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Ways to Seek Relief from Chest Congestion

Ashwini Kulkarni Sule
Severe cold often results in chest congestion, which can be quite painful and irritating. Here, we describe how chest congestion due to accumulation of mucus can be relieved with the help of simple home remedies.
Cold is the most common viral infection. Cold and flu virus is present in the air around us, but it only affects us when our immune system in weak.
Several other sinus infections then attack the weakened immune system, and irritate the linings of the respiratory tract. The mucus is produced to protect these linings. However, it often accumulates and leads to chest congestion and cough, which can be pretty nasty.

Chest Congestion Relief
Chest congestion can be relieved with the help of several home and natural remedies. These remedies provide relief from chest congestion by thinning the mucus, and then discharging it. Although, these remedies can give you a quick relief, it may be only for a temporary basis. To get relief naturally, you need to work towards building a strong immune system.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are a good natural remedy to relieve chest congestion. Lavender and eucalyptus are two essential oils that eliminate infection effectively. Combine these oils with steam, to open the bronchial passages, so as to let the oil penetrate deep inside.
Eucalyptus oil kills 70% of staphylococcus bacteria when diluted up to 2%. Similarly, anise, peppermint, and eucalyptus suppress the brain's cough reflex, and thus reduce coughing to a great extent.

If you develop a habit of popping these drugs every time you get a common cold or chest congestion, then your body will develop an immunity against it, and render them totally ineffective.

Home Remedies

There are several home remedies that will give you cough and chest congestion relief within no time.
➺ Put a few drops of aromatherapy oils, such as eucalyptus or lavender, on a tissue paper, and inhale it.

➺ Drink a warm cup of tea with a small sip every time.

➺ Mix some honey and lemon juice in warm water, and sip it slowly.
➺ Fill hot water in a plastic bottle, and snuggle it against your chest.

➺ Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil or Vicks VapoRub in a vaporizer, turn it on, and sit close to it.
➺ Drink hot soups or other frothy beverages.
➺ Eat more hot and spicy foods, as these foods help in thinning the mucus, and relieve you of chest congestion.
➺ Onions, sautéed in virgin olive oil with a spoonful of curry leaves, is a good chest congestion home remedy.

➺ Gently massaging chest with vapor balm or essential oil can also relieve you of chest congestion.

➺ Gargling with saline water helps remove mucus from the respiratory tube.
➺ You may use hot lemon water for gargling, or you may drink hot lemon tea.

➺ Boil some vinegar, and inhale the vapors. Consume a spoonful of apple cider vinegar 3-4 times a day. It will help lower the symptoms of labored breathing.
➺ Ginger tea, thyme tea, chicken soup, and black coffee can also help break the mucus. Increased intake of fluids can help alleviate the symptoms.
After recovering from an infection, it is necessary that you prevent yourself from getting re-infected. Maintain a proper hygiene by disposing the used tissues, and disinfecting the dehumidifiers, etc. Foods rich in vitamin C help increase the immunity. Consuming a multivitamin tablet daily also helps to strengthen the immune system.
Disclaimer: The information provided is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.