The feeling of heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest area is commonly considered as a chest congestion that often occurs when the fluids or mucus buildup in and around your lungs, making you feel unpleasant and uncomfortable. This condition is caused by heart diseases or common cold that affect to your respiratory system.
Chest congestion will make your breathing become more difficult because when the atmosphere starts to flow through your air tracks and the blockage will obstruct the movement of oxygen into your lungs, leading to this life-threatening condition. If it not cured properly, it can result in hazardous health problems such as pneumonia or bronchitis. In severe cases, the mucus can plug the air passage, which makes it more difficult for fresh air in order to get into your nasal.
Common cold, flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary edema, cystic fibrosis, GERD, airborne allergies, lung cancer, and heart problems are common reasons for this chest congestion. Chest pain, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, dizziness, discomfort in chest, blood in phlegm, crackling noise while breathing, body aches, and fever are common symptoms that appear at the time of this condition.
In this writing, Effectiveremedies.com will introduce to you top 32 effective and natural home remedies for chest congestion in adults without any side effect. This article listed the best treatments to treat this problem from reliable sources. However, it is not intended to give medical advice and it is solely for the informational purpose. Continue reading this article to understand more!
Top 32 Natural Home Remedies For Chest Congestion In Adults
1. Salt And Water
Actually, gargling with salt water is one of the simple home remedies for chest congestion in adults that you should try. The salt helps to eliminate the mucus (or phlegm) from your respiratory tract while the hot water will decrease the irritation in your throat.
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Ingredients:
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Warm water – 1 glass
Directions:
- You pour the salt into the glass of warm water.
- Next, you stir them well till the salt is dissolved completely.
- Finally, you gargle with this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- You may repeat this remedy for 3 or 4 times per day.
2. Onions, Sugar, Lemon, Water, And Honey
Onion is one of other natural and safe home remedies for chest congestion in adults that you should follow. Onion contains sulfur and quercetin, which will aid in dissolving the mucus preventing further buildup of the mucus in your chest. In addition, it also contains antimicrobial properties that can help to prevent infection.
Remedy 1: Raw onions and sugar
Ingredients:
- Raw onions – 5 or 6
- Sugar – ½ to 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- At first, you chew and swallow these onions before going to sleep. If you do not like their taste, you can consume them with sugar.
- Another option, you can also consume big onions sautéed and curried to cure this problem.
- Or you can consume raw, cooked, and even baked onions to make the mucus get flowed out easily.
Remedy 2: Onion, lemon juice, water, and honey
Ingredients:
- An onion
- 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoon of water
Directions:
- At first, you grind this onion to create a thin paste.
- Next, you add water into this paste and press it in order to extract the juice.
- Then, you add honey and lemon juice in this juice.
- Now, you stir them well and then you warm it for about several minutes.
- Finally, you consume this warm mixture.
- You can have it for about 3 or 4 times per day.
See more: Top 24 Natural Home Remedies To Relieve Flu Symptoms In Adults & Children
3. Cloves And Carom Seeds
A hot pack of cloves and carom seeds can act as an effective remedy in the list of top 32 simple home remedies for chest congestion.
Ingredients:
- Cloves – 1 teaspoon
- Carom seeds – 1 teaspoon
- A thin cloth
Directions:
- You roast cloves and carom seeds for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Next, you wrap them into the thin cloth carefully.
- Finally, you apply this cloth onto your chest and throat for several seconds.
- You may repeat this remedy frequently for a few days.
4. Garlic, Lemon, Honey, Black Pepper, Water, And Salt
Seeking the natural and effective home remedies for chest congestion in adults, garlic is the best choice for you. It contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can aid in fighting respiratory infections causing chest congestion. In addition, it also contains many essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B, and A as well as copper, calcium, selenium, and iron that will make you feel healthier.
Remedy 1: Garlic, honey, and water
Ingredients:
- Garlic cloves – 2 to 3
Honey – ½ teaspoon
- Water – 1 cup
Directions:
- At first, you crush these garlic cloves.
- Next, you add these crushed garlic cloves along with honey into the water.
- Then, you bring it to a boil for a few minutes.
- Finally, you strain and consume this warm mixture.
- You can have it for about 1 or 2 times per day.
Remedy 2: Garlic, lemon, salt, black pepper, and water
Ingredients:
- Lemons – 3
- Hot water – 1 cups
- Crushed garlic cloves – 2
- Salt – a small pinch
- black pepper (crushed) – ½ teaspoon
Directions:
- You take the juice from these lemons and then add it into the hot water.
- Next, you stir them well and add these crushed garlic cloves, black pepper, and salt into this water.
- Finally, you mix all them well and have this mixture when it is warm.
- You may drink this solution for 1 or 2 times per day for several days.
Or, you can also consume some fresh garlic cloves to help to get fast relief from chest congestion.
See more: Top 46 Natural Home Treatments For Asthma Attacks
5. Radish And Lemon
Looking for the natural and easy home remedies for chest congestion, you should not pass radish because it has some compounds, which can aid in clearing the congestion that is induced by bronchitis, flu, cold, and allergies.
Remedy 1: Radish juice
Ingredients:
- Fresh radish – 1
- A juicer
Directions:
- At first, you wash the prepared radish thoroughly and chop it into small pieces.
- Next, you put these radish pieces into your juicer and extract its juice.
- Finally, you can drink this juice.
- You may repeat the same process regularly.
Remedy 2: Lemon juice and radish juice
Ingredients:
- Radish juice – ½ cup
- Lemon juice – 2 teaspoons
Directions:
- You take the juice of radish and lemon.
- Then, you add them into the cup and mix them well.
- Finally, you can drink it immediately.
- You may drink this solution every day.
Or, you can also use radish oil to apply onto your chest and throat in order to remove the mucus because it can work as an expectorant.
See more: Top 18 Natural Home Recipes For Treating Bronchitis
6. Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, And Water
Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy in the list of top 32 simple and easy home remedies for chest congestion in adults that you should try. This vinegar can help to loosen the phlegm in your chest, which will relieve the congestion and making you breathe better. In addition, it can also promote your immune system that will greatly help you in preventing the congestion in the first stage.
Ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 teaspoons
- Warm water – 1 cup
- Raw honey – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- At first, you add this vinegar into the warm water.
- Next, you add honey into it and mix them well.
- Finally, you can drink this solution.
- You may consume this water for 1 to 2 times per day for one week.
Note: You do not consume this vinegar too much as it can lead to your stomach problems.
7. Turmeric, Honey, Milk, And Apple Cider Vinegar
Turmeric contains natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help you to treat the many external and internal issues of your body, especially respiratory issues. Furthermore, turmeric also contains curcumin, which can assist you in expectorating the mucus and then give you an instant relief from this problem.
Here are three natural and simple home remedies for chest congestion containing turmeric with precaution.
Remedy 1: Turmeric, black pepper, hot milk, and honey
Ingredients:
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Hot milk – 1 cup
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Honey – 2 teaspoons
Directions:
- You add turmeric powder into the cup of hot milk.
- Then, you add black pepper and honey into this cup.
- Now, you mix them well and drink this milk.
- You may consume this hot milk for 2 to 3 times per day.
Remedy 2: Turmeric with apple cider vinegar
Ingredients:
- Turmeric powder – 2 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
Directions:
- At first, you add turmeric powder along with apple cider vinegar into a cup.
- Then, you mix them well and drink this mixture.
- You can take it for about two or three times per day.
Remedy 3: Turmeric and warm water
Ingredients:
- Turmeric powder – a pinch
- Warm water – 1 glass
Directions:
- You add turmeric powder into the cup of warm water.
- Then, you mix them well.
- Finally, you use this mixture to gargle carefully for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- You may repeat this remedy for two to three times per day.
Precaution: People with gallstones, stomach ulcers, or hyperacidity have to avoid using turmeric.
See more: Top 26 Natural Home Recipes For Cough Relief
8. Steam With Essential Oils
The heat and moisture coming out from the hot water will help you to break up and remove the mucus in the lungs and throat. When mixed with some essential oils, the steam becomes one of the excellent home remedies for chest congestion that you should not skip.
Ingredients:
- Peppermint oil – 3 drops
- Rosemary oil – 2 drops
- Eucalyptus oil – 5 drops
- Hot water
- A large bowl
- A towel
Directions:
- At first, you fill the large bowl with boiling water and then add all these above essential oils into the bowl.
- Then, you put the face over the bowl and cover your head with the towel to trap the steam.
- Now, you breathe the steam deeply.
- Or, you can also take a hot bath or shower regularly.
9. Bay Leaves With Water
Bay leaf is one of other effective home remedies for chest congestion thanks to its amazing natural properties.
Remedy 1: Bay leaves and boiling water
Ingredients:
- Fresh bay leaves – a handful
- Boiling water – 1 cup
Directions:
- You take these fresh bay leaves and pour boiling water over them.
- Next, you let it dip for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Now, you strain this tea and drink it.
- You may consume this herbal tea frequently.
Remedy 2: Bay leaves and water
Ingredients:
- Fresh bay leaves – a handful
- Water – 2 glasses
- A clean towel
Directions:
- At first, you add bay leaves and water into a pot.
- Then, you boil them for a few minutes.
- Next, you strain the water and soak the clean towel into it.
- After that, you wring it out to get rid of the excess water.
- Finally, you apply this towel onto your chest as a hot compress to eliminate the mucus.
- You may repeat this remedy when needed.
10. Thyme, Water, Honey, And Olive Oil
Being a good natural herb, thyme is one of other natural and easy home remedies for chest congestion by removing the mucus to make your lungs stronger. In addition, thyme also works as a protective shield that can kill the bacteria and prevent congestion.
Remedy 1: Thyme, honey, and water
Ingredients:
- Thyme – ½ teaspoon
- Boiling water – 1 cup
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- You add thyme into the cup of boiling water.
- Then, you add honey into this cup and let it dip for about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Finally, you drink this herbal tea.
- You may do this remedy frequently if needed.
Remedy 2: Thyme oil and olive oil
Ingredients:
- Diluted thyme oil – 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- At first, you take equal quantities of diluted thyme oil and olive oil.
- Then, you mix them well.
- Finally, you rub it gently onto your chest.
- You may repeat this remedy for one time per day.
11. Lobelia Leaves And Boiling Water
Lobelia is a good herb that can give you relief from the chest pain.
In addition, it can also promote your respiratory system as well as loosen the mucus.
You may make a lobelia tea and drink it to get rid of this problem. However, you have to remember that this tea should be avoided overheat because it will destroy the medicinal properties of this herb.
Ingredients:
- Dried lobelia leaves – 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Boiling water – 1 cup
Directions:
- You add the dried lobelia leaves into the cup of hot water.
- Then, you let it steep for about 17 to 20 minutes.
- Finally, you strain the tea and drink it.
- You may take two or three cups of the tea per day for several days.
Keep reading this article to discover other natural and simple home remedies for chest congestion!
12. Black Coffee
Caffeine and coffee contain cocoa and chocolate which will help you to reduce the shortness of breath and eliminate the mucus in the lungs and throat.
Directions:
- Simply you just drink one or two cups of black coffee per day.
- However, make sure that you should not consume more than two cups as this caffeine also has side effects in these asthma problems and will increase your heart rate as well as your blood pressure.
13. Lemon, Honey, And Hot Water
Lemon is one of other home remedies for chest congestion that you should try! Lemon has citric acid that will help you to loosen the mucus. Hence, the mucus can be drained out from the body easily. Moreover, lemon is very abundant in vitamin C, which can assist you in improving your immune system.
Remedy 1: Lemon juice, honey, and hot water
Ingredients:
- Lemon juice – ½ to 1 tablespoon
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
- Hot water – 1 cup
Directions:
- At first, you add lemon juice and honey into the cup of hot water.
- Next, you mix them well.
- Finally, you drink this solution.
- You may consume this water for about 2 to 3 times per day.
Remedy 2: Lemon zest and hot water
Ingredients:
- Grated lemon zest – one tablespoon
- Hot water – one cup
Directions:
- You pour the grated lemon zest in the cup of hot water.
- Next, you cover this cup and let it soak for about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Finally, you strain this solution and drink it.
- Or, you can also use this solution in order to gargle.
- You may follow this remedy for about 1 to 2 times a day.
14. Honey, Water, And Black Pepper
Honey is another simple remedy in the list of top 32 home remedies for chest congestion because it can assist you in reducing the mucus in the throat and respiratory tract. In addition, honey also contains antiviral and antibacterial properties which can aid in fighting the infection problem.
Remedy 1: Raw honey and warm water
Ingredients:
- Raw honey – 1 tablespoon
- Warm water – 1 glass
Directions:
- At first, you add honey into the glass of warm water.
- Then, you mix them well and drink it.
- You may repeat this remedy for one time per day.
- Or, you just consume raw honey alone.
Remedy 2: Honey and black pepper powder
Ingredients:
- Honey – 1 tablespoon
- Black pepper powder – ½ teaspoon
Directions:
- You add honey into the powdered black pepper to create a paste.
- Then, you consume this paste.
- You may repeat this remedy for at least 2 to 3 times per day.
Precaution: You must avoid giving honey to the children under 1-year-old because it will lead to botulism.
15. Decongestant Salve
In fact, the decongestant salve is also used as one of the home remedies for chest congestion that you should follow.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Eucalyptus oil – 8 drops
- Coconut oil – ¼ cup
- Camphor essential oil – 4 drops
- Peppermint oil – 5 drops
Directions:
- At first, you add coconut oil into a bowl.
- Then, you heat this oil over medium heat in a stove until it melts completely.
- Now, you add olive oil into the melted coconut oil and mix them well by using a Popsicle stick
- Then, you add eucalyptus oil, camphor essential oil, and peppermint oil into it.
- After that, you also use this Popsicle stick to mix them well.
- Then, you pour this oil mixture in a 6-ounce cosmetic jar and then cover this container.
- Now, you place the oil mixture in your refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Finally, you apply the salve onto your neck and chest before going to sleep or whenever you feel difficulty in breathing because of the mucus and congestion.
- After usage, you have to store it in the dry, cool place and use it for up to 6 months.
16. Ginger, Honey, And Hot Water
Seeking the home remedies for chest congestion, ginger is the top choice for you. It contains anti-inflammation properties that can help to decrease the inflammation. In addition, it also contains analgesic and antibacterial properties which assist you in removing the chest congestion and cure cough.
Remedy 1: Ginger root, Water, And Honey
Ingredients:
- Fresh ginger root (peeled) – 1
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
- Hot water – 1 cup
Directions:
- You cut the peeled ginger root into small pieces.
- Next, you add these ginger pieces into the hot water.
- Now, you let it soak for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Then, you strain this solution and add honey into this tea to sweeten.
- Finally, you drink it instantly.
- You may consume this tea for 3 times per day.
Remedy 2: Ginger, black pepper, cloves, and honey
Ingredients:
- Dried ginger – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Cloves – 1 teaspoon
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- At first, you grind the dried ginger, black pepper, and cloves to create a powder.
- Then, you divide it into 3 doses.
- Finally, you consume it along with honey.
- You may have it for 3 times per day.
- Or, you may also chew either ginger candies or ginger pieces during a day.
17. Licorice With Ginger And Water
Licorice works as a good expectorant in nature that can aid in reducing a cough and congestion. In addition, licorice can also assist you in soothing the irritated throat along with inflamed lungs. Hence, it is one of other natural and simple home remedies for chest congestion that you should follow.
Remedy 1: Licorice root and hot water
Ingredients:
- Hot water – 1 cup
- Licorice root – ½ teaspoon
Directions:
- At first, you add the licorice root into the hot water.
- Then, you let it steep for 5 to 7 minutes and then strain this tea.
- Finally, you drink this solution.
- You had better drink this tea for 2 times per day.
Remedy 2: Licorice powder, ginger powder, and hot water
Ingredients:
- Licorice powder – ½ teaspoon
- Ginger powder – ½ teaspoon
- Hot water – 1 glass
Directions:
- You take equal quantities of licorice power and ginger powder.
- Next, you add them into the hot water.
- Then, you mix them thoroughly and have it.
- You may take it for about two or three times per day.
Precaution: People who are suffering from high blood pressure should avoid using licorice.
18. Dried Mustard, Flour, Olive Oil, And Water
Mustard plaster will assist you in treating chest congestion as well as other respiratory infections like sinus, bronchitis, etc. you may try using this remedy regularly to eliminate the mucus from the lungs.
Ingredients:
- Dried mustard – 1 tablespoon
- Flour – 4tablespoons
- Water – enough to make a paste
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- At first, you add the dried mustard into the flour.
- Then, you add water into it and mix them well to create a runny paste.
- Now, you apply olive oil onto your chest.
- Next, you apply this paste onto your chest.
- Now, you spread this mustard paste onto a clean muslin cloth or towel and then place it onto your chest.
- You leave it on till it becomes cool completely.
However, you have to make sure that if this paste makes you feel burning, you must remove it.
19. Milk With Saffron, Honey, And Lemon Juice
By clearing the mucus, the combination of saffron, milk, honey, and lemon juice is one of other natural and easy home remedies for chest congestions.
Ingredients:
- Milk – 1 cup
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice – a few drops
- Saffron
Directions:
- At first, you take a sufficient amount of saffron and add this into the cup of milk.
- Next, you mix them well and you heat it up.
- Then, you add lemon juice and honey into it.
- Next, you mix them well and stir it for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Finally, you have this while it is warm.
- You may repeat this remedy when needed.
20. Fennel And Water
Fennel can help to treat cancer or stomach problems effectively. In addition, it also aids in treating chest congestion quickly and safely.
Ingredients:
- Fennel – ½ teaspoon
- Boiling water – 1 cup
Directions:
- At first, you add these fennel seeds into the cup of boiling water.
- Then, you let it steep for at least 15 minutes.
- Now, you strain this water and drink it.
- You can repeat this remedy for one time per day.
- Another option, you have several fennel seeds or eat sautéed fennel.
- Or, you can also add a little curry powder into the fennel and consume this.
21. Nasal Spray
Actually, a nasal spray can be considered as one of the good ways to cure all kinds of congestions that consist of chest congestion.
Ingredients:
- Water – 8 ounces
- Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
- Non-iodized salt – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- At first, you boil water and add non-iodized salt along with baking soda into it.
- Then, you fill a bulb syringe with this solution.
- Next, you put the bulb syringe into your nostril.
- After that, you tilt the head at the angle of forty five degrees.
- Finally, you gently pour this solution into your nostril.
- You may practice this remedy daily.
Precaution: If this water goes in the mouth, you have to spit it out.
If you want to know more about natural home remedies for other diseases and conditions go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of top 32 effective and natural home remedies for chest congestion in adults, hope that it can help you find out the best solution to get rid of this problem. However, the article is only for the informational purpose, thus, you should meet your doctor to get advice before applying any natural home remedy. If you have any question, or you know other natural home remedies for chest congestion, please leave them below.