I need a good home remedy for chest congestion. I've been up since four this morning because I couldn't sleep laying down any longer. Lounging halfway upright on the couch helped the breathing, but does nothing to break up the congestion.

My mother of course swears by vicks vaporrub, but I am allergic to eucalyptus or whatever they put in it, just congests me more.

I've had pnuemonia often enough to know what it feels like, and this is feeling terribly close to it. I had a nice steamy shower this morning and that helped the breathing a little.

Try laying on them on your side, as it is easier to breathe without gravity doing its share.

I use the Hall's mentholyptus cough drops to help break up the congestion which of course you can't use.

I would also find a liquid cough medicine that works...I am sorry you are feeling so bad ...prayers for you.

Top, I'm sorry you're under the weather and wish I had an herbal remedy to help you. You have already done one of the best home remedies...steam! Get back in the bathroom, run hot water and sit in there for 15-20 minutes or run hot water in the sink, lean over the sink (if you can) with a towel drapped over your head (to capture the steam). Ask DH (or any other helpful relative) to gently pound on your back (over the area of the lungs) with slightly cupped hands...this should also help to loosen things up.

Of course, plenty of liquids...the more the better. Chicken soup is reported to be more than just a old wive's tale when it comes to loosening congestion. Might give it a try as well.

If you've had pneumonia before, you know the signs...don't ignore them and seek medical attention if things get worse, okay?

Take care and get well!! OB

Forgot to add that you should do the steam/pounding thing several times a day, if possible.

Oh duh! I forgot all about the pounding thing. I used to have to do that all the time for my son and it does help quite a bit.

Thanks for the tips and sympathy.

check your local health food/herbal remedy store, or go out in the woods and find you some mullein leaves. Check them out... google mullein leaves and read all about it. Native Americans dried and smoked the leaves for chest discomforts, bronchitis, and even asthma. An extraction can be made from the leaves as well.
Also Hyssop extract is good for chest congestion. check out www.puritan.com I order a lot of things from them. Love the valerian root extract and passion flower extract. Makes ya sleep like a baby. And helps fight that anxiety of daily stress.

Drink hot ginger tea. Just boil (or microwave)a cup of water and add a chunk of ginger root to it, let it steep until it cools enough and drink it. Please get to a doctor if you think it is pneumonia, as that can be very serious. I hope you feel better soon!

Make a tea from thyme... Lemon thyme is best. But if you have regular thyme... add some mint. Mint is an expectorant, which makes you cough up the stuff. Maybe you could make a compress of cayenne,, or Mustard! Sitting up is the best thing you can do to remove congestion. Sitting up helps improve "Lung Excursion" meaning sitting up helps the lungs expand on inspiration (breathing in).

I think spicy "Hot" chili or salsa helps remove nasal and throat congestion...I hope you have some peppers or herbs to use! Hope you feel better!

I find that Thyme, mint, lemon balm, lemon juice, orange juice help so much. Chicken soups spiked with herbs, onions and garlic are also beneficial.

Thyme contains Thymol.. similar to Phenol.. Are you allergic to Phenol?

Thanks for all the suggestions you guys. I've been drinking lots all day, breathing the steam, had qute a bit of grapefruit juice, had some ginger tea (which is SO MUCH better with fresh ginger than ground ginger powder) and have come to the conclusion that this is mostly an asthma/allergy thing. My allergies have been bad for a couple weeks. I think I need a steady diet of peppers tomorrow to clear out my sinuses. I'm just tired of feeling crummy.

The worst part is, when I get run down and feeling awful like today I don't think of all these things that help. I KNOW this stuff, I just don't remember it. Same way when I get a migraine, I don't think of doing the things that help, all I can think of is the misery. I'm so glad I've got you all to remind me of these things. Thanks.

If you suffer from congestions/allergies, try to stay away from, and ideally eliminate, all dairy from your diet. DH used to have severe allergies, with the occasional sinus infection here and there, until he switched to soy milk products. Never had any problem since (not even that many "regular" colds, and we are talking years now).
PS: Sugar and sweets don't help congestion either, but we'll talk about that later .

save this in your favorites so you can come back to it when you are feeling bad

So how are you feeling today? It has cooled off in your neck of the woods? N'est pas? (French, not spanish)