How to Get Rid of Chest Congestion

There are many causes of chest congestion, such as common cold, respiratory infections, heart diseases, viral infections, asthma etc.

Shortness of breath, coughing sensation, chest pain, loud noise while breathing, throat pain etc., are considered as the main symptoms of chest congestion.

Do you want to know how to get rid of chest congestion? If yes, then we have brought certain home remedies that you can use to get a respite from chest congestion.

Home Remedies for Chest Congestion

Chest congestion is a common ailment which is experienced both by young children and adults. So if you want any natural remedy for chest congestion, try out the following home remedies.

1. Salt Water Gargle
Salt water gargle is considered as one of the easiest and most effective method to relieve chest congestion. The saline water helps to remove the mucus from the respiratory tract which is considered as one of the commonly used home remedies.

Method 1: Using Salt and Water
What we need:

Warm water – 1 glass
Salt – 2 tsp
What we need to do:

Take a glass of warm water.
Add 1 to 2 tsp of salt and stir well.
Now gargle with this water.
Repeat this process 4 to 5 times a day to get rid of chest congestion.

Method 2: Using Saltwater and Neti Pot
What we need:
Warm water – 1 glass
Salt – 2 tsp
A neti pot
What we need to do:
Take a glass of warm water.
Add 1 to 2 tsp of salt and stir well.
Take a neti pot which is commonly used in Ayurveda.
Fill the neti pot with the warm salt water.
Allow the spout to insert into the nostril by allowing the solution to flow into your nasal passage to effectively clear the mucus.
Always remember to use a saline solution with the salt of pharmaceutical grade.
Follow this process 2 to 3 times a day to clear the chest congestion.

2. How to Get Rid of Chest Congestion with Turmeric
Turmeric has both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains curcumin which will quickly give you relief from chest congestion.
Method 1: Turmeric with Hot Milk
What we need:
Hot milk – 1 glass
Turmeric powder – 2 to 3 tsp
What we need to do:
Take a glass of hot milk.
Add 2-3 tsp of turmeric powder into it and stir it well.
Drink it hot to get quick relief from chest congestion.
Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for best results.

Method 2: Turmeric with ACV
What we need:
Turmeric powder – 1 tbsp
Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
Water – 1cup
A container
What we need to do:
Take 1 cup of water in a container and boil it low flame.
Add 2 tbsp each of apple cider vinegar and turmeric powder to it and stir well.
Boil it for 2 minutes and drink it hot.
You can drink it twice a day to get rid of chest congestion.

Method 3: Use of Raw Turmeric
What we need:
Turmeric powder – 1 tbsp
What we need to do:
Rub the areas of your chest with raw turmeric powder as it will heal your chest congestion quickly.
Method 4: Turmeric with Water
What we need:
Water – 1 glass
Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
What we need to do:
Take a glass of water.
Add 1tsp of turmeric powder to it and stir well.
Drink this liquid 2-3 times a day to get relief from chest congestion.
3. Garlic
Congestion in the chest due to cold can be cured by consuming few cloves of garlic as it is loaded with antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Method 1: Garlic with Hot Water
What we need:
Water – 1 cup
Garlic cloves – 4 to 5
What we need to do:
Slice few garlic cloves and put them in a cup of water.
Boil the water in low flame, and when the water starts boiling, inhale the steam.
Repeat this process as many times as you can a day to get relief from chest
Method 2: Garlic with Lemon
What we need:
Hot water – 1 cup
Lemon – 2
Crushed garlic cloves – 1 tsp
Crushed black pepper – a pinch
What we need to do:
Take a cup of hot water and squeeze the lemons into it.
Add few crushed garlic cloves and a pinch of crushed black pepper to it.
Mix all these ingredients well and gulp it.
You will feel relaxed and get relief from chest congestion.
You can follow this remedy twice a day to treat chest congestion.
4. Ginger
Ginger is the most preferred and natural home remedy for chest congestion allergies because it gives a soothing effect to your chest and throat. You can also consume raw ginger.
Method 1: Ginger with Black Pepper
What we need:
Hot water – 1 cup
Chopped ginger – 1 tsp
Whole black peppers – 2 to 3
Honey – 1 tsp
A container
What we need to do:
Take 1 cup of hot water in a container.
Add the chopped ginger and whole black peppers to it.
Leave it for 5 minutes.
Strain the water and add 1 tsp of honey to it.
Drink it twice or thrice a day to get relief from chest congestion.
Method 2: Ginger with Cinnamon
What we need:
Hot water – 1 cup
Ginger paste – 1 tsp
Cloves powder – a pinch
Cinnamon powder – a pinch
What we need to do:
Take 1 cup of hot water and add the ginger paste, cloves and cinnamon powder to it, and stir well.
Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes.
Now filter the concoction and drink it.
Drink this concoction twice a day to keep chest congestion at bay.
5. How to Get Rid of Chest Congestion with Honey
As the honey offers a soothing effect to chest and throat, it is considered as one of the best remedies for chest congestion.
Method 1: Honey with Onion
What we need:
Onion slice – 1
Honey – 3 tbsp
Bowl - 1
What we need to do:
Take a bowl and keep one slice of onion in it.
Pour honey to the bowl so that the onion slice is fully dipped in the honey.
Allow it to remain overnight.
Consume honey-soaked onion slice the next day morning on an empty stomach.
Repeat the process 4 times a day to treat chest congestion.
Method 2: Honey with Black Pepper and Turmeric
What we need:
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Honey – 2 tsp
Black pepper – a pinch
Hot milk – 1cup
What we need to do:
Add ½ tsp of turmeric powder to a cup of hot milk.
Add 2 tsp of honey and a pinch of black pepper to it.
Mix the ingredients well and drink it hot.
You can also add turmeric powder to your tea because turmeric is one of the most effective ingredients that cure both internal and external problems.
Method 3: Honey with Lemon
What we need:
Hot water – 1 cup
Honey – 2 tsp
Lemon juice – 1 tsp
What we need to do:
Take 1 cup of hot water and add the lemon juice and honey to it.
Stir well and drink it hot.
Drink this to get rid of throat and chest congestion allergies.
6. Vinegar
Vinegar is used as one of the best home remedies to cure chest congestion. Vinegar helps in killing bacteria, thus treats chest congestion effectively.
Method 1: Apple Cider Vinegar Consumption
What we need:
Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
Water – 1 glass
What we need to do:
Take 1 glass of water and 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to it.
Stir it well and drink it.
Try it after every 8 hours to get relief as well as treat chest congestion.
Note: Drink it in limited quantity or else your stomach will get infected and finally you will suffer from stomach upset.
Method 2: Vinegar Vapor
What we need:
Vinegar – 2 tbsp
Water – 1 glass
A container
What we need to do:
Take 1 glass of water in a container.
Add 2 tbsp of vinegar to it.
Boil it in low flame.
When it starts boiling inhale the vapors of vinegar.
It will give you great relief from chest congestion.
Method 3: Apple Cider Vinegar with Tea
What we need:
Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
Water – 1 cup
Turmeric powder – 2 tbsp
A container
What we need to do:
Take 1 cup of water in a container and boil it in low flame.
Add 2 tbsp each of apple cider vinegar and turmeric powder to it, and stir well.
Drink this soothing tea hot to get relief from chest congestion.

7. Essential Oil Vapor
Inhaling steam helps in clearing the chest congestion that is caused due to allergies. Inhaling steam will loosen the mucus in your airways and offer you relief from it.
What we need:
Eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil – 2 to 3 drops
A towel
A container
Water – 1 glass
What we need to do:
Take a large container and boil water in it till you get bubbles in it.
Add 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil to it.
Take a towel and bend over the bowl, covering your head with the towel.
Inhale the vapors as much as possible.
Repeat this remedy daily for best results.

8. How to Get Rid of Chest Congestion with Herbs
Use of herbs offers a great relief from congestion related symptoms and issues.

Method 1: Herbal Tea
What we need:

Hot water – 1 cup
Chopped ginger – ¼ tsp
Mint leaves – 2
Chamomile powder – ½ tsp
What we need to do:

Take a cup of hot water and add all the herbs to it.
Leave it for 5 minutes.
Strain the liquid and drink it hot.
These herbs have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which will kill the bacteria and offer great relief from chest congestion.
Note: Consume all herbs that contain Vitamin C, which helps reduce allergies related to the chest congestion. Use of menthol and eucalyptus also ease stuffy nose and give you a fresh breath of air and reduce chest congestion symptoms if found.

9. Onion

With antiseptic and antibacterial properties, onion can treat chest congestion effectively. Onion eases the chest congestion by breaking down the mucus as it contains sulphur and quercetin.

Method 1: Onion, Lemon Juice and Honey Concoction
What we need:

Onion – 1
Fresh lemon juice – 4 tbsp
Honey – 2 tbsp
Water – 2 tbsp
What we need to do:

Take a fresh onion and make a paste of it and extract the juice.
Add 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to it.
Add 2 tbsp each of honey and water to it.
Stir all the ingredients well and heat it for few minutes until it becomes lukewarm.
Consume it daily one to get rid of chest congestion.
Method 2: Other Uses of Onion
What we need:

Onion – 1
What we need to do:

Cut the onion into small pieces and consume it raw to thin out the mucus present in the chest.
Use sautéed or curried onions to treat chest congestion as it is one of the most effective home remedies for chest congestion.

10. How to Get Rid of Chest Congestion with Radish
Radish is one of the most preferred vegetables for chest congestion as it helps to clear allergies, bronchitis and chest cold related symptoms that cause chest congestion.

Method 1: Radish Juice
What we need:

Radish– 1
A juicer
What we need to do:

Wash a fresh radish and slice it finely.
Put the radish pieces in a juicer and extract its juice.
Drink this radish juice regularly to get rid of chest congestion.
Method 2: Radish with Lemon
What we need:

Radish– 1
A juicer
Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
What we need to do:

Extract the juice of one radish with the help of a juicer.
Add 2 tbsp of lemon juice to the radish juice and mix well.
Drink it to get rid of chest congestion.
Consume this concoction every morning to get complete relief from chest congestion

11. Thyme
Thyme is one of the most effective natural remedies for treating chest congestion. This natural herb makes your lungs stronger enough to fight against the mucus-causing bacteria.

Method 1: Thyme and Honey Concoction
What we need:

Water– 1 cup
Thyme oil – ¼ tsp
Honey – 2 tsp
What we need to do:

Take one cup of water and boil it in low flame.
Add ¼ tsp of thyme oil to the water.
Soak it for 5 minutes.
Add a little honey to make it sweet instead of adding sugar, and drink it.
Note: Use diluted thyme oil for chest congestion. You can mix olive oil or corn oil with thyme in the ratio of 1:1 and apply gently on the chest to reduce chest congestion.

12. How to Get Rid of Chest Congestion with Bay Leaf
Bay leaf is considered as one of the most effective natural remedies for treating chest congestion.

Method 1: Bay Leaf Tea
What we need:

Bay leaf – 2 to 3
Water – 1 cup
What we need to do:

Take fresh bay leaves and wash it.
Boil one cup of water and soak the bay leaves in it for some time.
Strain it and drink it warm to treat chest congestion.
Method 2: Bay Leaf as Hot Compress
What we need:

Bay leaf – 4 to 5
Water – 1 glass
What we need to do:

Take the bay leaves and wash thoroughly.
Boil 1 glass of water and put the bay leaves into it.
Allow it to boil for 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain the water in a pot and place it on your chest to get relief  from chest congestion
13. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is termed as one of the most effective chest congestion remedies. The herb consist of thymol and carvacrol which treats chest congestion in no time.

What we need:

Oregano oil – 1 tbsp
What we need to do:

Take 1 tbsp of oregano oil and apply it on your chest and throat.
Rub it for 5 minutes.
Repeat the process daily once or twice to relieve chest congestion.
14. Mustard Plaster
Mustard plaster helps to cure many respiratory infections like bronchitis, sore throat and chest congestion. The anti-inflammatory properties of mustard works well on infection. Try it to get rid of chest congestion.

What we need:

Dry Mustard powder – 1 tbsp
Flour – 4 tbsp
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Water- 1-2 tbsp
Muslin cloth – 1
Small bowl – 1
What we need to do:

Take 1 tbsp of dry mustard powder in a small bowl.
Add 4 tbsp of flour to it along with 1-2 tbsp of water to make a smooth paste.
Now, first apply 1 tbsp of olive oil on your chest.
After that spread the paste on the muslin cloth and put it on your chest.
Leave it for 15 minutes.
Clean your chest with a wet cloth.
Use this remedy 1-2 times daily till you get rid of chest congestion.
15. Hot Pack
The hot pack consist of many herbs which are beneficial for health and treat chest congestion instantly. Using this remedy you can get relief from your problem in no time. Try it today!

What we need:

Cloves – 1 tbsp
Carom seeds – 1 tbsp
Fenugreek – 1 tbsp
Thin cloth – 1
What we need to do:

Take a clean and thin cloth.
Put 1 tbsp each of cloves, carom seeds, and fenugreek in it.
Pack them together and put the cloth on your chest for 1 or 2 minutes.
Repeat the process daily twice or thrice to get rid of chest congestion.

16. Herbal Tea

Just drink herbal tea and get easy relief from your problem.

What we need:

Dried chamomile – 1 tbsp
Ginger(chopped) – ½ tsp
Water – 1 cup
What we need to do:

Take a cup of water and add 1 tbsp of dried chamomile and ½ tsp of chopped ginger to it.
Boil the mixture for 5 minutes.
Filter the tea and drink it when it is warm.
Enjoy the drink twice a day to relieve chest congestion.

17. Lemon

Lemon is rich source of vitamin C which helps to relieve you from chest congestion. Try the  honey and lemon magic to treat the chest congestion at home. The process is as given below:-

What we need:

Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
Honey – 1 tbsp
Hot water – 1 glass
What we need to do:

Take a glass of hot water and add 2 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 tbsp of honey to it.
Mix the ingredients well.
Enjoy the warm drink to treat the chest congestion.
You can repeat this remedy 2-3 times a day to get rid of chest congestion.

18. Licorice
Licorice acts as natural expectorant which provides relieve from chest congestion. It also soothe the inflamed lungs and makes the breathing process easily for you.

What we need:

Licorice root powder – ½ tsp
Water – 1 cup
What we need to do:

Take a cup of water and add ½ tsp of licorice root powder to it.
Now, boil the mixture on low flame for 5 minutes.
Filter the solution and drink the tea daily to treat chest congestion.
Note: Don’t follow this remedy if you have blood pressure.

19. Milk with Saffron
Saffron has medicinal properties which fight mucus formation and provides relief from chest congestion. The combination of milk and saffron provides nourishment and instantly treats the chest congestion issue. Here is how you can use this remedy to get rid of chest congestion.

What we need:

Saffron – ¼ tsp
Hot Milk – 1 cup
What we need to do:

Take a cup of hot milk and add ¼ tsp of saffron to it.
Stir it well and drink it when it is hot.
Use this remedy before bedtime to get rid of chest congestion.
20. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial and analgesic properties which helps to reduce chest congestion. Try this inhaling remedy to treat chest congestion easily.

What we need:

Essential oil – 3 to 4 drops
Hot water – 1 glass
What we need to do:

Take a glass of hot water and add 3 to 4 drops of essential oil to it.
Pour this water in a pot.
Put your head over the water.
Cover your head and water with the towel.
Breathe deeply so that the vapor reaches your lungs.
Repeat the process twice a day till you get rid of chest congestion.
Tips to Treat Chest Congestion
Apart from the detailed home remedies that are mentioned above, there are also few tips that you can follow to keep chest congestion at the bay.

Consume Coffee Daily: The caffeine present in the coffee act as a medication against shortness of breath and clears the blocked mucus in the chest, thus treats chest congestion effectively.

Consume 1 to 2 cups of coffee regularly as coffee clears chest congestion. Ensure not to drink more than 2 cups of coffee, as more of the caffeine in the coffee will result in asthma and will also gets high blood pressure.

Humidifier: If you are suffering from chest congestion, use a humidifier at night, which will add more water vapor to the air in your room.

When the water vapor will reach the lungs, it will remove the mucus easily. Using a humidifier will reduce chest congestion and you will also be able to breathe fresh air.

Keep Yourself Well Hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking herbal tea or water. First boil the water before you drink because boiled water is free from bacteria and virus.

Drinking more of water when you are ill is important because it will help you in clearing your chest congestion.

Not drinking enough of liquids will lead to the formation of mucus in your chest. Remain hydrated throughout the day to get rid of chest congestion.

Eat Less at Night: Do not eat more at the night as it is also considered as one of the problems that cause chest congestion. Always have a balanced diet or light food at night.

Eat Citrus Fruit: Consume citrus fruits like oranges, lime, grapefruit and pineapple, which make your immune system healthy.

Inhaler: Use an inhaler which is prescribed by your doctor.

Do not Use Suppressants: Avoid using suppressants which minimize coughing, but at the same time thicken mucus in your chest.

Hot Water Bath: Take a hot water bath every day as it will help in loosening the mucus that is stuck in your lungs and throat.

Do not Eat Spicy Food: Always avoid oily, fried and junk food and dairy products, which will increase the mucus production in your food. Consume more of herbs and fruits that will keep you away from chest congestion.

Treating chest congestion is no more a difficult task for you as you know the home remedies that explain how to get rid of chest congestion at home. So try out these remedies and stay away from chest congestion. Do not forget to share your experiences with us.

If you still suffer from chest congestion after using these home remedies, then consult a doctor and use the medicine prescribed by him.