Congestion is a disease which affects nasal passage, chest and lung. It is a respiratory disorder that can be acute or chronic. It occurs due to the blockage of membrane linings as they get swollen from infection. Blockage of nasal passage occurs and the patient affected with congestion feels it difficult to breathe. Not only breathing but the process of hearing and speaking also get affected. It can also result into snoring while sleeping. Pain, inflammation, acid reflux, cold, flu, allergy and headache are some of the symptoms associated with the disease.
Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day is always the best way to prevent congestion apart from other medications and remedies. Alternative herbal methods can also be effective in curing this disease. There are a wide ranges of medicinal herbs available for the treatment of congestion. These are easily available and inexpensive. These traditional remedies can be used for internal as well as external medication. One should consult the doctors if congestion remains for more than seven days.
Top Herbal Remedies for Congestion
Angelica
Tea prepared from angelica root is useful for the treatment of congestion. It is good for treating flu and cold. Women during childbirth should consider taking this herb. Leaves, fruits and roots of this medicinal herb are used for treating nervous stomach. It stimulates the lungs and reduces chest congestion.
Vervain
Vervain is a Chinese herb useful for treating congestion. Blue vervain tea made from leaves, roots or flowers is beneficial in treating flu, cold and chest congestion. It soothes nervous system and helps in reducing depression. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce respiratory inflammation. It should not be consumed during pregnancy.
Boneset
Boneset herbal tea cures cold, flu and chest congestion. Though it is bitter in taste but it is a very effective remedy. It is also useful in boosting up the immune system. It is available in the form of tincture and capsule as well. It contains flavonoids, polysaccharides that have anti-microbial properties.
Cayenne
Cayenne pepper tea helps in curing congestion and cold. It reduces inflammation and allergies by stimulating the mucous membranes of nasal passage. Over consumption of cayenne may cause irritation in stomach. So it should be consumed after consulting the doctor. 90-360 gm of cayenne pepper consumed daily is effective in curing congestion.
Tulsi
Being one of the best medicinal herbs, tulsi is effective in curing congestion. Prepare tea by adding one fourth teaspoon of tulsi, one fourth teaspoon of ginger and one fourth teaspoon of cinnamon in one cup of hot water. Drink this hot tea for two to three times in a day.
Rosemary
Rosemary tea helps in stimulating circulation in lungs and airways. Drinking this tea up to three cups in day time is effective for curing chest congestion. Mix one tablespoon of rosemary leaf with one tablespoon of grated ginger root and one fourth teaspoon of ginger powder in two cups of water and boil it. Another remedy is to inhale steam from rosemary oil. It is helpful in opening airways of lungs.
Peppermint
Peppermint tea prepared from leaves of peppermint herb is used for curing cold. Consuming one cup of peppermint tea is effective and beneficial. Peppermint has anti-bacterial properties that help in preventing nasal congestion.
The peppermint oil contains menthol that is useful in the treatment of congestion. Mixing peppermint oil with few drops of water or olive oil is good for massaging the infected area for providing relief from pain and inflammation.
Mustard
Crush mustard seeds and add in hot water bath along with essential oils. Taking bath with this water is useful for treating cold, flu and headache. Plaster and poultice prepared from mustard is useful in curing cough and congestion. Mustard poultice can be prepared by mixing mustard powder with bran in hot water while mustard plaster is prepared by adding whole wheat flour in mustard.
Add this mixture in hot water and add two teaspoons of vinegar in it. Spread this mixture on a piece of cloth and apply to the chest. White of eggs added in this mixture help in protecting the sensitive skin.
Eucalyptus
Prepare tea from the leaves of eucalyptus herb. Inhaling the steam coming out of the hot tea is also good for health. Eucalyptus tea has antiseptic properties and is used to treat cough and cold. Another remedy is to mix eucalyptus with yarrow and mullein. Pour boiled willow bark after reducing heat to the eucalyptus mixture and heat for 15 minutes in a covered vessel. Drink this blend which helps in reducing congestion, cold and flu.
Cardamom
This medicinal herb can be used for curing congestion and cold. It can be added to thyme or the steam coming out of it can help in reducing lungs congestion. It provides relief from nausea and calms the nerves. Its consumption is recommended for pregnant women.
Take two cardamoms and add in a cup of water. Boil it and add one tablespoon of honey. Drinking this tea before going to sleep helps in curing chest congestion.
Hyssop
Drinking two to three cups of tea prepared from hyssop is useful for curing congestion. It reduces allergies, cold, flu and lowers blood sugar. One can use inhalation remedy in which hyssop oil is added in boiling water and the steam is inhaled. This remedy provides relief from congestion.
Pleurisy
Prepare tea from pleurisy roots by adding one teaspoon of dried pleurisy root in one cup of boiling water. Consuming this tea after every hour is helpful in reducing congestion.
Goldenrod
Add two to three teaspoons of goldenrod herb in one cup of water. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes and drink it. Honey can be added in the tea for better taste. It is very effective in the treatment of bladder infections.
Elecampane
Add chopped elecampane roots in boiled water and drink this mixture to get relief from congestion and cough. Consume this tea three times in a day for effective use. It has anti-fungal properties and stimulates digestion. It is an antiseptic and relieves from bronchitis. Pregnant women should not use this herb.
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.
