11+ Home Remedies for Chest Infection and Clear Lungs (2024)

Chest infections can be a nuisance, causing symptoms such as cough, congestion, and difficulty breathing. While over-the-counter medications may offer temporary relief, many people seek more natural, home-based solutions to treat their symptoms.

In this article, I’ll share some of the most effective and scientifically-backed home remedies and treatments for chest infections that I’ve uncovered as a registered respiratory therapist (RRT).

From the power of herbal teas and steam therapy to the soothing properties of essential oils and the importance of hydration, we will guide you through the best ways to help you breathe easier and recover from a chest infection.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a long-term solution, you’ll find everything you need to know about natural remedies for clear lungs in this article.

Best Chest Infections Home Remedies

1. Stay hydrated
2. Try the classic lemon and honey solution
3. Drink herbal tea
4. Use natural essential oils
5. Eat spicy foods
6. Drain mucus with postural drainage
7. Avoid inflammatory foods
8. Use chest percussion
9. Take the essential vitamins for lung health
10. Utilize humidity and steam inhalation
11. Take over-the-counter medications

1. Stay Hydrated

When you have a chest infection, your body produces more mucus as a natural defense mechanism to trap and remove any harmful substances in the respiratory tract.

However, this also causes chest congestion and difficulty breathing.

By drinking plenty of fluids, you can help to keep the mucus thin and fluid, making it easier to cough up and clear from the respiratory tract. This, in turn, can help to reduce chest congestion and improve breathing, as well as support the overall functioning of the immune system.

Additionally, hydration can also help to relieve a sore throat and reduce other symptoms associated with a chest infection.

2. Try the Classic Lemon and Honey Solution

The classic lemon and honey solution has been a trusted home remedy for generations, offering a simple and effective way to soothe a sore throat and reduce symptoms of a chest infection.

This combination is believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it an excellent choice for boosting the immune system and fighting off infections.

Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can help to strengthen the immune system and promote healing. Honey, on the other hand, is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce symptoms of congestion.

To prepare the lemon and honey solution, simply mix a teaspoon of honey with the juice of half a lemon in a cup of warm water. Sip the mixture slowly, allowing the honey and lemon to coat the throat and provide soothing relief.

Whether you’re recovering from a chest infection or just looking for a natural way to soothe a sore throat, the classic lemon and honey solution is a simple and effective choice that anyone can make at home.

3. Drink Herbal Tea

Herbal teas have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for chest infections, offering a warm and soothing way to reduce symptoms and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Whether you’re dealing with a cough, congestion, or a sore throat, herbal teas can provide fast and effective relief. Some of the most popular herbal teas for treating chest infections include ginger tea, eucalyptus tea, and green tea.

Ginger is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for reducing symptoms of a chest infection. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, is believed to have decongestant properties that can help to clear the airways and improve breathing.

Green tea is packed with polyphenol compounds known as catechins, which have antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off infections and reduce symptoms of cough,

Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a long-term solution, drinking herbal teas is a natural and effective way to reduce symptoms of a chest infection and support overall health and well-being.

4. Use Natural Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health conditions. The powerful aromatic compounds in essential oils can help to open up the airways, reduce congestion, and improve breathing, making them an excellent choice for treating symptoms of a chest infection.

Some examples of the best essential oils for lung health include:

• Black seed oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Bergamot oil
• Ginger oil
• Mullein oil
• Peppermint oil
• Tea tree oil
• Rosemary oil
• Lavender oil
• Nettle leaf oil

For example, eucalyptus oil has a long history of use to treat respiratory tract infections, and tea tree oil can be used to treat respiratory infections such as the common cold, influenza, and bronchitis.

Therefore, incorporating essential oils into your lung-health regimen can be a natural and effective way to keep your respiratory system healthy and functioning at its best.

Read our full guide to learn more about the benefits and risks of essential oils.

5. Eat Spicy Foods

Eating spicy foods may be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to treating a chest infection. The heat from spicy foods can help to clear congested airways and relieve symptoms of cough, congestion, and difficulty breathing.

Spicy foods contain capsaicin, a compound that can help to reduce mucus production and improve breathing by clearing the airways.

Additionally, spicy foods can also help to boost the immune system, fight off infections, and reduce inflammation in the body, making them an excellent choice for supporting overall health and well-being.

Whether you’re a fan of hot peppers, spicy curries, or fiery salsa, incorporating spicy foods into your diet can be a fun and delicious way to reduce symptoms of a chest infection and clear sinuses for easier breathing.

6. Drain Mucus With Postural Drainage

Postural drainage is a simple and effective technique that helps clear mucus from the lungs. This technique involves changing your position to allow gravity to help move mucus from the lungs and into the airways, where it can be coughed up and cleared more easily

Postural drainage can be performed in various positions, depending on the location of mucus in certain lung segments.

For example, lying on your back with your head down can help to clear mucus from the upper lungs, while lying on your side with your head down can help to clear mucus from the lower lungs.

This technique is best performed under the medical supervision of a doctor or respiratory therapist, so please use caution, especially if you have an underlying condition.

7. Avoid Inflammatory Foods

Eating a healthy diet and avoiding inflammatory foods is crucial for supporting the body’s natural healing processes and reducing symptoms of a chest infection. When you have a chest infection, your body is working hard to fight off the infection and repair any damage, and it needs the right nutrients to do so.

A diet that is rich in nutrients and low in inflammatory foods can help to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Some of the best foods to eat when you have a chest infection include:

• Leafy greens
• Lean protein
• High-antioxidant fruits and vegetables

On the other hand, foods to avoid include processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, as these can increase inflammation in the body and make it harder for the immune system to do its job.

So, next time you’re feeling under the weather, focus on nourishing your body with healthy, nutrient-rich foods, and give your immune system the support it needs to help you recover from a chest infection.

8. Use Chest Percussion

Chest percussion is an airway clearance technique that applies mechanical energy to the chest wall to help loosen up secretions for easier clearance. This is often performed by respiratory therapists on patients with conditions such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.

However, it’s also a powerful method that you can try at home to clear mucus caused by a chest infection.

The technique involves cupping your hands and striking the chest wall with rhythmic percussions. Perform a circular pattern back and forth over a targetted area for 3–5 minutes.

These vibration and percussions loosen mucus from the airway walls so that they’re easier to cough up for removal. This helps keep your airways clear, making breathing much easier.

9. Take the Essential Vitamins for Lung Health

Vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining good health and supporting the immune system, and when you’re sick with a chest infection, getting enough of the right vitamins can make a big difference.

Some examples include the following:

• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Vitamin A
• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin D
• Resveratrol
• Vitamin E
• Selenium
• Omega-3
• Magnesium

For instance, vitamin C and zinc help boost the immune system, keeping harmful infections from reaching the lungs. Vitamins A and D play a role in lung development, while beta-carotene and selenium can help prevent lung cancer.

Incorporating these vitamins into your diet through foods or supplements can help boost lung function and ward off lung-related illnesses. Read our full guide on this topic to learn more.

10. Utilize Humidity and Steam Inhalation

Using humidity and steam inhalation can be a highly effective way to treat a chest infection, offering fast and soothing relief for symptoms such as cough, congestion, and shortness of breath.

The warmth and moisture from the steam can help to break up mucus and clear congested airways, making it easier to breathe. Humidity can also help to soothe a sore throat and reduce symptoms of congestion.

Therefore, this method is highly recommended for individuals who persistently accumulate mucus and phlegm.

Bonus tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to maximize airway clearance. Not only will you feel the refreshing, cleansing effects on your lungs, but the aromas can also help calm your mind, making steam therapy a great addition to your wellness routine.

11. Take Over-the-Counter Medications

If you’ve tried other home remedies with no luck, then it may be time to consider over-the-counter medications. From cough syrup to decongestants, there are a variety of over-the-counter medications available to help you feel better and get back to your daily routine.

These medications work by relieving symptoms such as cough, congestion, and difficulty breathing.

However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any new medication. This is especially if you have an underlying health condition or are taking any other medications.

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to see a doctor if you suspect you have a chest infection, especially if you’re experiencing severe or worsening symptoms.

While home remedies and over-the-counter medications can effectively reduce symptoms, a chest infection can sometimes signify a more serious underlying condition, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma.

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it’s especially important to seek medical attention immediately.

Your doctor can help to diagnose the cause of your symptoms, recommend appropriate treatment, and monitor your progress to ensure that you’re recovering properly.

Final Thoughts

Chest infections can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but with the right home remedies and treatments, they don’t have to keep you down. The natural home remedies and treatment methods listed in this article can help you reduce symptoms and return to your daily routine.

From hydration and postural drainage to eating a healthy diet and getting essential vitamins, taking a holistic approach to your health can make all the difference in treating a chest infection.

So, next time you’re faced with a chest infection, remember that there’s a world of remedies and treatments available to help you breathe easier, feel better, and get back to doing the things you love.

However, if your symptoms persist or worsen despite home treatment and over-the-counter medications, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and ensure that you get the proper care and support you need.