Chest Cold Remedies

The natural remedies for various types of cold are as old as "cold" itself! A chest cold can leave a person feeling miserable, especially when it is accompanied by the classic symptoms such as a dry cough, wheezing and a sore throat. This is because of the thick mucus developing in the chest. Most over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs for combating chest cold are pretty ineffective. Also they seem to have potentially serious side-effects that you should be aware of. For example, most of the acetaminophen drugs may result in a fatal overdose, if the drugs are not well metabolized in the liver. However, thanks to the innumerable natural and home remedies available, the symptoms of chest cold can usually be eased out, and recovery speeds up without your body having to go through the pains of pharmaceutical medications.

Chest Cold Home Remedies

Inhaling Steam: Breathing in steam from a vaporizer, hot shower or even a pan of boiling water helps loosen up all the phlegm in your throat and lungs. Alternately, you can add 3 to 4 drops of aromatherapy essential oils, like eucalyptus oil, for instant relief.

Saltwater Gargles: You can dissolve half-a-teaspoon salt in an 8 ounce glass of warm water and use it for gargling. This is probably one of the most common home remedies for chest cold. It relieves a sore or scratchy throat quite effectively.

Increase Fluid Intake: Water, juices, clear broth and lemon water with honey can help relieve the chest cold by flushing out the phlegm from your system while keeping you from dehydrating. It helps to cut down on the caffeine, alcohol and soda intake, as they can aggravate dehydration.

Using Thyme: Thyme is an excellent chest cold remedy. Place two tablespoons of fresh thyme into a small cup of boiling water. Allow it to boil for about four minutes, while keeping it covered. Once done drink the mixture when it is still hot. You can call it thyme tea. It is a powerful remedy which helps relax the lungs and promotes expectoration of mucus.

Saline Nasal Sprays: Saline nasal sprays can combat stuffiness of the nose. They help in decongestion. However, perhaps the best part of home nasal sprays is the fact that they won't leave you with the irritation in your nostrils, commonly associated with chemical nasal decongestants.

Chicken Soup: Researchers at the Mayo Clinic believe that eating chicken soup helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. It speeds up the mucus movement and is an excellent anti-inflammatory remedy for reducing of chest cold. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, you may try any other hot soup instead of chicken soup. The trick here is to have the soup while it is hot, for the steam helps you decongest.

Using a Heat Humidifier: Heat plays a role in loosening thick chest mucus, therefore, placing a heat humidifier in your bedroom can get rid of congestion and ease chest cold. Even sauna might help!

Boosting your Immune System: Boost your immune system by taking vitamin C supplements or drinking orange juice. A strong immune system can keep cold, flu and many other common diseases at bay. Adequate sleep and rest also help in easing the chest cold.

If the natural remedies mentioned above do not help, you can consult a doctor and opt for allopathy medicines. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief. However, they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration. It should be noted that antibiotics destroy bacteria and are practically of no help against viruses.

Although, minor colds can be very irritating and you could be tempted to try out the latest remedy available for a chest cold, the best course of action is to get adequate rest. Although its only a chest cold, it can still leave you feeling immensely tired and worn out. Hence along with the natural remedies mentioned above, be sure to give your body enough of rest so that you do not stress your system, and you will be back on track soon!