A decongestant or nasal decongestant is a type of pharmaceutical drug used to relive nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. Some of them relieve runny nose and sneezing when you have a cold.
It is only logical to look for a solution when you have a problem. And in this case, that problem is runny nose, cough, cold, and flu.
But should you run and get some over-the-counter decongestant? Millions of Americans do this. But what if we tell you there are natural ways to clear mucus and relieve cough?
These natural solutions come without risks and without side effects. And they are just as effective as your OTC decongestant.
1. Natural Decongestant
We start off with a potent solution containing honey, lemon juice, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper. All these ingredients help on their own. Combined, they form a potent decongestant. This solution thin out mucus and make it less likely you will get a stuffed up nose.
Use it to reduce mucus production. The solution also works as an expectorant, which helps expel the mucus by loosening it up and making it easier to cough up.
2. Wrapped Ginger Cure For Cough
If you cough like crazy, we have another solution. This one combines only two ingredients, ginger and honey. Both solve common ailments due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use it for cold and chest mucus.
All you have to do is place the mixture into a napkin and wrap it with gauze. Place it on your chest or back and secure with bandage. For kids, let this solution stay only for 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Adults can apply it before going to bed and leave it until the morning.
3. Banana Honey Mix For Bronchitis
Here is another solution with honey. Bonus effects, this one contains banana which promotes better sleep. Banana increases serotonin levels, helping you sleep better and longer.
The cream will relief the body of the cause of the cough. Unlike most over the counter solutions that block cough, this cream tries to solve the root of the issue.
4. Natural Cough Syrup
During the flu season you need a cup of syrup at home. Some of us run and buy one from the pharmacy. But why not make one yourself?
This recipe is an age-old solution for cough and bronchitis. Ask your grandmother, she probably knows it. You need honey, lemon juice, coconut oil, cinnamon, and ginger. As you can see, these are all anti-inflammatory and antiviral ingredients. When the flu season hits, you can use it as prevention or as treatment. We recommend grabbing one spoon per day a month before the flu season for prevention.
5. Sinus Bath Soak
We are sure you do not want a face full of sinus congestion. That is the worst. Bath soaks are great for relieving your sinus issues.
For this remedy, we will use peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil. Both oils are safe and non-toxic. They will provide relief for your breathing. Soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Honey Wraps For Cough And Mucus
Honey is an amazing superfood. Traditional medicine uses honey for hundreds of years. You can use it to treat common ailments like skin wounds, burns, but also cold and flu. Sometimes, even physicians recommend honey as a treatment for cough.
This wrap will help you relieve cough even after the first treatment. We have to warn you, you will sweat. Sweating is typical, since honey has a warming effect. For children, be careful to test it before applying.
7. Decongestant Rub
Vicks vapor rub is great for decongesting. Some people love the smell, others hate it. But if you like to make a DIY vapor rub at home, here is a recipe to try. And unlike Vicks, this vapor rub does not burn when you put it under your nose. You can also use it for headaches and put little on your temples where you feel pain.
For the homemade vapor rub, you need some essential oils including eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon.
8. Cough Drops And Chest Rub
Here is another quick cough relief. It contains only natural ingredients. You can easily make it with just three ingredients, including honey and lemon. Why consume artificially-flavored syrup, when you can make your own. The recipe will relieve your cough and sore throat.
9. Cough Suppressant
This syrup has a bit of a strange taste and flavor. But that is because the remedy contains oregano, thyme, turmeric, and ginger. It is still a honey-based syrup, but with some bitter ingredients. If you can handle the bitterness, the syrup is great.
10. Breathe Jar For Sinus Congestion
Do you hate the over the counter nasal sprays as much as we do? Some people hate them to the point they call nasal sprays the worst experience of their life. Well, if that is the case, we have a better and more pleasant solution.
And that is a breathe jar. You can use it when congestion hits. Simply open the cup, place it over your nose, and inhale slow and deep. Get a larger jar and put it over your nose and mouth. The heat will produce vapors and heighten the decongestant effect.
11. All Natural Vapor Rub
This might come as a surprise. But some people are allergic to conventional vapor rub. They experience a burning sensation or skin redness. Some even experience rash in the area. So, if that happens to you, you might need a natural alternative.
Or, if you just want something natural and non-toxic. This DIY vapor rub is much less likely to cause problems. Try it.
12. Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry is the best thing you can get for the cold and flu season. Elderberries have natural benefits that fight off cold. And some studies even prove their effectiveness. In that spirit, we have a syrup you can try.
13. Onion Poultice For Cough And Congestion
You can find many traditional home remedies in your home and kitchen. They are simple, safe to use, and very effective. Onion poultice is just one of the many traditional remedies. Onions have antiviral and antibacterial properties, making them a great remedy for cough and flu.
This poultice will loosen things up so your cough could become less serous. And because the remedy is moist and warm, it will feel soothing and helpful.
14. Phlegm Removing Syrup
This ancient syrup will remove phlegm from lungs and relieve coughing. And when you look at the ingredients, you will love it even more. Honey and carrots. Can it be sweeter than that? If you didn’t know, carrots are actually sweet vegetables. Now, they bring their sweetness to your homemade syrup.
15. Garlic Salve For Cough And Colds
Garlic has more potent properties than antibiotics. Yes, that is true. We are not saying you should consume garlic every time you have troubles requiring the help of antibiotics. But the antiviral and antimicrobial properties of garlic are well known.
Raw garlic has great health-boosting properties. But you cannot ask people or even kids to chew on raw garlic. The veggie has stinky smell and flavor. What you can do is make a solution with garlic that is more pleasant in the mouth. Here you go.
16. Decongestant Shower Tablets
When you are feeling ill, put one of these tablets in the shower. The results will come soon. The feeling is wonderful, and the best part is you don’t have to feel bad about ingredients with side-effects.
These tablets will make your life easier. Easy to make and easy to use, you will love them.
17. Natural Remedies For Illness
We want to finish off the list with some tips how to fight off common cold and flu. There are also tips how to recover faster and easier. They are all natural.
So, with that in mind, we welcome you to try any of the remedies on this list. And if you like, you can share your own natural remedies for cough.
