Dry, thick mucus can clog sinus drainage and trap infections and bacteria. By increasing humidity and drinking plenty of fluids, increasing mucus production can be reduced and drainage enhanced.
Many herbs contain decongestant properties that can ease congestion in the chest or nose. When added to herbal steam, tea, or syrup treatments, they may provide relief.
Pine Needle
Pine needles (originating from any species in the Pinus genus) contain expectorant properties to relieve congestion and coughs, while their vitamin C content helps bolster an immune system during an outbreak.
Pine essential oil boasts diuretic properties that help rid excess fluids. Diffused or added to chest rub, pine essential oil can aid in eliminating excess fluid build-up.
Pine needle tincture can provide soothing relief for dry and scratchy throats, and contains antibacterial agents as well as antioxidants that may protect them.
Basil
Basil is a versatile household herb with multiple uses. It boasts natural anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antioxidant properties which may also help relieve stress and anxiety.
Basil can be consumed as leaves, powder or supplements and used to treat ear infections, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Basil can be used in some cultures to protect those who have passed on, believed to ease their journey into heaven. Additionally, its properties can help alleviate pain from insect bites by spraying directly onto bite sites to decrease pain and swelling.
Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis is an herb with antiseptic, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties which helps soothe cold symptoms. Furthermore, it stimulates white blood cells that strengthen your body’s defenses against infections more effectively.
Rosemary contains carnosic acid, an antioxidant which has demonstrated antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial activity in laboratory testing. Furthermore, carnosic acid may help prevent blood clots while aiding healing after injuries.
Use rosemary along with oregano, thyme and eucalyptus in an herbal steam for maximum congestion relief.
Thyme
Thyme is an extremely effective herb, boasting antiseptic and antibiotic properties as well as being an expectorant and useful in the treatment of coughs or chest congestion.
Thymol and carvacrol, two key compounds present in thyme, act on receptors within your mouth, throat and nasal passages to suppress coughing – an explanation as to why thyme can be an effective home remedy for bronchitis.
Thyme contains vitamin C and potassium, both essential to good cardiovascular health. Potassium can regulate blood pressure while helping the heart operate optimally.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which helps thin mucus to loosen congestion and decrease swelling, while its antispasmodic properties alleviate chest pain.
Consuming warm liquids like tea and soup can soothe throat tissue that’s been affected by sinus drainage, as well as relieve pressure of stuffy nose and help shift build-up of mucus. You could try drinking an herbal decongestant tea, or creating a chest rub using herbs like these, to find relief from colds, allergies, sinus infections or flu symptoms.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is one of nature’s most effective antiseptics and can effectively relieve cuts, stings and burns. Furthermore, its natural decongestant qualities allow it to relieve headaches and sore throats by loosening stuck mucus. Eucalyptus can be inhaled via diffuser or applied directly onto tissue/handkerchief and sniffed regularly – perfect for inhalers!
Choose a high-grade eucalyptus oil with clear packaging identifying its species and method of production.
Oregano
Oregano is not only an aromatic Mediterranean herb used in culinary applications, it also boasts powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties. One such chemical known as carvacrol can soothe coughs while loosening phlegm from throats and sinuses to improve breathing.
Oregano oil can be taken orally as a supplement, though be aware of its highly concentrated form as this should be diluted with carrier oil prior to ingestion. You could also try adding some drops into steaming water and inhale its vapors for relief from congestion.
Licorice Root
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) boasts strong decongesting properties to loosen and expel mucus from your system, as well as soothing sore throats and reducing respiratory tract inflammation. You can consume it as tea or use it in an herbal steam treatment.
Research supports the effectiveness of licorice for digestive ailments and menopausal symptoms; however, there is insufficient evidence supporting its use for ulcers. Licorice may cause high blood pressure in certain people and interact with other medications in unpredictable ways.
Herbal Steam
Suffocated nose, sinusitis and difficulty breathing are the hallmark symptoms of congestion caused by colds, flus, allergies or pollution in the air. Herbal steams offer effective relief without resorting to over-the-counter decongestant medications.
Place fresh or dried herbs in a large pot or heat-resistant bowl and pour boiling water over them, letting it steep until it cools enough for comfortable inhalation (use caution as far as distance goes to avoid burns). Breathe deeply, inhale vapor and reap all the benefits that these potent plants can offer you.