because the steam produced by the hot water helps to dissolve the mucus and fluids in the throat.
6. Steaming: This method is similar to the previous one because it is the steam of hot water that does the trick. The only difference is that with this method you do not have to take a shower. All you have to do is to inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water. Make sure to cover your head and the bowl with a towel to get the most of the steam.
7. Licorice: Licorice root is a powerhouse of helpful antioxidants that should benefit people with chest congestion. For one, the ability of licorice to help loosen mucus in the throat is an important property. To benefit from licorice for chest congestion, simply add half a teaspoon of ground licorice root to a cup of boiled water and steep for about 10 minutes. After that, strain the liquid and drink at least two times each day. Note, however, that people with hypertension are advised to avoid this solution, as licorice can elevate the blood pressure.
8. Homemade decongestant salve: You can make a decongestant salve for treating chest congestion at home. To do this, mix a quarter cup of heated coconut oil with a drop of olive oil, 8 drops of eucalyptus oil, 3 drops of camphor oil, and 5 drops of peppermint oil. Afterward, put the mixture in a freezer and leave for about an hour before taking out and applying on your neck and chest.
9. Use a humidifier: Like nasal congestion, chest congestion can also be caused by inhaling dry air. If you live in a region where the air is mostly dry, you can benefit from the use of a humidifier. A humidifier helps to increase the moisture content in air, making breathing less difficult. Take note, however, you should go for a cool type of humidifier, which does not carry bacteria like the warm type.
10. Warm milk: Another home remedy for chest congestion is drinking warm milk. Before drinking, you can add turmeric, black pepper, and honey to the milk to get maximum results.
11. Black coffee: Drinking black coffee is another effective way of dissolving mucus in the throat. It is important to state here that, black coffee should not be consumed in excess; at most 2 cups should be taken.
12. Turmeric: The presence of curcumin in turmeric makes this kitchen an appropriate remedy for chest congestion. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of turmeric are beneficial here, as they help to reduce any inflammation and to destroy any infection-causing bacteria in the body. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder in hot water or milk and drink to treat chest congestion.
13. Onion: Onion contains quercetin, which has been shown to have mucus thinning capabilities. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of onion can also help to fight off any microbes responsible for the chest congestion. Blend some onion bulbs to extract the juice, and then mix with lemon juice in water. Afterward, heat up the mixture and drink when warm.
14. Honey: The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of honey can help in combating chest congestion. If you have chest congestion, drink a tablespoon of honey 3 or four times daily. You should not give honey to children below 1 year of age.
15. Apple cider vinegar: Organic apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for chest congestion. If you have a condition that predisposes to chest congestion, such as asthma or an allergy, you can reduce the risk of developing chest congestion by using apple cider vinegar. To reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar here, dilute 2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. add one teaspoon of honey to the mixture and drink twice or three times every day for one week.
16. Thyme: Thyme is another herb that should help to improve chest congestion symptoms. The antibacterial properties of thyme can help in fending off bacteria in the throat and lungs. Pour about half a teaspoon of thyme powder into a cup of boiling water. Steep the mixture for about 5 minutes, and then drink.
17. Cilantro: Also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, cilantro can be added to your meals to relieve chest congestion.
18. Ginger: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can come in handy when you have chest congestion. You can savor the medicinal effects of ginger by preparing and drinking ginger tea, or by adding ginger to your meals.
19. Lemon juice: The astringent and immune-boosting properties of lemon juice can be used in the treatment of chest congestion. Lemon contains citric acid, which helps to reduce mucus in the body. You can add one tablespoon of lemon juice to a glass of hot water and drink to relieve chest congestion.
20. Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds have medicinal properties that extend to treatment of chest congestion. The decongestive effect of fennel is what makes it a suitable remedy for this condition. Apart from this, the presence of compounds such as creosol in fennel also helps in improving chest congestion symptoms like chest tightness and coughing.
21. Garlic: Like ginger, garlic is another kitchen ingredient that has been used in treating various ailments, including chest congestion. Here, garlic’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties come into play. Moreover, the presence of vitamins like vitamins A and C help in boosting the body’s immune system in fighting off infections that cause congestion. To reap the benefit of garlic, add some crushed cloves of garlic to a cup of hot water. Add half a teaspoon of honey to the solution, then stain and drink.
22. Try a neti pot: You can use a neti pot to treat chest congestion in the same way as you’d do for nasal congestion. For maximum results, you should mix a teaspoon of table salt with half a teaspoon of baking soda to 2 glasses of boiled water and pour into the neti pot. Then, with your head tilted to one side, put the spout of the neti pot into one of your nostrils and start pouring the mixture into your nose. The solution should come through your other nostril. Repeat the process on the other nostril.
23. Use pillows while sleeping: Having a good night’s sleep is important for general health. However, sleeping in a bad position can affect your health. That said, you should put 2 or 3 pillows under your head while sleeping in order to stimulate mucus drainage and to prevent nasal congestion.
24. Try essential oils: Causes of chest congestion such as bronchitis and sinusitis can be treated using essential oils. Research has found that inhaling the aroma of heated essential oils or applying them topically to the chest and neck can help to reduce inflammation, as well as to free the respiratory airways. A diffuser will help with the inhalation of essential oil. Most diffusers come with clear usage instruction.