Coughs and chest congestion are symptoms that result from both viral and bacterial attacks on the immune system. While antibiotics are considered by the American Medical Association to be the advisable route in dealing with a bacterial infection in the lungs, viruses are not affected by this method of treatment. Naturopathic physicians at Bastyr University are taught that in most cases of chest congestion and coughing, home remedies are generally considered to be safe and helpful in easing symptoms. As with any illness, symptoms may indicate a more serious illness, which should be ruled out by your health practitioner before attempting any treatment.
Mustard Plaster for Chest Congestion
The pungent oils found in the mustard plant have been studied by researchers at Bastyr University and are believed to assist in loosening lung secretions when dealing with a cough and chest congestion . To use mustard powder for bronchial congestion, you can make a plaster out of 1/4 cup yellow mustard powder to which just enough water is added to make a spreadable paste. Apply a thin layer of olive oil onto the chest region and follow with an application of the mustard paste. Mustard contains highly volatile oils so be sure to leave the plaster on for only five to 10 minutes to prevent burning the skin.
Grandma's Favorite Cough Syrup
Crush 10 cloves garlic and slice one large onion into rings. Place onions and garlic into a deep bowl, cover with organic honey and let stand for 10 to 12 hours. Strain and take 1 tbsp. of this mixture four or five times a day. This recipe from 1910 was found in the medicine chest notebook of Ermaline Lenore Anderson and was approved as a suitable cough syrup and expectorant by naturopathic doctor Sarah Lane in 2002.
Herbal Tea for Bronchial Health
There are an abundance of herbs that are used to treat coughs and congestion. One blend of herbs that is thought by herbalist Elane Sheff to be a good place to start consists of two parts coltsfoot, one part marshmallow, one part hyssop, one part aniseed and one part licorice. Add this mixture to 1 cup boiling water, steep for 20 minutes, add honey if desired and drink while hot several times a day for up to three days.
Onion and Garlic Expectorant
A common herbal folk remedy is to make an expectorant using lightly sauteed onions and garlic. Apply a thin layer of olive oil onto the chest, place a layer of cheesecloth over the olive oil and then layer the warmed onions and garlic onto the cheesecloth; be sure that the onions and garlic are warmed but not hot. When the onion mixture on the chest cool, remove that batch and place newly warmed sauteed onions and garlic in their place. Check the skin often to prevent burning or irritation.
Herbal Steams for Congestion and Cough Relief
Take fresh or dried eucalyptus, thyme, or rosemary leaves, or a combination of all three, and add the herbs to a pot of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a lengthy simmer, allowing the volatile oils to fill the air. These three herbs are said by author Jeanne Rose of "The Aromatherapy Book" to have antimicrobial and antibacterial components, which are helpful in combating coughs and chest congestion effectively.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Center for Integrative Medicine: Alternative/Complementary Medicine Supplements Database
- "Healing With Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition"; Paul Pitchford; 2002
- "The Armoatherapy Book"; Jeanne Rose; 1992
