Steam helps release mucus and reduce chest congestion. Remove a saucepan of boiling water from the fire and bend over it with a towel over your head to trap steam. Do deep breathing for 5-10 minutes. For extra relief, add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils.
Warm Compress: A warm compress helps reduce chest congestion and pain. Put a clean towel on your chest for 10-15 minutes after soaking it in warm water and wringing it out. Repeat as needed.
Hydration helps thin mucus and relieve chest congestion. Drink water, herbal tea, warm broths, and clear soups throughout the day to keep mucus flowing and avoid dehydration.
A home humidifier helps reduce chest congestion by adding moisture to the air. Avoid mold and bacteria growth by keeping the humidifier clean and using it in the place you spend the most time, especially while sleeping.
Elevate Your Head: Sleeping with your head elevated helps improve breathing and chest congestion. Use extra pillows or a wedge-shaped pillow to elevate your head and upper body when sleeping.
Herbal remedies: Some herbs and teas can reduce chest congestion and improve respiratory health. Thyme, peppermint, licorice root, and ginger loosen mucous as expectorants. Relieve yourself with herbal teas or infusion steam.
Honey helps ease a sore throat and reduce chest congestion due to its antibacterial and antiviral qualities. Add a tablespoon of honey to warm herbal tea or water and consume several times a day. Note that children under one year old should not be given honey.
Warm salt water helps ease a sore throat and reduce chest congestion-related throat discomfort. Stir half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, gargle for a few seconds, and spit out. Use several times daily as needed.