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Home » Home Remedies

Relieving Chest Congestion with Home Remedies

by Rosalind Jordan, FNP-C
July 15, 2019
44
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ghassan Kanj, MD

A consistent cough, heaviness in the chest, and constant urge to clear your throat of mucus are signs you might be having chest congestion. Usually thought to be a companion of cold weather conditions, chest congestion is a common experience that everyone must have felt at least once in life.

Chest congestion is a result of an external interference by a foreign body and is characterized by a buildup of mucus in the respiratory tract. This excessive production of mucus gives a feeling of tightness in your chest.

The respiratory passages produce mucus as a barrier to restrict the entry of microbial pathogens into the system. When your body contracts an infection, as a response it produces extra mucus to help combat the microbial invasion and expel the microbes out along with the expectorated mucus.

Contents

  • Causes of Chest Congestion
  • Signs and Symptoms of Chest Congestion
  • Natural Treatment Options for Chest Congestion
    • 1. Gargle with Salt Water
    • 2. Inhale Steam
    • 3. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in Water
    • 4. Say Yes to Turmeric
    • 5. Drink Ginger Tea
    • 6. Drink an Onion Concoction
    • 7. Drink Lemon Water
    • 8. Consume a Concoction of Honey
    • 9. Choose Garlic
    • 10. Soothe Your Throat with Licorice Tea
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Additional Tips
  • Concluding Note

Causes of Chest Congestion

Chest congestion involves the buildup of mucus and excess fluids in the passageways of the respiratory system as a result of a number of ailments including:

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  • Common cold[1]
  • Allergens[2]
  • Asthma[2]
  • Bronchitis[3]
  • Bacteria and fungi
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Influenza (flu)
  • Pneumonia

Signs and Symptoms of Chest Congestion

You are likely to experience the following symptoms when your chest is congested:

  • Presence of phlegm
  • Mild chest pain
  • Cough
  • Rapid breathing
  • Chest tightness
  • Irritation in the throat
  • Difficulty breathing

Natural Treatment Options for Chest Congestion

home remedies for chest congestion

When trying to get rid of your chest congestion, the key is to loosen the trapped mucus and clear the respiratory passages. Outlined below are some affordable and easy-to-use methods that can pave the way towards a speedy recovery.

1. Gargle with Salt Water

A reliable remedy to treat sore throat, gargling with salt water several times a day can help loosen the phlegm and lessen the congestion in your chest.

The salt draws out the mucus from the respiratory tract, and the hot water reduces the irritation in the throat and soothes your respiratory tract.

chest congestion remedy

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A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports the positive effects of frequent water gargling among healthy people in preventing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).[4]

  1. To a glass of warm water, add 1 teaspoon of salt.
  2. Stir until the salt is dissolved completely.
  3. Gargle with this solution for a few seconds two to three times until required.

2. Inhale Steam

You can help relieve your congested chest by inhaling steam, which provides moisture and helps loosen and dissolve the built-up mucus in the respiratory tracts.[5]

  • Pour hot water in a deep bowl. Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil. Hold your face over the bowl and put a towel over your head, leaving space between the steam and your face to avoid getting burnt. Inhale the steam for as long as you can and breathe deeply. The duration of steam inhalation is upon your discretion. Do this two to three times a day
  • Set up a hot shower and breathe in the steam vapor for 5 minutes.

Steam inhalation is not ideal for:

  • Young children
  • Pregnant women
  • People suffering from high blood pressure or heart conditions
  • People allergic to eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils

3. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in Water

Apple cider vinegar can help loosen the mucus and oust it from your system. This can help relieve chest congestion.

Apple cider vinegar can also rev up your immunity levels and curb the causes of chest congestion in the first place due to its natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.[6]

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  1. To 1 cup of warm water, add 2 teaspoons of organic raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
  2. Mix in 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
  3. Drink this solution two to three times a day for 1 week.

4. Say Yes to Turmeric

The active compound in turmeric called curcumin is an expectorant and provides quick relief from chest congestion. Aside from its ability to loosen phlegm, turmeric is a rich anti-inflammatory agent that may help deal with the associated symptoms of chest congestion such as cough and pain.[7]

  • To 1 glass of warm water, add a pinch of turmeric powder. Gargle with this mixture a few times daily until required.
  • Alternatively, mix 2 tablespoons each of turmeric powder and apple cider vinegar in 1 glass of water. Take this solution two times daily until needed.
Note: Turmeric should not be given to people suffering from stomach ulcers, hyperacidity, and gallstones.

5. Drink Ginger Tea

Ginger can help with chest congestion due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The polyphenols in ginger may restrict the secretion of mucus. Plus, ginger is an immune-boosting food that can help fight infections that are primarily the reason behind a congested chest.[8]

  • To 1 cup of hot water, add 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped raw ginger. Cover and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Strain the water and drizzle it with a little honey. Drink this tea three times daily till needed
  • Alternatively, you can prepare a concoction of 1 teaspoon each of dry ginger powder, black pepper powder, and clove powder. Divide it into three doses. Take this concoction with honey or milk three times a day
  • Also, chewing ginger candies or small pieces of ginger throughout the day may help you get rid of chest congestion

6. Drink an Onion Concoction

Onion contains high levels of quercetin that can help loosen the clogged mucus and prevents further buildup of mucus in the chest. An added plus is its antimicrobial activity that can help ward off infections.[9][10]

  • Extract the juice of one onion. To equal amounts of lemon juice and water, add a ½ teaspoon of honey and the extracted onion juice. Heat this mixture until it is lukewarm. Drink this solution when warm three to four times a day.
  • Alternatively, chew and swallow five or six small onions or shallots along with sugar before you go to bed at night.

7. Drink Lemon Water

Lemon contains copious amounts of citric acid, which can help reduce the thickness of the phlegm and can facilitate its easy discharge from the body.

lemon

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Plus, lemon contains vitamin C that can aid in boosting your immunity and help fight infections.[11][12]

  • To 1 glass of hot water, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a little honey. Drink this solution several times a day in between meals.
  • You can also gargle with lemon water. Add 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest to 1 cup of hot water. Cover and allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the water and gargle with it. Follow this treatment two to three times until needed

8. Consume a Concoction of Honey

Well known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, honey helps fight infections. Honey can help relieve chest congestion by reducing the thickness of the mucus and facilitating its expulsion from your respiratory tract.[13][11]

honey

  • Either mix 1 teaspoon of raw honey in warm water or swallow pure honey.
  • To a ½ teaspoon of powdered black pepper, add raw honey to make a paste. Swallow this paste three to four times daily until needed.
Note: Avoid giving honey to children below 1 year as it can lead to botulism.

9. Choose Garlic

Garlic is believed to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight a range of microbial infections including those that can cause chest congestion.[14]

garlic

Plus, it contains vitamin A, C, and B and minerals, namely, copper, iron, calcium, and selenium, which can contribute to your health positively.

  • To 1 cup of water or milk, boil two to three crushed garlic cloves. Strain the liquid and add a few drops of honey. Drink this solution two times a day until required.
  • To 1 cup of hot water, add two crushed garlic cloves and juice of three lemons. Add ½ teaspoon of black pepper and salt as required. Drink this mixture while it is warm two times a day until needed.

10. Soothe Your Throat with Licorice Tea

Licorice is a beneficial remedy for chest congestion. It helps expel mucus through its expectorant activity.[15]

Liquorice

  • To 1 cup of hot water, add ½ teaspoon of licorice root. Cover and allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the water, and add a little honey. Drink this tea two to three times a day.
  • To 1 glass of hot water, add ½ teaspoon each of licorice powder and ginger powder. Drink this mixture two times a day until needed.
Note: People with high blood pressure should avoid licorice remedies.

When to See a Doctor

Having a congested chest can leave you insipid and jaded. Although a minor chest congestion can usually subside in 3-5 days, a lingering chest congestion lasting for more than 7-14 days needs medical attention. Consult your doctor immediately if:

  • You experience wheezing.
  • You develop a high fever.
  • You are having trouble breathing.
  • You are coughing up blood.
  • Your mucus changes texture or color.
  • Your chest distress keeps you up at night.
  • You have a “cold” that lasts for more than 7-14 days.

Mild chest congestion can be treated with over-the-counter medication, but to avoid the side effects of decongestants, using natural home remedies to treat your chest congestion seems like an easy-to-follow approach.

Additional Tips

  • Drink hot liquids such as green tea, herbal tea, and black coffee.
  • Slurp on chicken soups and inhale its steam to ease chest congestion.
  • Include spicy foods in your diet in a bid to thin the trapped mucus.
  • Drink adequate amounts of water and eat fruits and veggies rich in vitamins.
  • Stay away from carbonated drinks and greasy and processed foods that can aggravate your chest congestion.
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
  • To keep your nasal passages open, use a humidifier at night.

Concluding Note

Chest congestion can be a symptom of an underlying condition such as an allergy, cold, and flu. It can be uncomfortable and cause respiratory distress.

Mild congestion in the chest can be treated by medications available in your local pharmacy shops. Alternatively, you can use home remedies to dislodge the trapped mucus, relieve the tightness in your chest, and ease your breathing.

Aside from the home remedies, make sure you drink hot liquids and follow a diet that can help you keep infections at bay.

However, it is wise to seek medical attention in persistent cases of chest congestion to determine the reason behind the condition.

Resources:

  1. Cough and the Common Cold. Plum X Metrix. https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(15)52834-1/fulltext. Published January 2006.
  2. Kushnir NM, Kaliner MA, Li HH. Allergic Asthma: Symptoms and Treatment. WAO. https://www.worldallergy.org/education-and-programs/education/allergic-disease-resource-center/professionals/allergic-asthma-symptoms-and-treatment. Published July 2015.
  3. Braman SS. Chronic Cough Due to Acute Bronchitis. Plum X Metrix. https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(15)52837-7/fulltext. Published January 2006.
  4. Satomura K, Kitamura T, Kawamura T, et al. Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections by gargling: a randomized trial. American journal of preventive medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16242593. Published November 2005.
  5. Nanda MS. Efficacy of Steam Inhalation with Inhalant Capsules in Patients with Common Cold in a Rural Set Up. IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272823081. Published February 2015.
  6. Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah AJ. Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans ; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-18618-x. Published January 29, 2018.
  7. Vyas K. The Cure is in the Roots: Turmeric. Journal of Nutritional Disorders &Therapy . https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/the-cure-is-in-the-roots-turmeric-2161-0509-1000163.php?aid=52844. Published June 3, 2015.
  8. Chang JS, Wang KC, Yeh CF, Shieh DE, Chiang LC. Fresh ginger (Zingiberofficinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23123794. Published January 9, 2013.
  9. Li Y, Yao J, Han C. Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/. Published March 15, 2016.
  10. Yang T, Luo F, Shen Y. Quercetin attenuates airway inflammation and mucus production induced by cigarette smoke in rats. International Immunopharmacology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576912000720. Published March 27, 2012.
  11. NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/. Published December 18, 2017.
  12. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29099763. Published November 3, 2017.
  13. Oduwole O, Meremikwu MM, Oyo-Ita A, Udoh EE. Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22419319. Published March 14, 2012.
  14. Wallock-Richards D, Doherty CJ, Doherty L, et al. Garlic Revisited: Antimicrobial Activity of Allicin-Containing Garlic Extracts against Burkholderiacepacia Complex. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0112726. Published December 1, 2004.
  15. Kuang Y, Li B, Fan J. Antitussive and expectorant activities of licorice and its major compounds. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0968089617318539?via=ihub. Published December 2, 2017.
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Comments 44

  1. Ana Hartog says:
    5 years ago

    I love and learn a lot with your tip. Thanks!!!!!

  2. Jackie Graham says:
    5 years ago

    Love your tips, will be trying them out!

  3. Ashkar Parambath says:
    5 years ago

    Good home remedies,it really works I love all ur tips.awesome site..

  4. jayasree says:
    5 years ago

    Thank you very much.ur tips are very usefull to us.

  5. Santoshi Madan says:
    5 years ago

    Osm tips and specially this post regarding congestion was much of requirement for me.

  6. Michael says:
    5 years ago

    Great remedies

  7. PARWAIZ ALAM says:
    5 years ago

    nice to have tips of daily ailments–it provide protection to unnecessary medicine ,thus saving from further complications——thanks.

  8. R.N.Bhat. says:
    4 years ago

    Please help me out for chest congestion and infection. love your tips
    thanks.

  9. Kashara says:
    4 years ago

    Thanks for the tips really helpful…

  10. Sharyl Farmer says:
    4 years ago

    Thank you

  11. Irene says:
    4 years ago

    thks for all d lessons, really nice tips

  12. ray says:
    4 years ago

    thanx a lot,this really works.

  13. Raju M gangavati says:
    4 years ago

    Thank u for given a uasefull tips

  14. Hena says:
    4 years ago

    My mum used to get a large onion or two smaller ones and either chop them up, or make cuts in them. She would then either pour two tablespoons of honey or brown sugar (even white can do at a pinch), and grill it. What is left is actually a delicious dessert style caramelised onion, which you then eat and it is guaranteed to get rid of cold and flus. If your chest is really bad, do this twice a day for a day and everything starts moving out. Works every time.

    • turneywo says:
      3 years ago

      Worked beautifully. Thanks

    • Doug says:
      3 years ago

      I tried this remedy last night and the results were amazing! Chest clearing after months of congestion and difficulty in breathing.

    • Rachael says:
      2 years ago

      I used this and got results almost immediately! I could feel the pressure on my chest decrease and the wheezing subsided tremendously! My stuffy nasal passages even began to open up! Thanks for sharing!

    • Sharon says:
      2 years ago

      Going to try this! Thanks!!

  15. Joseph Moloh says:
    4 years ago

    The remedies are quite helpful,thanks

  16. Natty ☆ says:
    4 years ago

    Im currently feeling sick, I think I will try…boiling some water and fresh ginger, honey, and a squeeze of lemon. Sounds a little more palletable.:)

  17. Annie says:
    4 years ago

    Thanks it works!

  18. Ranesh says:
    4 years ago

    Thnx helpful tips.

  19. Gigi says:
    4 years ago

    The vinegar and tumeric (with honey) works wonders. I couldn’t believe in just one day my cough was under control and chest congestion aleviated. Good bye prescription drugs!

  20. jel says:
    4 years ago

    very useful remedies. thank you so much.

  21. jel says:
    4 years ago

    very useful and effective remedies. thank you so much

  22. Gracenote says:
    3 years ago

    I would like to know WHICH remedy worked. To say the tips are helpful,doesn’t let a person know WHICH one worked!

  23. Nelly says:
    3 years ago

    This tips are marvellous. Last night my 11 year old was coughing and heating up so I prepared one of ur tonics for him….ginger, turmeric, lemon and bcs I didn’t have honey so I used a bit of sugar instead…..I’m telling you it worked like a charm. This morning, no coughing nor heating just congestion so I’ll keep her on the ginger for the whole day

  24. Matt houston says:
    3 years ago

    Only one person told us wich remedy works, hello knock knock is there any body out there , the lights on but know body is home…….

  25. monoranjan says:
    3 years ago

    Thanks it really works

  26. Steph says:
    3 years ago

    Does this help for congestion in chest and throat due to allergy?

  27. Vidya Sagar Maini says:
    3 years ago

    I was suffering from chest congestion and suffered a lot during day and night …..and God send I came across these home tips and there in a day I was relieved T. H. A. N. K. S.

  28. Sunflower says:
    3 years ago

    All of them work but as we are all individuals you have to find the one that works best for you. Start with the one that sounds most palatable to you but all of them will alleviate your symptoms. No need to be rude, no one would post 5 remedies where only one works and you have to puzzle it out. A good chicken soup has also been scientifically proven to help with congestion.

  29. WILLARD MUBVUMBI says:
    3 years ago

    Very good tips indeed. May God bless you.

  30. WILLARD MUBVUMBI says:
    3 years ago

    Good tips indeed, mwaaaaaaaaaaa

  31. Archana says:
    3 years ago

    My son started sneezing frequently n a month,then it leads to cough severely..some times he breath through mouth..give me some remedies…

  32. Vino says:
    3 years ago

    Good tips but while I eat onion in night definitely my throat will get pain in the morning how it works for cold can u expline because Ihave cold often

  33. Pamela says:
    2 years ago

    Hot ginger/lemon tea is very good for breaking up congestion, not to mention hot/sour soup and of course vick’s rub under the nose and on the chest..

  34. Rick says:
    2 years ago

    I ad a bit of sliced red onion to my bowl of hot water before I deep breath it. The harsher the onion the better it seems to help.

  35. Dharmin says:
    2 years ago

    Drink 3 liters of water everyday and free from allergy and chest congestion. I had chest congestion for 4 years and tried all possible option. Started drinking 3 liters water everyday and now free from congestion and allergy.

  36. Dianne Brown says:
    2 years ago

    Thank u so much I will try ur Home Remedies.

  37. Raquel Marteeny says:
    2 years ago

    This!!! Thank you for sharing😍

  38. Robert says:
    2 years ago

    Have yet to try any of the remedies.but will do so tonight. thank you very much for these remedies.for the past two weeks I’ve waste money on chest congestion medicines, I’m still congested..

  39. Tanya Smith says:
    2 years ago

    What do I need to do to relieve chest congestion and sinus pressure and nose bleed and swollen legs and feet and swollen sinuses on my face

    • Farzana says:
      2 years ago

      Flush your nose with Saline solution to start with..go to your doctor and get a culture done to make sure you dont have an infection, and if you have recurrent sinus problems, get a referral to an ENT specialist.

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All the tips mentioned here are strictly informational. This site does not provide medical advice. Consult with your doctor or other health care provider before using any of these tips or treatments. Read more.

 

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