Although all body parts must function properly, few are more crucial. Lungs are included in the list of such crucial organs. Healthy lungs are essential for better functioning and breathing of the body. Even a little disruption in its functioning causes us discomfort.
It has often been seen that due to an infection like cold or corona, mucus starts accumulating in the lungs. If you suffer from diseases like bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is very important for you to decongest the mucus from the lungs. Heavy deposition of mucus in the chest can block the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Prolonged mucus deposition can also lead to infections such as pneumonia. Lung infections triggered due to flu also increase during the seasonal transition. In such a situation, it is very important to keep the lungs healthy and strong.
Although chest congestion is not a very serious problem, it can affect normal functioning. If left untreated, it can lead to many severe complications. However, our rich culture is full of effective home remedies with zero side effects. From this natural treasure trove, we are sharing some tips that will help in the decongestion of the chest.
Turmeric:
Raw turmeric is very useful in this situation. Take some raw turmeric juice and swallow a few drops and try to hold it in your throat. If you want, you can also do gargles by mixing turmeric juice with lukewarm water. Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which helps in dissolving mucus. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties help in treating cough and cold.
Eucalyptus oil:
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Eucalyptus products have been used for years to cure cough and loosen mucus. Its oil is usually rubbed directly on the chest just like vaporub. A few drops of eucalyptus oil can also remove mucous accumulated in the nose. Besides, during congestion, you can take a bath by mixing eucalyptus oil in hot water.
Intake warm liquids:
During congestion, one should drink plenty of fluids to get relief from the mucus that has accumulated in the lungs. Fluids help in thinning the mucus. Especially warm liquids can help loosen mucus in the chest and nose. You can also consume chicken soup, hot apple juice and green tea.
Take steam:
Boil water in a large bowl. Now cover your head with a towel with that bowl inside that. Now inhale the hot steam vapours. You can take steam until you get relief. Open towel in between to get rid of excessive trapped heat.
Warm water gargle:
Gargling is considered to be the best to get rid of the mucous accumulated in the chest and nose. Gargle with salt water to get rid of chest congestion. Gargle two to three times a day by mixing a pinch of salt in lukewarm water. Gargling can also help relieve symptoms of sore throat, cough and fever.
Honey, ginger and pepper:
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Honey is a proven cure for cough. You can intake honey mixed with warm water or try a mixture of ginger and honey to get relief from cough and mucus deposited in the lungs. For more effective results, take a teaspoon of honey, add black pepper powder to it and swallow it.