Chest Congestion Remedy

Chest congestion is a condition when the respiratory tract is blocked and inflamed. Chest congestion is usually a result of viral and bacterial infection. Whenever there is an infection in the respiratory tract, mucus is produced to eliminate the infection. This mucus, in turn, causes chest congestion. Sometimes, dust particles, chemical fumes, pollution, and smoking can also lead to chest congestion. Common symptoms of chest congestion are cough along with mucus, sore throat, wheezing, and mild fever.

The most common remedy of chest congestion is to inhale steam. Take a big bowl of steaming hot water, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, bring your head over the bowl, and start inhaling deeply. You can cover your head with a towel so that the vapor cannot escape. Besides eucalyptus oil, you can also use peppermint and lavender oil. The steam treatment soothes the respiratory tract and reduces the cough.

Another good remedy for chest congestion is to massage mentholated balms on the chest, throat, back, and around the nose. The massage will produce warmth, relax the body, and reduce the chest congestion significantly. For best effect you should use the massage before going to sleep and leave the balms applied overnight.

You can also prepare effective decongestants by mixing some of the essential oils. Mix eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil, and olive oil and store the mixture in a glass bottle. This mixture can be used as a massage oil and vapor rub. You can also make a nasal inhaler by mixing eucalyptus oil with salt. To prepare this nasal inhaler, take a little bit of salt in a small glass vial and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in it. Close the lid of the vial and allow the eucalyptus oil to be absorbed by the salt. Now you can open the vial and inhale. You will be able to carry the vial with you and use it as a nasal inhaler whenever necessary.

Along with these home remedies, also make a few lifestyle changes. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Ensure that you have enough green vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet. Avoid smoking and make sure that you do not come in contact with allergens or other chemical irritants. Use a humidifier in the room so that the moist and warm air eases up the chest congestion.

Finally, if your chest congestion does not show any sign of letting up, you should consult a doctor and take up proper medical treatment.