No one likes to be congested. My household has experienced it’s fair share of congestion this winter.
Before you run to the pharmacies for over the counter decongestants or vapor rubs think about trying one or all of these tried and true natural remedies.
1. Homemade Rubs
Say goodbye Vicks and hello homemade vapor/congestion rub! With a few simple ingredients you can have a natual, safe and effect rub to relieve your congestion. My favorite rub is made from coconut oil infused with herbs and bees wax. I shared it last month on Modern Alternative Health. If you don’t have any herbs on hand or need a rub ready in minutes you’ll want to try my friend Natural Living Mamma’s Chest Rub that uses essential oils instead of herbs.
2. Herbal Steam
Bring water to boil in a small sauce pot, add herbs that are good for clearing congestion and remove from heat. Place the pot on a table. Sit down at the table placing your face about 6 inches from the pot and cover your head with a towel. Continue to breath in the vapors for 10 to 15 minutes. Not only will it help break up congestion your face will also benefit from the steam bath.
3. Vapor Shower/Bath
A steamy shower or bath is a perfect why to relax and break up congestion. Modern Alternative Health has a recipe for a decongestant shower disk. If you don’t have the time or simply don’t want to make a shower disk you can do what I do. I take a small dish and use 5 drops of essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint. I place the dish in the corner of the shower so that it barely gets hit with the water. As the steam and drops of water mix with the essential oils the shower will be filled with a healing and decongestant steam.
4. Peppermint Tea
A hot cup of peppermint tea will help to open your sinuses and sooth your weary body. Mullein is an excellent addition to loosen mucus but not very tasty, the peppermint will cover some of the flavor.
When ever my kids are congested I use a vaporizer or humidifier to add more moister to the air.
Herbs That Are Beneficial For Congestion
Lavender -Antiseptic healing, relaxing, pain relieving, antihistamine (safe for babies of all ages)
Peppermint– Cooling, pain relieving, helps opens nasal passages (safe for babies over the age of two, not recommended for woman who are pregnant)
Rosemary– Antiseptic, helps open nasal passageways (safe on children over the age of two, not recommended for woman who are pregnant)
Ginger– Breaks up congestion (safe for children over the age of two)
Eucalyptus– Potent antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant ( eucalyptus smithii variety can be used on babies over two months old)
Mullein– Loosens mucus and expels it from the body as well as calming spasms. It helps to reduce swelling to the glandular system and is a natural pain killer.
Hi and thanks for the reminder on all this. I knew most of this, but you know how easy it is to forget right when you really need it.
You’re welcome!That’s why I wrote it because I too tend to forget! 🙂