Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTeas, Broth, and SaltwaterHeatEssential OilsPositioningMassageExerciseControlled CoughMedicationWhen to Get Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Teas, Broth, and Saltwater
Heat
Essential Oils
Positioning
Massage
Exercise
Controlled Cough
Medication
When to Get Help
Several home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help you get rid of chest congestion fast. Natural solutions for clearing mucus from your lungs include sipping hot herbal teas, addingeucalyptus oilto ahumidifier, and inhaling steam. OTC medications, such asVicks VapoRub, can also help open the airways to ease breathing.
MICROGEN IMAGES / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
1. Herbal Tea
One of the best ways to clear mucus from your lungs and chest is to drink hot herbal tea. Herbal teas are a tried and true remedy that can soothe your throat, thin mucus, keep you hydrated, and provide comfort. Certain herbal teas may be more beneficial than others:
Hot liquids may offer an additional benefit—you can breathe in their steam, which can add moisture to your airways. A good guideline for hydration is to drink enough fluid to make your urine pale.
2. Clear Broth
Clear broth is commonly made in a slow cooker. The process involves simmering bones, meats, or vegetables in water, discarding the pieces, then sipping the remaining liquid.
3. Saltwater Gargle
Saltwater garglingis commonly done to prevent and treat chest congestion and upper respiratory infections. This remedy may be particularly helpful for getting rid of mucus because salt attracts water into the airways, thinning mucus so that it is easier to expel.
Gargling with saltwater is also thought to support the activities of white blood cells called neutrophils that act as your immune system’s first line of defense.
Saltwater gargling is safe and can be done two to three times per day, or as needed, to relieve symptoms. Simply add up to 1/2 tablespoon of sea or table salt to 1 glass of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds to one minute then spit the water out.
4. Warm Compress
Placing a warm compress on your throat and chest may help loosen mucus. Warmth from the compress is thought to stimulate the immune system and other self-regulated processes that support mucus clearance.
Adding a few drops of mustard oil or ginger oil to the warm compress may be especially helpful. Research shows that both oils have thermogenic qualities that increase blood flow when applied topically, and can enhance the warm chest compresses' healing effects.
5. Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air and help prevent throat irritation due to dryness. The water vapor droplets you breathe in add moisture to your nasal passages and airways; This keeps mucus moving and helps your body get rid of the virus or irritant.
Clean Your HumidifierStudies have shown that reusable humidifiers can spread pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, in indoor spaces. However, researchers found no such contamination with disposable humidifiers.If you have a reusable humidifier, clean it thoroughly on a regular basis.
Clean Your Humidifier
Studies have shown that reusable humidifiers can spread pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, in indoor spaces. However, researchers found no such contamination with disposable humidifiers.If you have a reusable humidifier, clean it thoroughly on a regular basis.
6. Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalationis a common remedy used for the cold, flu, and other viral infections. This method may help get rid of chest congestion in a few ways. When you inhale hot water vapors, the warm, moist air hydrates and lubricates your airways and thins mucus so that it is easier for your body to expel.
Steam also appears to have a mild anti-inflammatory effect that soothes irritated throat tissues and opens up nasal passages so that you can breathe easier. There are a few different methods you can try for steam inhalation:
Steam inhalation using a bowl of boiling hot water can be very dangerous due to the risk of burns and scalds. The most common way this can happen is if the bowl of water tips over, but steaming hot vapors have also been known to scald tissues in the respiratory tract. It is crucial to allow the water to cool slightly before inhaling and to keep a safe distance from the bowl.
7. Essential Oils
Essential oilsare potent plant extracts that have various degrees of therapeutic properties. Adding them to a humidifier or steam that you’re inhaling can help with cough and chest congestion.
Eucalyptusoil is a popular choice for steam inhalation as it relieves inflammation and helps clear phlegm.It’s quite pungent, though, and can cause sinus and skin irritation. Some other good choices include:
For a cough:
For congestion:
Essential oils can be diffused and inhaled or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin. All essential oils should be used with caution. Ask your healthcare provider how much is safe to use.
8. Sleep Position
You might find that adjusting your pillows and sleep position helps clear congestion.
Research suggests that keeping your head at the appropriate height—about 2 inches (or 5 centimeters)—helps air flow into the lungs and supports stable respiratory function. Pillows that are too high can bend your neck in a way that hinders proper airflow.
If you sleep on your side, adding a pillow between your legs and keeping your back straight can help reduce shortness of breath from chest congestion. It also helps to lie on your back with your head elevated and a pillow under your knees.
9. Postural Drainage
There are three positions you can try:
While in the position of your choice, breathe in slowly through your nose and then out through your mouth. Take twice as long to breathe in as you take to breathe out.
Stay in the position for at least five minutes or until you feel relief.
10. Percussive Massage
Another component of postural drainage that you may find helpful is the addition of percussive massage. Percussion helps break up the mucus in your chest so that it drains easier.
You can perform the massage on yourself while lying down on your back. Simply form a cup shape with your hand and wrist, then clap your hand and wrist against your chest. Avoid clapping against your chest so hard that it hurts. You should hear a hollow, percussive sound, not a slapping sound.
You can do percussive massage for five to seven minutes at a time, targeting each area of your chest. It may also help to have another person perform the percussion around your upper back. When you are finished, take a deep breath then cough. Coughing should bring up phlegm that you can spit out.
11. Exercise
It can be difficult to exercise when you are not feeling well, but research shows it can help clear mucus from your chest. Exercise is particularly recommended for people with chronic diseases that cause mucus buildup in the lungs and airways.
Exercise requires you to take different volumes and depths of breaths. Breathing this way leads to pressure changes and forces within the airways that mobilize mucus secretions and expel them from the lungs.
If you are feeling well enough, try taking a fast-paced walk or jog, or doing any other exercises that quicken your breathing.
12. Controlled Cough
Controlled cough is a mucus clearance technique that involves coughing in a controlled manner. The technique can help dislodge mucus without irritating your airways. One of the most common controlled cough techniques is called the “huff” technique.
Here’s how to try it:
A controlled cough is “controlled” for a reason: It shouldn’t irritate or harm your throat.
13. Expectorants
Expectorantsare substances that increase the water content in your mucus, which thins it and makes it easier to cough up. Expectorant medications are commonly sold in syrup (liquid), pill, or tablet form.
Expectorants are a good option if your cough is due to the common cold or another acute (short-lived) respiratory illness. If the mucus is due to a chronic illness, like COPD, this medication is not a good long-term solution.
Guaifenesin is the active ingredient in several common expectorants, including Mucinex and Robitussin. It is a safe and effective drug for relieving a chesty cough and other mucus-related symptoms.
14. Oral Decongestants
Decongestantsnarrow your blood vessels, which decreases inflammation in the airways so mucus can pass through better.
Options include:
Pseudoephedrine is a common active ingredient in decongestants. However, since it’s sometimes used to make methamphetamine, you have to ask for it at the pharmacy counter. It’s still considered OTC because you don’t need a prescription for it.
Decongestants that are available on store shelves generally contain a similar drug calledphenylephrine. Some products containing phenylephrine have the initials PE added to the name (e.g., Sudafed PE).
Oral decongestants with phenylephrine are not considered effective decongestants at recommended doses, though they are still safe to take.
15. Nasal Decongestant Sprays
Nasal decongestant sprays can be found over-the-counter and include:
Nasal decongestant sprays usually work quickly, but shouldn’t be used for more than three days in a row.
16. Vicks VapoRub
Vapor rubis an ointment made of petroleum jelly and essential oils, including:
Vicks VapoRub works when you rub it into your chest, neck, and back; These oils vaporize and you can breathe them into your lungs. Oils like eucalyptus oil may help fight inflammation and pain, as well as offer antibacterial effects.
WarningDon’t usevapor rubdirectly under your nose. That can cause respiratory distress and breathing problems.
Warning
Don’t usevapor rubdirectly under your nose. That can cause respiratory distress and breathing problems.
17. Saline Drops
Saline drops, also known as saltwater wash, are an effective way of managing symptoms related to upper respiratory infections, including chest congestion.
They may be useful against a clogged nose and congested chest because they add moisture and help remove excess mucus, making breathing less challenging.
The drops are put in one nostril and allowed to flow to the other. You can use a dropper or gravity-based pressure through a vessel with a nasal spout, such as aNeti pot.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Chest congestion isn’t always a cause for concern. Home remedies can help manage symptoms so you can rest and recover.
You should get medical care if:
How Long Does Chest Congestion Last?If you have a cold, the congestion is likely to begin one to three days after the infection and clear within a week.With bronchitis, chest congestion can last up to three weeks.
How Long Does Chest Congestion Last?
If you have a cold, the congestion is likely to begin one to three days after the infection and clear within a week.With bronchitis, chest congestion can last up to three weeks.
Summary
Home remedies include staying hydrated, moisturizing your airways with steam or a humidifier, breathing in essential oils, or the right sleep position.
OTC medications include expectorants, decongestants, vapor rub, and saline drops/washes.
You should see a healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms, signs of dehydration, other conditions that are worsening, or a fever over 100.4 degrees F.
27 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anh N, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al.Ginger on human health: A comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials.Nutrients. 2020 Jan;12(1):157. doi:10.3390/nu12010157Kazemi A, Iraji A, Esmaealzadeh N, Salehi M, Hasempur M.Peppermint and menthol: A review on their biochemistry, pharmacological activities, clinical applications, and safety considerations.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024 Jan;2024(1):1-3. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2296991Sah A, Naseef P, Kuruniyan M, Jain G, Zakir F, Aggarwal G.A comprehensive study of the therapeutic applications of chamomile.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 Oct;15(10):1284. doi:10.3390/ph15101284Halat D, Krayem M, Khaled S, Younes S.A focused insight into thyme: Biological, chemical, and therapeutic properties of an indigenous Mediterranean herb.Nutrients. 2022 May;14(10):2104. doi:10.3390/nu14102104Mount Sinai.Licorice.Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections:A sytematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021 Apr;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336Mar-Solís L, Soto-Domínguez A, Rodríguez-Tovar L, et al.Analysis of the anti-inflammatory capacity of bone broth in a murine model of ulcerative colitis.Medicine (Kaunas). 2021 Nov;57(11):1138. doi:10.3390/medicina57111138Huijghebaert S, Parviz S, Rabago D, et al.Saline nasal irrigation and gargling in COVID-19: A multidisciplinary review of effects on viral load, mucosal dynamics, and patient outcomes.Front Pub Health. 2023 Jun;11(1):1161881. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1161881Vagedes J, Kuderer S, Vagedes K, et al.Do chest compresses with mustard or ginger oil affect warmth regulation in healthy adults? A randomized clinical trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 Jul;2022(1):5034572. doi:10.1155/2022/5034572La Fauci V, Costa GB, Facciolà A, Conti A, Riso R, Squeri R.Humidifiers for oxygen therapy: what risk for reusable and disposable devices?J Prev Med Hyg. 2017;58(2):E161-E165.Chowdhury N, Alif Y, Alam S, et al.Theoretical effectiveness of steam inhalation against SARS-Cov-2 infection: Updates on clinical trials, mechanism of actions, and traditional approaches.Heliyon. 2022 Jan;8(1):e08816. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08816National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus oil.Seo K, Cho M.Analysis of the pulmonary functions of normal adults according to pillow height.J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(10):3085-3087. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.3085Mount Sinai.Postural drainage.Heinz D, Walsh A, Southern K, Johnstone Z, Regan K.Exercise versus airway clearance techniques for people with cystic fibrosis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jun;2022(6):CD013285. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013285.pub2Saint Luke’s.Coughing techniques.Tripathi S, Nikhare A, Sharma G, Shea T, Albrecht H.Safety and tolerability of extended-release guaifenesin in patients with cough, thickened mucus and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection.Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2019;11(1):87-94. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S222109National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Treating acute sinusitis.Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.University of Rochester Medicine Center.Take care with nasal decongestant sprays.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Over-the-counter allergy nasal steroid sprays - What does it mean for patients?.National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus.Kilaru H, Prasad S, Radha S, Nallagonda R, Kilaru SC, Nandury EC.Nasal application of petrolatum ointment - A silent cause of exogenous lipoid pneumonia: Successfully treated with prednisolone.Respir Med Case Rep. 2017;22:98-100. doi:10.1016/j.rmcr.2017.07.003Santorol E, Kalita P, Novak P.The role of saline nasal sprays or drops in nasal hygiene: a review of the evidence and clinical perspectives.Rhinol Online. 2021;4:1-6. doi:10.4193/RHINOL/20.072Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common cold.American Lung Association.Facts about the common cold.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).
27 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Anh N, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al.Ginger on human health: A comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials.Nutrients. 2020 Jan;12(1):157. doi:10.3390/nu12010157Kazemi A, Iraji A, Esmaealzadeh N, Salehi M, Hasempur M.Peppermint and menthol: A review on their biochemistry, pharmacological activities, clinical applications, and safety considerations.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024 Jan;2024(1):1-3. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2296991Sah A, Naseef P, Kuruniyan M, Jain G, Zakir F, Aggarwal G.A comprehensive study of the therapeutic applications of chamomile.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 Oct;15(10):1284. doi:10.3390/ph15101284Halat D, Krayem M, Khaled S, Younes S.A focused insight into thyme: Biological, chemical, and therapeutic properties of an indigenous Mediterranean herb.Nutrients. 2022 May;14(10):2104. doi:10.3390/nu14102104Mount Sinai.Licorice.Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections:A sytematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021 Apr;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336Mar-Solís L, Soto-Domínguez A, Rodríguez-Tovar L, et al.Analysis of the anti-inflammatory capacity of bone broth in a murine model of ulcerative colitis.Medicine (Kaunas). 2021 Nov;57(11):1138. doi:10.3390/medicina57111138Huijghebaert S, Parviz S, Rabago D, et al.Saline nasal irrigation and gargling in COVID-19: A multidisciplinary review of effects on viral load, mucosal dynamics, and patient outcomes.Front Pub Health. 2023 Jun;11(1):1161881. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1161881Vagedes J, Kuderer S, Vagedes K, et al.Do chest compresses with mustard or ginger oil affect warmth regulation in healthy adults? A randomized clinical trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 Jul;2022(1):5034572. doi:10.1155/2022/5034572La Fauci V, Costa GB, Facciolà A, Conti A, Riso R, Squeri R.Humidifiers for oxygen therapy: what risk for reusable and disposable devices?J Prev Med Hyg. 2017;58(2):E161-E165.Chowdhury N, Alif Y, Alam S, et al.Theoretical effectiveness of steam inhalation against SARS-Cov-2 infection: Updates on clinical trials, mechanism of actions, and traditional approaches.Heliyon. 2022 Jan;8(1):e08816. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08816National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus oil.Seo K, Cho M.Analysis of the pulmonary functions of normal adults according to pillow height.J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(10):3085-3087. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.3085Mount Sinai.Postural drainage.Heinz D, Walsh A, Southern K, Johnstone Z, Regan K.Exercise versus airway clearance techniques for people with cystic fibrosis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jun;2022(6):CD013285. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013285.pub2Saint Luke’s.Coughing techniques.Tripathi S, Nikhare A, Sharma G, Shea T, Albrecht H.Safety and tolerability of extended-release guaifenesin in patients with cough, thickened mucus and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection.Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2019;11(1):87-94. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S222109National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Treating acute sinusitis.Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.University of Rochester Medicine Center.Take care with nasal decongestant sprays.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Over-the-counter allergy nasal steroid sprays - What does it mean for patients?.National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus.Kilaru H, Prasad S, Radha S, Nallagonda R, Kilaru SC, Nandury EC.Nasal application of petrolatum ointment - A silent cause of exogenous lipoid pneumonia: Successfully treated with prednisolone.Respir Med Case Rep. 2017;22:98-100. doi:10.1016/j.rmcr.2017.07.003Santorol E, Kalita P, Novak P.The role of saline nasal sprays or drops in nasal hygiene: a review of the evidence and clinical perspectives.Rhinol Online. 2021;4:1-6. doi:10.4193/RHINOL/20.072Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common cold.American Lung Association.Facts about the common cold.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Anh N, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al.Ginger on human health: A comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials.Nutrients. 2020 Jan;12(1):157. doi:10.3390/nu12010157Kazemi A, Iraji A, Esmaealzadeh N, Salehi M, Hasempur M.Peppermint and menthol: A review on their biochemistry, pharmacological activities, clinical applications, and safety considerations.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024 Jan;2024(1):1-3. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2296991Sah A, Naseef P, Kuruniyan M, Jain G, Zakir F, Aggarwal G.A comprehensive study of the therapeutic applications of chamomile.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 Oct;15(10):1284. doi:10.3390/ph15101284Halat D, Krayem M, Khaled S, Younes S.A focused insight into thyme: Biological, chemical, and therapeutic properties of an indigenous Mediterranean herb.Nutrients. 2022 May;14(10):2104. doi:10.3390/nu14102104Mount Sinai.Licorice.Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections:A sytematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021 Apr;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336Mar-Solís L, Soto-Domínguez A, Rodríguez-Tovar L, et al.Analysis of the anti-inflammatory capacity of bone broth in a murine model of ulcerative colitis.Medicine (Kaunas). 2021 Nov;57(11):1138. doi:10.3390/medicina57111138Huijghebaert S, Parviz S, Rabago D, et al.Saline nasal irrigation and gargling in COVID-19: A multidisciplinary review of effects on viral load, mucosal dynamics, and patient outcomes.Front Pub Health. 2023 Jun;11(1):1161881. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1161881Vagedes J, Kuderer S, Vagedes K, et al.Do chest compresses with mustard or ginger oil affect warmth regulation in healthy adults? A randomized clinical trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 Jul;2022(1):5034572. doi:10.1155/2022/5034572La Fauci V, Costa GB, Facciolà A, Conti A, Riso R, Squeri R.Humidifiers for oxygen therapy: what risk for reusable and disposable devices?J Prev Med Hyg. 2017;58(2):E161-E165.Chowdhury N, Alif Y, Alam S, et al.Theoretical effectiveness of steam inhalation against SARS-Cov-2 infection: Updates on clinical trials, mechanism of actions, and traditional approaches.Heliyon. 2022 Jan;8(1):e08816. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08816National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus oil.Seo K, Cho M.Analysis of the pulmonary functions of normal adults according to pillow height.J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(10):3085-3087. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.3085Mount Sinai.Postural drainage.Heinz D, Walsh A, Southern K, Johnstone Z, Regan K.Exercise versus airway clearance techniques for people with cystic fibrosis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jun;2022(6):CD013285. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013285.pub2Saint Luke’s.Coughing techniques.Tripathi S, Nikhare A, Sharma G, Shea T, Albrecht H.Safety and tolerability of extended-release guaifenesin in patients with cough, thickened mucus and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection.Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2019;11(1):87-94. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S222109National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Treating acute sinusitis.Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.University of Rochester Medicine Center.Take care with nasal decongestant sprays.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Over-the-counter allergy nasal steroid sprays - What does it mean for patients?.National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus.Kilaru H, Prasad S, Radha S, Nallagonda R, Kilaru SC, Nandury EC.Nasal application of petrolatum ointment - A silent cause of exogenous lipoid pneumonia: Successfully treated with prednisolone.Respir Med Case Rep. 2017;22:98-100. doi:10.1016/j.rmcr.2017.07.003Santorol E, Kalita P, Novak P.The role of saline nasal sprays or drops in nasal hygiene: a review of the evidence and clinical perspectives.Rhinol Online. 2021;4:1-6. doi:10.4193/RHINOL/20.072Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common cold.American Lung Association.Facts about the common cold.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).
Anh N, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al.Ginger on human health: A comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials.Nutrients. 2020 Jan;12(1):157. doi:10.3390/nu12010157
Kazemi A, Iraji A, Esmaealzadeh N, Salehi M, Hasempur M.Peppermint and menthol: A review on their biochemistry, pharmacological activities, clinical applications, and safety considerations.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024 Jan;2024(1):1-3. doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2296991
Sah A, Naseef P, Kuruniyan M, Jain G, Zakir F, Aggarwal G.A comprehensive study of the therapeutic applications of chamomile.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 Oct;15(10):1284. doi:10.3390/ph15101284
Halat D, Krayem M, Khaled S, Younes S.A focused insight into thyme: Biological, chemical, and therapeutic properties of an indigenous Mediterranean herb.Nutrients. 2022 May;14(10):2104. doi:10.3390/nu14102104
Mount Sinai.Licorice.
Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections:A sytematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021 Apr;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336
Mar-Solís L, Soto-Domínguez A, Rodríguez-Tovar L, et al.Analysis of the anti-inflammatory capacity of bone broth in a murine model of ulcerative colitis.Medicine (Kaunas). 2021 Nov;57(11):1138. doi:10.3390/medicina57111138
Huijghebaert S, Parviz S, Rabago D, et al.Saline nasal irrigation and gargling in COVID-19: A multidisciplinary review of effects on viral load, mucosal dynamics, and patient outcomes.Front Pub Health. 2023 Jun;11(1):1161881. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1161881
Vagedes J, Kuderer S, Vagedes K, et al.Do chest compresses with mustard or ginger oil affect warmth regulation in healthy adults? A randomized clinical trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 Jul;2022(1):5034572. doi:10.1155/2022/5034572
La Fauci V, Costa GB, Facciolà A, Conti A, Riso R, Squeri R.Humidifiers for oxygen therapy: what risk for reusable and disposable devices?J Prev Med Hyg. 2017;58(2):E161-E165.
Chowdhury N, Alif Y, Alam S, et al.Theoretical effectiveness of steam inhalation against SARS-Cov-2 infection: Updates on clinical trials, mechanism of actions, and traditional approaches.Heliyon. 2022 Jan;8(1):e08816. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08816
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus oil.
Seo K, Cho M.Analysis of the pulmonary functions of normal adults according to pillow height.J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(10):3085-3087. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.3085
Mount Sinai.Postural drainage.
Heinz D, Walsh A, Southern K, Johnstone Z, Regan K.Exercise versus airway clearance techniques for people with cystic fibrosis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jun;2022(6):CD013285. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013285.pub2
Saint Luke’s.Coughing techniques.
Tripathi S, Nikhare A, Sharma G, Shea T, Albrecht H.Safety and tolerability of extended-release guaifenesin in patients with cough, thickened mucus and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection.Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2019;11(1):87-94. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S222109
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Treating acute sinusitis.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA clarifies results of recent advisory committee meeting on oral phenylephrine.
University of Rochester Medicine Center.Take care with nasal decongestant sprays.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Over-the-counter allergy nasal steroid sprays - What does it mean for patients?.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine.Eucalyptus.
Kilaru H, Prasad S, Radha S, Nallagonda R, Kilaru SC, Nandury EC.Nasal application of petrolatum ointment - A silent cause of exogenous lipoid pneumonia: Successfully treated with prednisolone.Respir Med Case Rep. 2017;22:98-100. doi:10.1016/j.rmcr.2017.07.003
Santorol E, Kalita P, Novak P.The role of saline nasal sprays or drops in nasal hygiene: a review of the evidence and clinical perspectives.Rhinol Online. 2021;4:1-6. doi:10.4193/RHINOL/20.072
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common cold.
American Lung Association.Facts about the common cold.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).
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