Chest mucus remedies

http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/chest-mucus-and-congestion-remedies.html


When we become ill or the respiratory system becomes irritated, this chest mucus, or phlegm is produced in larger amounts and the immunoglobulins work hard to fight off invading or foreign bodies.
This phlegm, along with the dead immune cells and virus or bacteria they were fighting, is then expelled through coughing. While coughing up phlegm is not pleasant, it serve a purpose and is a sign that your body is fighting off infection, or trying clear lung congestion of harmful irritants. Excessive phlegm or chest mucus is often caused by viral or bacterial infections such as influenza, bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as irritants such as those inhaled during smoking.

Several other conditions can also produce chest mucus and subsequent other symptoms. Post nasal drip (PND), classified as the backward flow of mucus draining from the sinus cavities down the throat.  The constant dripping associated with post nasal drip typically causes irritation and congestion, and may be accompanied by consistent urges to clear your throat and blow your nose.  Irritants, dairy, dry climates, smoking, colds, flu and pregnancy may cause post nasal drip.
Post nasal drip can also a symptom of gastroesophageal acid reflux, a swallowing dysfunction that returns gastric contents such as stomach acids to the upper aero-digestive tract, into the esophagus or throat. As a result of this cross-exposure, the body tries to protect itself from these acids by producing excess mucus, which can lead to chest mucus and congestion. Acid reflux can also be caused by other factors as well, and is often aggravated by lying down after eating or eating too late, and by certain foods and drinks, including alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

The color, consistency and amount of chest mucus produced can be a useful diagnostic tool to help your physician determine the cause. Yellow or greenish chest mucus is generally a symptom of infection and is often a sign that you should go to your doctor.
Chest mucus that contains blood is often a symptom of a more serious infection such as pneumonia or TB, and large amounts of blood in the chest mucus should be seen as a medical emergency. Brown or gray colored mucous is indicative of smoking and is a sign that your body is trying to expel the harmful cigarette toxins.

Help for Chest Mucus

Natural Remedies

Having a persistent wet cough or chest congestion can be very bothersome and it helps to know that there are natural remedies available which can help reduce excessive chest mucous. Kali mur is one such ingredient and it is well known for its beneficial effects of the respiratory system and its ability to ease wet coughs.
Similarly, Kali sulph is excellent at naturally treating phlegm coughs and sinus congestions, as well as reducing inflammation of the mucous membranes. Kali bich also works on soothing irritated mucous membranes, especially in the lungs, and helps loosen thick chest mucus.

Foods to Reduce Mucus

To reduce mucus, be sure to consider diet, as foods can increase or help eliminate production. Avoid dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt to help slow mucus production. Also avoid salts and sugars, which can increase mucus production, and beware of refined sugars in white flour and bread.
Certain fruits such as pineapple, oranges, grapefruits, and lemon have been shown to have beneficial effects.  For veggies, asparagus, onions, cauliflower, celery and garlic can help eliminate mucus.
Also, avoid cold foods when suffering from excessive mucus and instead choose warmed foods, which help thin and open airways to allow for easier mucus elimination.

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 http://www.livestrong.com/article/296320-how-to-clear-mucus-from-the-lungs/

How to Clear Mucus From the Lungs

Postural Drainage

Step 1

Lie on your back with two pillows under your hips and one pillow under your head. Put your arms along your sides. Move one hand to your stomach and the other to your chest and breathe in.

Step 2

Push your stomach out as far as you can so that you feel the hand on your stomach move out. The hand on your chest should not move out at all.

Step 3

Breathe out so you feel the hand on your stomach move back in. Keep breathing in this position for five minutes, then do the same breathing exercise as you lie on both sides. Your chest should be lower than your hips by using two pillows under your hips and breathe for five minutes on each side.

Step 4

Switch to your stomach, put your arms by your head and repeat the same breathing exercise for five minutes.

Chest Percussion

Step 1

Make a cup with your hand and tap lightly on your chest. Your doctor or respiratory therapist can show you the best areas to tap.

Step 2

Continue the process across your upper body.

Step 3

Get someone to help you complete percussion on your back, but avoid both your backbone and your spine, so you don't injure yourself.

Controlled Coughing

Step 1

Sit on the edge of a chair with both feet on the floor. Lean forward and breathe in slowly through your nose.

Step 2

Place both arms across your stomach. Exhale, lean forward and push both arms against your stomach.

Step 3

Cough two to three times, exhaling through your mouth. Each cough should be sharp and short as you push on your stomach with both arms. Inhale one more time gently through your nose.

Step 4

Repeat as needed and rest between coughing sessions if necessary.

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http://www.ehow.com/how_5656505_clear-mucus-lungs.html

Difficulty clearing mucus can lead to infections in the airways. Follow this advice from the Salisbury Hospital to learn how to clear mucus from the lungs and when to consult a physician.

1. 1
   Take gentle, relaxed breaths. Breathe normally, not too deeply, relaxing your shoulders and chest. This will help calm your body and get control of your breathing.
   
2. 2
   Breathe deeply. Take in a slow, long breath, placing your hand on your belly to feel the rise and fall of your breath. You should not rush these breaths, but let them happen at a slow, natural pace.
   
3. 3
   Huff. With a wide-open mouth, as though you were blowing hot air onto a mirror to watch it cloud up, huff gently and long enough to produce a crackling sound.
   
4. 4
   Combine these three breaths in a pattern, called a breathing cycle, growing to a more intense cough: Relaxed breathing, deep breaths, relaxed breathing, huffing, relaxed breathing, then cough if you need to.
   
5. 5
   Repeat the breathing pattern, clearing mucus with each one, until two entire breathing cycles don't produce any mucus.
   

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http://www.meridianinstitute.com/echerb/Files/1onion.html

The Cayce Herbal  A Comprehensive Guide to the  Botanical Medicine of Edgar Cayce

   To prevent in the present the cold, congestion, from becoming more of a complex condition, causing a great deal of disturbance through those weakened portions of the hepatic circulation and those activities with the bladder, the kidneys and the upper circulation, we would at once:
    Apply an onion and meal (yellow meal) poultice.  Not quite half and half but chopping the onions very fine and mix the meal with same; this on chest and throat, also on lower portion of kidneys and lumbar area.  This, of course, should be warm; not hot but warm, see?

 555-4 We would prepare about six large onions, you see, steamed preferably in Patapar paper.  Squeeze out the juice and sweeten just a bit.  Begin with small doses of same taken about every two hours apart.  This will change the condition for the stomach, change the condition in the respiratory system.

1561-22  About an hour at the time, each day for about two days, we would apply the Onion Poultices over the liver, the gall duct, and extending to the caecum area; prepared in this manner:
    Prepare a thin gauze or cloth of sufficient size to cover this area.  Cut up onions very fine; heat them, not cook them too much but heat them; mixing with them - for this quantity - about a tablespoonful of corn meal, - preferably the yellow corn meal.  Spread this on the cloth, covering with a heavier cloth, - warm, not too hot, - and apply to the body.
    After this has been on for some ten minutes (not in the beginning) apply an electric pad, and let this heat for at least thirty minutes more, see?
    As soon as the poultice is taken off, begin with broken doses of a good eliminant.  The better, as we find, is Fletcher's Castoria; this to be taken in very small doses; just a few drops, three to six drops, taken about every two hours apart. 

2504-5
    Well, too, were onion juice given to clarify the throat. Boil onions and press the juice from same, sweetening same just a tiny bit.  Teaspoonful at the time will clear the throat and the mucus membranes in the bronchia.  Do that.

2148-1
    Almost immediately, or as soon as practical, apply an Onion Poultice over the chest, as well as between the shoulders. Do not make the poultice too strong, else it would be too severe for the developing body.  Chop the onions very fine, heat them - or cook them until they are about half done, you see; keeping most of the juice with same, - preferably cook them in Patapar Paper, this would be the better way.  Then mix just sufficient raw corn meal with same to make into a poultice, not too thick but just sufficient to allow the poultice to be applied - between gauze - directly to the body.  For this body, preferably use the YELLOW corn meal.
    Apply the poultice while it is still warm, you see.  Leave it on for at least thirty minutes. Then if there is not a change in the congestion, in twenty-four hours, put it on again, - making a fresh poultice, of course.
    Should there arise the filling, or the fullness in the chest,  shortness of breath, apply an onion poultice over the area - to draw or to disseminate and dissipate the fluid.  Chop onions rather fine, preferably using old onions rather than new ones.  Then heat them; not too much, as to burn, but keep the oils in same.  Sprinkle just a little yellow oat or corn meal in same, so as to make a poultice of the onions - having a layer of onions half an inch thick on plain gauze.  Apply this for an hour at the time.
    If this persists, keep on adding more of these poultices, for it will dissipate the accumulations.

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http://www.marysherbs.com/anatomy/anat-lun.shtml

MAIN MINERALS: All especially calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, fluorine and silicon.

MAIN VITAMINS: C reduces inflammation and moves mucus, A maintains healthy mucous membranes and E antioxidant protects lung tissue.

                       

HERBS	REASON FOR USE
Chickweed	Expectorant
Fennel	Helps calm spasms and cleanses
Fenugreek	Cleans out bronchial passages
Garlic	Expectorant and infection fighter
Goldenseal	Clears up sinus congestion and fights infection
Horseradish	Expectorant
Lobelia	Expectorant and antispasmodic
Marshmallow	Expectorant
Mullein	Nourishes medulla oblongata which will increase the depth of involuntary respiration.
Slippery Elm	Cleans out excess mucus
Thyme	Moves mucus

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Good housekeeping, Volume 7

Onion juice, molasses, apple cider vinegar - may disagree with the milk

Take 2 large onions, chop fine, put in a stew pan with a little lard or goose drips, heat but do not cook, put into a cotton bag and apply as hot as the patient can handle it, after it cools, put in the over covered (along with the bag) and heat up more. After that, bundle up with clothes and avoid drafts.

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http://www.homeremediesihub.com/bronchitis.html

Onions

Properties: Onions are effective in treating bronchitis as they are natural expectorants. They will help in draining the heavy mucus that comes with bronchitis thus clearing your chest in the process. Onion is used to cure most respiratory conditions as well as conditions of the digestive system.

How to use onion for breast care:

You can effectively treat bronchitis by eating the onions raw, baked or cooked. You can use them in stews, as seasoning and in soups. Another great way of making onions work for you is slicing them up in a bowl and then covering them with honey. Let the mixture stand for a whole night before you finally remove the onion slices and start taking the honey one teaspoon every day. This home remedy works wonders in dealing with bronchitis.

Lemons

Properties: Lemons have anti-bacterial properties which are very effective in clearing the mucus and bacteria affecting the respiratory system and other health conditions. They have been used for ages for dealing with many conditions and diseases and have proved to be quite effective.

Treating bronchitis using lemons:

Grate a lemon wedge and add to boiling water and let the mixture boil for about 5 minutes. Strain the drink into a cup after boiling and then drink it. If you have a sore throat, you can use the mixture in gargling to effectively take care of it. This way, you will manage to bring the phlegm up. This is one of the best treatments you can easily use at home.

Bay leaf

Properties: This herb was normally used by ancient Greeks and Romans to bring clairvoyance, happiness and other effects into their lives because of the magical properties it has. One of the amazing things about the leaf is that it is an expectorant and effectively takes care of bronchitis.

Treating bronchitis using bay leaf:

In most cases, the herb is used in brewing tea whether in its dried or fresh form. All you have to do is tear a leaf and add it to boiling water after which you can drink. You can also let the leaves sit in a basin of hot water after which you get the poultice and apply it to the chest area. You can use a kitchen towel to cover the chest with the poultice until it cools off. You can then warm it again and repeat several times.

Thyme

Properties: Thyme herb has anti-bacterial properties making it very effective in getting rid of respiratory system bacteria and mucus. The herb will fight infection by draining mucus and strengthening your lungs and shielding them from bacteria.

Treating bronchitis using thyme:

You can take the herb by adding it as seasoning into your tea when well dried. You should however put only a little amount like half a teaspoon for every cupful since is very strong. Let the mixture steep for a few minute and use honey to sweeten it before you drink. You can also effectively use the herb in its oil form by diluting it together with corn and olive oil and then rubbing it on your chest. This is an effective way of curing the congestion that comes with bronchitis.

Ginger and Savory

Properties:The two are excellent potent expectorants which rid your lungs of mucus. They have very beneficial properties and have been in used for a very long time and have gained popularity because of their effectiveness in treating different condition of the respiratory and digestive system.

Treating bronchitis using ginger and savory:

Both are best taken in tea and you need only add a ½ teaspoon to boiling water. Strengthen the mixture by adding a pinch of cloves and cinnamon and then take your drink once every day till you effectively relieve bronchitis.

Home Remedies for Bronchitis

Bronchitis involves serious inflammation occurring in the bronchial tubes or windpipe inside the chest. The condition takes the form of two types which are acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. In acute bronchitis, the trachea, bronchial tubes and larynx get inflamed acutely. The tissues normally get swollen as a result of the secreted amounts of mucus which are directed to the bronchial tubes to protect the mucous membrane hence causing irritation. If the mucus is not taken care of well, it could end up blocking the windpipe thereby causing other serious diseases such as pneumonia and atelactasis. Acute bronchitis is caused by the common cold in most cases.

Symptoms of acute bronchitis are breathing difficulties, high fever, hoarseness, constant cough and chilliness of the feet and hands. The chest may also feel compressed and tight because of the dry cough that brings about ringing and tearing thereby making the sternum sore. These symptoms may decrease within a few days although on the other hand the expectoration amount increases.

Chronic bronchitis is different from acute bronchitis since it takes longer to develop. You may first have sinusitis, affected tonsils, adenoids and nasal drip. This is a more serious case as it may mean that some permanent changes have taken place inside your lungs. Infections such as pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema interfere a great deal with the expansion and contraction of the lungs making it hard to breathe. You could end up coughing up blood with this type of bronchitis. The good news is that there are a few home remedies that one can take to reduce the effects of bronchitis and eventually treat and heal the condition.

Home Remedies for Bronchitis

Almonds

Properties: Almonds are loaded with nutrients and vitamins which are very beneficial to the body. The calcium, magnesium and potassium found in almonds have healing properties for respiratory illnesses including bronchitis.

Treating bronchitis using almonds:

Simply eat the nuts everyday several times. You can use them to garnish your vegetables or your fruit salad that contains citrus fruits. To add a little taste, you can add some honey into the mixture or add cinnamon and then roast them in the oven. This is a great and tasty home remedy for treating bronchitis. .

Onions

Properties: Onions are effective in treating bronchitis as they are natural expectorants. They will help in draining the heavy mucus that comes with bronchitis thus clearing your chest in the process. Onion is used to cure most respiratory conditions as well as conditions of the digestive system.

How to use onion for breast care:

You can effectively treat bronchitis by eating the onions raw, baked or cooked. You can use them in stews, as seasoning and in soups. Another great way of making onions work for you is slicing them up in a bowl and then covering them with honey. Let the mixture stand for a whole night before you finally remove the onion slices and start taking the honey one teaspoon every day. This home remedy works wonders in dealing with bronchitis.

Lemons

Properties: Lemons have anti-bacterial properties which are very effective in clearing the mucus and bacteria affecting the respiratory system and other health conditions. They have been used for ages for dealing with many conditions and diseases and have proved to be quite effective.

Treating bronchitis using lemons:

Grate a lemon wedge and add to boiling water and let the mixture boil for about 5 minutes. Strain the drink into a cup after boiling and then drink it. If you have a sore throat, you can use the mixture in gargling to effectively take care of it. This way, you will manage to bring the phlegm up. This is one of the best treatments you can easily use at home.

Bay leaf

Properties: This herb was normally used by ancient Greeks and Romans to bring clairvoyance, happiness and other effects into their lives because of the magical properties it has. One of the amazing things about the leaf is that it is an expectorant and effectively takes care of bronchitis.

Treating bronchitis using bay leaf:

In most cases, the herb is used in brewing tea whether in its dried or fresh form. All you have to do is tear a leaf and add it to boiling water after which you can drink. You can also let the leaves sit in a basin of hot water after which you get the poultice and apply it to the chest area. You can use a kitchen towel to cover the chest with the poultice until it cools off. You can then warm it again and repeat several times.

Thyme

Properties: Thyme herb has anti-bacterial properties making it very effective in getting rid of respiratory system bacteria and mucus. The herb will fight infection by draining mucus and strengthening your lungs and shielding them from bacteria.

Treating bronchitis using thyme:

You can take the herb by adding it as seasoning into your tea when well dried. You should however put only a little amount like half a teaspoon for every cupful since is very strong. Let the mixture steep for a few minute and use honey to sweeten it before you drink. You can also effectively use the herb in its oil form by diluting it together with corn and olive oil and then rubbing it on your chest. This is an effective way of curing the congestion that comes with bronchitis.

Ginger and Savory

Properties:The two are excellent potent expectorants which rid your lungs of mucus. They have very beneficial properties and have been in used for a very long time and have gained popularity because of their effectiveness in treating different condition of the respiratory and digestive system.

Treating bronchitis using ginger and savory:

Both are best taken in tea and you need only add a ½ teaspoon to boiling water. Strengthen the mixture by adding a pinch of cloves and cinnamon and then take your drink once every day till you effectively relieve bronchitis.

Garlic

Properties:Garlic contains antibiotics and vitamins which are very good in treating bronchitis. These great properties have made it very famous in treating various health conditions effectively. It is very easy to get it at local stores in its raw form or in its oil form.

Treating bronchitis using garlic:

Garlic oil can be used effectively in treating bronchitis by applying it and rubbing it firmly but gently onto the throat and chest. This treatment alleviates coughs and drains mucus. On the other hand, you can chop a garlic clove and chew or swallow it raw. This can be done at least three times a day and soon your bronchitis will be taking a bow.

Linseed

Properties:Linseed has healing properties and other essential minerals and nutrients which are known to effectively treat and cure bronchitis and other conditions. Apply hot linseed poultice both on the back and front sides of your chest. To make the very best and effective poultice, use at least 16 tablespoons of linseed in a good amount of water and then gently apply the poultice. This is a great remedy of relieving the effects of bronchitis.

Treating bronchitis using linseed:

Apply hot linseed poultice both on the back and front sides of your chest. To make the very best and effective poultice, use at least 16 tablespoons of linseed in a good amount of water and then gently apply the poultice. This is a great remedy of relieving the effects of bronchitis.

Other Home Remedies for bronchitis:

• Relieve your congested lungs by sun bathing and taking steam baths. Apart from relieving congestion, you will end up relaxing the whole body.
• Add fresh leaves of spinach vegetable and add a little ammonium chloride and honey and take the mixture at least twice daily to naturally treat bronchitis.
• Make a hot cup of grinded root of horseradish and leave it to cool for about 5 minutes before you drink as a very effective cure for bronchitis. Taking this twice every day is advisable. Mixing turmeric and milk and taking the mix daily is also another natural remedy for the treatment of bronchitis.
• Use mustard powder together with flour and water and smear this onto your chest to relieve bronchitis. In the same manner crush dried sesame seeds and make a paste with a reasonable amount of water then gently apply it to the chest twice per day.
• To effectively cure bronchitis, rub oils such as olive, eucalyptus and lavender into the chest. A few drops in hot water are enough to drain your mucus and clear your lungs when inhaled.
• Mix long pepper, black pepper and dried ginger and take the mixture three times a day. Daikon juice is another effective home remedy when mixed with honey and taken in hot water twice daily.
• Drink lots of fluids and eat hot spices to clear your mucus membranes. You can also add saffron in warm milk and take the mixture twice every day to effectively relieve the symptoms accompanying bronchitis.
• Slice snow pears and add them to three hot bowls of water then strain and remove the pears and add rice to the water. After this, have the rice boil and cook before you drink the soup. To effectively cure bronchitis at home, mix castor oil and planet leaves then spread the mixture on the chest overnight.
• Take water and flour then carefully mix with mustard powder. Use the paste on your chest area and leave for some time before washing it off. If you are allergic to mustard, then this is not the best remedy for you as it might sting.
• Add half a teaspoon of licorice tea in boiling water and let it sit for ten minutes before straining and drinking the mixture. Take this three times a day for a whole week and it will effectively treat bronchitis.
• A good home remedy for acute bronchitis is taking fresh orange juice together with water for the very first stages. Fresh natural juices have been used for the longest time in dealing with different conditions and have proved to be very effective in treating bronchitis.
• There are also lots of other herbs that are effective for the treatment and cure of all cases of bronchitis and illnesses of the respiratory system. 

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 http://hubpages.com/hub/Breathe-Easy-with-Flax-seed-Oil

Breathe Easy with Boiled Flax-seed Oil

My Story

Last spring, I visited a friend of mine, who is skilled in herbs and naturopathy, to see what she would recommend for lung problems associated with West Nile. My brother-in-law had contracted West Nile four years earlier, and was having ongoing problems due to it.
His lungs were the main source of irritation, always hurting, always susceptible to flu and cold. He could not work a full day without getting sick, and was often sick for a month or more at a time.
She recommended some basic herbs for strengthening the lungs, then paused and asked if we had tried flax-seed oil. She went on to explain that boiled flax-seed oil turned mucus to water, making it easy for the body to absorb and dispose of. She told me how to make boiled flax-seed oil, and strongly suggested we try it, before purchasing anything else.
That evening, I tried it out on my family. We all had stuffy noses and a cough, so I figured we would be the guinea pigs. After all, it couldn’t hurt anything. The next morning found every one breathing freely and all coughs gone. I passed the information on to my sister, who made her husband try it. He began getting better right away. It has not been a total cure for him, as his lungs are badly scared, but he can now work a full day, without getting sick.

How to Make

Boiled Flax-seed Oil
Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups filtered Water
• 1 Tablespoon Flax Seed

Instructions:

1. Place flax seed and water in small sauce pan and bring to a boil.
2. Boil for eight minutes.
3. Remove from heat.

The oil is now ready for use. It is the consistency of egg whites, and has the same binding properties. It can be taken directly or used in recipes, several of which I have listed below.
Having the consistence of egg whites, my family prefers it mixed in something else.
Flax-seed oil goes rancid quickly, so keep refrigerated and use within two days.

Our Results

Within a few hours, everyone was breathing easily. The coughs disappeared overnight.
I kept the treatment up for a few days, to make sure everyone was healthy.
After about three days of use, we began to notice a detoxifying affect. Our joints seemed to be releasing old hurts. Then, my husband and I began to get sick with virus like symptoms. It appears, that in all the detoxing, our bodies were releasing old viruses. (Viruses are stored in the spine, ready to attack when the immune system is weak.)
We upped our immunities with vitamin C, and cut back to using Flax-seed Oil every other day, until all symptoms where gone. Since then, we have used the Flax-seed Oil when ever a stuffy nose hits or a virus threatens, and remained well.