How to Treat Lung Congestion and Cough at Home

During a global pandemic, there are going to be lots of people that will develop symptoms. It doesn't mean that you have the virus, but it could. So, fear gears up and it lowers your immune system. So, how can we combat our fears and anxiety when we develop a cough?  How can we cope when we feel like we can't breathe? The best way to cope with these fears is to focus as much as you can on what you can control. So, if you start having symptoms that scare you. Start doing things that can help, not only your immune system, but can treat your symptoms. 

Of course you should watch your symptoms and if they get worse, absolutely see or talk to your doctor, but in the mean time. Try some of these methods first. I, myself, recently had a sore throat and had heard that this was how the virus starts. Did I freak out? Yes, I'll admit I did a little. But, I spent the next two days drinking lots of oregano tea (known to be an natural anti-viral) and I drank lots and lots of liquids. After two days of this, my sore throat was gone. So, sometimes it's just a simple fix. 

Here are some simple at-home methods to treat lung discomfort. I'm going to start with the most effective method. Start by trying an overnight ginger wrap. You may have to do this a few nights in a row, but ginger wraps are known to help remove phlegm from the lungs. Below you will find directions for making a ginger wrap.  

How to Make the Ginger Wrap for Cough

• Grate or puree about a half a cup of fresh ginger
• Place in a strainer lined with cheesecloth to drain
• Spread on an old towel about 9-12 inches square
• Lay the towel with the paste on your chest as you are laying down
• Cover with another towel that is damp and warm
• Leave on for 15-20 minutes
• Rinse off with a warm cloth or shower
• Repeat if necessary

If you experience discomfort from the ginger wrap, you can use another old towel on your skin under the towel with the paste. You’ll need the vapors to penetrate your skin to benefit from the herb.

 Along with using a ginger wrap, you can also drink ginger tea or ingest ginger raw. Not everyone can eat raw ginger, but if you can stomach it, this is the best way to consume it, make sure it is organic and wash it well. It is great for immunity and again, even ingested, it will help with your lungs. It has also been known to help with anxiety. Below I have included a link for fresh ginger root tea. 

Homemade Ginger Root Tea

Alright, so the amazing ginger! Try it in it's many forms. Next, lets look at the benefits of  echinacea. This is another thing that can help with breathing. It is often used along with peppermint as you can see on this tea box. I like to take a tea like this and breathe in the steam it creates. It soothes the lungs. Then, because of it's immune powers, I drink it once it's no longer too hot. 

If you aren't interested in drinking tea, you can also put a drop of ecinacea oil and a drop of peppermint oil into a bowl of boiling water. You can then put your head over the bowl and breath in the oils. Or, if you have a diffuser, you can do that as well. Another option is to take a hot shower and put a few drops of oil on a wash cloth and hang it in your shower. 

Another thing you can try is Eucalyptus tea or oil. It has been known to promote lung health and help remove mucus from the lungs. This is great for use in the shower as well. A drop or two is all you need as this has a very strong scent. I love a tea called Breethe Easy that utilizes this amazing plant. 

I hope this helps! And remember, focus on what you CAN control. Find ways to calm your mind and do what you can. 

Much love to you in these trying times!