Clear Up Congested Lungs Fast in 3 Days With These Home Remedies

Understanding Lung Congestion

Lung congestion occurs when the airways and alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs become inflamed and clogged with mucus and fluids. This makes breathing difficult and can cause coughing with phlegm, wheezing, chest tightness and more.

Some common causes of lung congestion include:

• Bronchitis - viral or bacterial infection of the bronchi
• Allergies - reaction to inhaled allergens like pollen or pet dander
• Asthma - chronic inflammatory condition of airways
• COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Pneumonia - infection of the alveoli
• Smoking - damages cilia needed to clear mucus

When the lungs are congested, it's important to clear them and allow proper breathing. Here are some effective home remedies for clearing your lungs within 3 days.

Recipes to Clear Your Lungs

Honey Lemon Tea or Juice

This classic respiratory remedy thins mucus, hydrates the body and soothes inflammation. To make:

• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1-2 tsp raw honey
• 1 cup hot water (for tea)

Mix together and drink hot (tea) or at room temperature (juice). Have 2-3 times per day.

Ginger Tea

Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties help calm respiratory inflammation. It also loosens phlegm and acts as an expectorant.

Simmer freshly grated ginger in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then drink as tea with honey 2-3 times daily.

Turmeric Milk

Curcumin in turmeric has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects to treat lung infections and speed up healing. To make turmeric milk:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Pinch of black pepper
• Honey to taste

Mix ingredients together and drink once daily before bed. The honey and warmth also help soothe coughing.

Thyme Tea

Thyme contains thymol and other volatile oils that relax bronchial spasms and loosen mucus. Steep 2 tsp of fresh or dried thyme in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 times daily.

Peppermint Tea

Menthol in peppermint reduces inflammation and phlegm. It also suppresses coughing. Use peppermint tea bags or make tea from fresh leaves. Have 2-3 cups per day.

Chicken Soup or Broth

Chicken soup's hot steam and salt content thin out mucus. Other nutrients boost immunity and energy levels. Drink 1-2 cups of soup or broth 2-3 times a day.

Carrot Juice

Loaded with vitamin A, carrot juice reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Blend 3 carrots with 1/2 inch ginger and drink once daily.

Pineapple Juice

Bromelain enzymes in pineapple juice thin mucus and suppress coughing. Mix 3/4 cup pineapple juice with 1/4 cup water and sip periodically.

Hydrating Fruits and Veggies

Staying hydrated thins out lung mucus. Eat water-rich fruits like melons, berries, oranges. Veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce also hydrate.

Herbal Teas That Clear Out Lungs

Certain herbal teas have natural expectorant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties ideal for chest congestion relief. Great options include:

• Eucalyptus - thins mucus and enhances breathing
• Licorice root - soothes sore throat and coughing
• Oregano - loosens phlegm and fights infections
• Sage - reduces coughing and bronchial spasms
• Fennel - acts as expectorant and antibacterial
• Thyme - anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
• Anise - breaks down mucus and expectorant

Drink 2-3 cups of your chosen herbal tea daily to maximize lung clearing benefits.

Essential Oils to Clear Congestion

Many essential oils can help clear up lung congestion thanks to their antimicrobial, mucus-thinning, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating effects. Ways to use them:

Steam Inhalation

Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus, peppermint or tea tree oil in a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and inhale the vapors for 5-10 minutes.

Chest Rub

Rub 2-3 drops of rosemary, eucalyptus, oregano or thyme oil mixed with a carrier oil on chest.

Diffuser

Add 5 drops each of eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender oils to a diffuser and inhale.

Best Foods to Clear Out Lung Mucus

Certain foods help thin out excess mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract. Try adding more of these foods to your diet:

• Leafy greens - spinach, kale
• Cruciferous veggies - broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
• Stinging nettles
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Spicy foods
• Lemons
• Pineapple
• Herbal teas
• Chicken soup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Peppermint

Home Remedies to Clear Lung Congestion

Steam Therapy

Inhaling warm, moist steam thins out mucus so it can be coughed out more easily. Breathe in steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water for 10 minutes 2-3 times a day.

Chest Percussion

Have someone gently clap or pound on your back to help loosen phlegm so it can be expelled through coughing. Do for 5-10 minutes 1-2 times a day.

Hydration

Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, broth and fruit juices to thin out lung secretions and allow for easier expulsion.

Honey

Honey coats and soothes an irritated throat, suppressing coughs. Take 1 tsp straight or in tea or warm water.

Gargling

Gargling with warm salt water removes phlegm and mucus from the back of the throat. Do 2-3 times per day.

Peppermint

Menthol suppresses coughing urges and acts as a decongestant. Use peppermint essential oil or candies as needed.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptol loosens phlegm and acts as an expectorant. Add a few drops to steam, diffuser or chest rub.

Nasal Rinsing

Rinsing the nasal passages out with a Neti pot and saline solution removes excess mucus and hydrates nasal tissues.

The 3-Day Lung Clearing Process

It takes about 3 days for the most common lung clearing home remedies and recipes to fully work. Here is an overview of the lung clearing process:

Day 1

This is when mucus thins out and begins to detach from the sides of the airways and lungs. Coughing will increase as your body tries to expel the loosening phlegm.

Day 2

More mucus continues to thin out and cough becomes more productive. At the same time, inflammation and congestion starts improving. Breathing gets a bit easier.

Day 3

By the third day, a significant amount of mucus has been coughed up and expelled. Inflammation has reduced allowing airways to open up. Breathing improves and chest starts to feel less congested.

However, it takes 1-2 weeks for the lungs to fully heal after an infection or inflammatory issue. So continue remedies as needed over this period.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor if any of the following occur:

• No improvement in congestion after 5-7 days
• Cough lasts more than 3 weeks
• Fever above 101 F
• Coughing up blood
• Worsening shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling

Chronic lung conditions like asthma, COPD and bronchitis may require medications to open airways and prevent complications. See a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Clear Your Lungs in Just 3 Days!

In 3 days or less, you can clear up that miserable chest congestion using simple natural home remedies. Steam, hydration, soothing teas and essential oils can help loosen and expel excess mucus clogging up your lungs and airways.

Drink plenty of fluids, get adequate rest and use these remedies as needed to open your lungs up and restore normal breathing again quickly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.