Cold can make your routine topsy-turvy for a few days. If it goes deeper down the chest, which can be named as chest cold or chest congestion, you will have to take it seriously. Chest cold makes even breathing difficult. It may be accompanied with fever and general feeling of dullness and fatigue. In this the air passages get infected and it takes longer to treat when the infection travels to lungs.
Whatever may have caused it, whether the allergy, cold weather or sinus infection, you can rely on herbal remedies to clear this ailment. The only factor to be kept in mind is that the herbs should be pure and of good quality. Additionally, you should take your doses religiously and seriously, as you would take any anti biotic course. Chest congestion may take a week or more to clear.
Top 5 Herbal Remedies For Chest Cold
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is the best volatile oil prescribed for chest congestion. This oil dilates the air passages starting form bronchi to bronchioles and finally the lungs. This helps in clearing congestion. It can be used in two ways, the first being use it for inhalation and second as a rub.To inhale these aromatic vapors make use of a steam inhaler. You may use a kitchen pan filled with boiling hot water, but it is better to invest in purchasing a mini sauna unit.
It can be bought for a reasonably cheap price and the investment is worth it. You may plug in this unit and put the required amount of water in it along with 2 or 3 drops of this oil. Cover your head with a sheet to hold the vapors and heat inside. Inhale the steam laden with vapors. You may do this for 5 to 10 minutes and keep your head covered for another 10 minutes. Inhale thrice a day, but definitely before retiring for bed.
Bee Balm
Bee balm has been the popular remedy of the Native Americans. The reason behind its success is that it as chemical compounds that are good to fight chest congestion. You may steep 2 tsp of bee balm leaves in a cup of boiling hot water and let it be there for 10 minutes. Strain and drink this therapeutic herbal remedy. Drink this thrice a day.
Coriander & Cinnamon And Ginger
This combination of powerful herbs has been prescribed in Ayurveda to get rid of chestcold. All these herbs, if taken regularly and complemented with steam inhalation will surely give relief from the symptoms of chest congestion. For one time dose, take one fourth tsp of coriander seeds, one cm stick of cinnamon and a one inch piece of ginger. Crush everything and make a decoction by boiling it in 4 cups of water. Boil it covered for about 10 minutes. Let it cool, add three tbsps of honey and take half a cup at a time, altogether four to five doses in a day.
Cayenne Pepper
Though cayenne pepper is a beneficial herb for treating congestions, not many like to use it. It is hot and strong and not everybody’s cup of tea. Cayenne heats up the entire system and causes profuse sweating and runny nose. This action makes the mucus run out and reduces the congestion of the chest.The best way to use cayenne pepper is to make its decoction in combination with some sweet herbs.
You can add some honey and make its taste mild. You can use a pinch of cayenne pepper and one inch long root of licorice for making a decoction which could be enough for a day. Put the crushed licorice in a glass of water with cayenne added to it. Let it come to a boil for 2 minutes and strain. Add a tbsp of honey to it and drink it three to four times a day.
Thyme
Thyme is an ideal herb to fight chest congestion. It contains an organic compound named thymol which is antiseptic and antibacterial. To make an infusion, steep about 2 tbsp of fresh thyme herb in a cup of boiling water. Let it stand for about 5 minutes and now put it for boiling. The lid should be covered and the liquid be allowed to boil for 5 minutes.
Strain and drink this hot herbal infusion, you may call it tea. Drink it sip by sip while it is still hot.The heat and the goodness of thyme will draw out the mucus from your chest and make you feel comfortable. Take this much dose at least thrice a day for about four to five days or till the symptoms disappear.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
