Researchers have also found that some essential oils can disrupt the hormones in the body. Just a tiny amount of essential oil can be poisonous if you or a child swallows it. Store all essential oils and preparations in childproof containers out of reach. Some are not safe to use on or around children. Follow the directions that come with the diffuser.īut first, and always, check with your doctor before using any essential oils. You can also add drops to a diffuser or steaming water and breathe in the scent.
Older children and adults: 1 drop of essential oil with 1 teaspoon of water or carrier oil.Īlways test the mixture on a small part of your skin to check for irritation.Toddlers: 1 drop of essential oil with 2 teaspoons water or carrier oil.Infants: 1 drop of essential oil with 4 teaspoons water or carrier oil.A few essential oils that may help congestion include: To make your own vapor rub, dilute an essential oil in water or another oil and put the mixture directly onto your skin. So, if you breathe in the vapors of the oils, it may help drain your sinuses. Limited research shows they may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Essential oils: People use essential oils to help treat a range of illnesses, including sinus infections and chest colds.They can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. You may want to take decongestants in the morning. The two most common decongestant ingredients are pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed) and phenylephrine. When air can pass through more easily, mucus dries up. Decongestants: These medications narrow your blood vessels.You rub it on your throat and chest to let the vapor reach your nose and mouth. The active ingredients are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Vicks VapoRub, perhaps the best-known one, combines cough suppressants and pain relievers. But, they can help soothe the symptoms of congestion. Vapor rubs: These don’t cure the problem.
You’ll find it in brands like Mucinex and Robitussin. It has the same effect as drinking more liquids.
Guaifenesin is the only over-the-counter expectorant. Expectorants: These medications thin mucus, which can help you get it out of your system.If you have a condition that causes you to make more mucus when you exercise, such as exercise-induced asthma, you may want to try a different remedy or technique. But, since congestion usually comes with sickness, your body also needs to rest to get better. Exercise: Walking quickly, biking, or jogging can help loosen the buildup in your chest.So avoid drinks like alcohol, coffee, and other caffeinated drinks. That makes it thicker and harder to get out of your body. If you’re dehydrated, the mucus will become dehydrated too. Hydration: Drink plenty of water when you’re congested.When humidifiers moisturize your nose and throat, your body won’t create as much mucus. Your body makes thicker mucus (and more of it) to soothe dryness. That helps combat the dry air that could be causing the problem. Humidifiers: These small appliances fill the air with water vapor and moisturize your nose and throat.
Here are a few things that can help you clear your chest: Most of the time, you don’t need a prescription to take care of congestion. Remedies for Clearing Mucus from Your Chest