5 homemade remedies for chest congestion

These homemade remedies may be old-fashioned, but sometimes it's these kinds of remedies that are the best. And you are not risking the family fortune to try it. Here are four great ways to relieve chest congestion.

• 30 drops massage or carrier oil such as almond, jojoba or avocado oil
• 5-10 drops eucalyptus or wintergreen essential oil

  1. In a small bowl mix the carrier oil with the essential oil. Rub the mixture onto your chest.

  2. Cover your chest with a cotton towel or piece of flannel, then put a heating pad or hot-water bottle on top of the flannel and snuggle under the blankets.

• 12 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 8 drops hyssop essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) almond or olive oil

  1. In a small dish, mix essential oils with the almond or olive oil.

  2. Rub the mixture onto your chest and cover with a damp, warm flannel (try warming the damp flannel in the microwave). Leave on until the warmth fades.

• A handful of dried, chopped mullein or dried, chopped lobelia
• 250 to 500 ml (1 to 2 c) boiling water

  1. In a bowl, steep the mullein or lobelia in boiling water for 10 minutes.
  2. Saturate a hand towel in the warm liquid, wring it out and place on your chest. Cover with a warm towel and place a heating pad on top of that.

• 30 ml (2 tbsp) or more olive oil
• 75 ml (1/3 c) mustard seed
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) grated beeswax
• Cloth to cover chest

  1. Put 30 millilitres (two tablespoons) olive oil and the mustard seed into a blender and blend. Continue adding olive oil until you have a nice, thick liquid.
  2. Pour the mixture into the top of a double boiler over low heat; add the beeswax and heat, stirring until the wax melts. Spread the cloth on a flat surface. Once the mustard-wax mixture is warm and can be spread, apply it to the cloth and let it cool to room temperature.
  3. Place the cloth salve side down on your chest and cover with a T-shirt or old flannel, then apply external heat on top with a heating pad or hot-water bottle. You should start to feel warmth seeping into your chest in about 10 to 15 minutes. Leave on another 15 minutes. You can store the plaster in the fridge for several days; when needed, remove and let warm to room temperature before using.

This rub can give that stuff in the dark blue bottle a run for its money.

• 125 ml (1/2 c) olive oil
• 30 ml (1 tbsp) peppermint oil
• 30 ml (1 tbsp) eucalyptus oil
• 30 ml (1 tbsp) wintergreen oil
• 30 ml (1 tbsp) grated beeswax
• 4 drops tincture of benzoin

  1. In the top of a double boiler over low heat, heat the oils. Add the beeswax and tincture of benzoin and stir until the beeswax is melted and the oils are well mixed.

  2. Pour mixture into a clean, widemouthed jar with a tight top and allow to cool. Put under your nose or rub on your chest as a decongestant. You can keep this mixture in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks.