Home Remedies for Chest Cold

Chest cold is a common term, which is used to denote the symptoms of bronchitis. It starts with a common cold or an upper respiratory tract infection; but, soon transforms to chest congestion, accompanied with cough and phlegm. These symptoms can be really bothersome, especially, during nighttime.

This condition is called bronchitis, which is caused by inflammation of the mucus lining in the bronchial tubes. The most common cause of acute bronchitis is viral attacks, but, this condition may also be caused by fungi or bacteria.

Other causal agents include smoking and pollutants. A chest cold can be either acute or chronic. While most of the acute cases can be controlled effectively with home remedies, chronic ones require medical attention.

Chest cold causes chest congestion, cough, low-grade fever, throat irritation, and tightness in the chest. As the bronchial lining gets inflamed, mucus is produced in large amounts, and is expelled as phlegm. These symptoms may aggravate at night, and some people may develop wheezing and breathing trouble.

If such severe symptoms are not treated, they may lead to complications, like pneumonia. As mentioned above, severe and chronic chest cold requires medical attention, as natural remedies may not be sufficient to control the condition.

Given below are some home remedies for mild cases of chest cold.

• One of the popular home remedies for chest cold is honey, which can be taken along with warm tea. You may also have a mixture of equal amounts of honey and slightly warm ginger juice (a few drops of holy basil juice can also be added), before bedtime.

This home remedy may prove beneficial for controlling cough as well as chest congestion.

• You may also use turmeric as a home remedy for chest cold. Have a glass full of warm milk mixed with a teaspoon of ground turmeric, before bedtime. You may also use it two to three times daily. This home remedy is said to be more effective, if taken on an empty stomach.

• It will be better to increase your water consumption, to tackle chest cold. Apart from water, you can go for warm soups and broths. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks. Fluids may be useful in loosening the mucus and in keeping the mucus lining moist.

• Consume a teaspoon of raw onion juice in the morning, in an empty stomach. It is believed that, onion juice is good for loosening mucus, and for preventing phlegm production.

• There are many other natural cures, like sesame seeds. An infusion can be prepared with a teaspoon each of sesame seeds, linseed, honey, and some salt. This infusion has to be taken before bedtime. It can be complimented with half a teaspoon of ground sesame seeds mixed with two tablespoons of water, twice a day.

• You may also use almonds as a home remedy for chest congestion. Mix powdered almonds (around seven) in a cup of orange or lemon juice, and consume before bedtime. Vitamin C supplements are also considered good for relieving the symptoms of chest cold.

These remedies may prove beneficial for those with acute and mild chest cold. However, those with severe and chronic symptoms need medical attention. If the condition does not improve, or worsen; even after using home remedies, you must consult your health care provider, for proper treatment.

Disclaimer: This story is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.