Knowledge Weighs Nothing

UTI Home Remedies To Calm Pain & Burning Urination

white cells in urine indicate UTI infectionMultiple white blood cells in urine indicate UTI 

There are few situations that can be as uncomfortable as a urinary tract infection, or more commonly referred to as a UTI. In the most fundamental sense, a UTI is an infection that afflicts the bladder, urethra, kidneys or ureters, causing pain, discomfort and a need to urinate, plus a burning sensation when urinating. Because any part of this essential elimination system can become infected, it’s important to utilize treatments capable of delving throughout each of these bodily parts. Since over 7 million people visit a physician for UTIs every year, it’s among the most common infections throughout the country.

If you’re searching for relief from a UTI, then you should immediately begin treatment. Although UTI home remedies can be an effective way to banish this painful infection, because of the risk associated with such an infection, it’s important to visit your physician should your symptoms worsen after self-treatment.

9 UTI Home Remedies To Ease Pain And Discomfort

The following UTI home remedies were chosen due to its effectiveness at relieving the severity of symptoms (pain, discomfort and burning urination) and banishing the infection at the deepest parts. While these UTI home remedies are considered safe and effective, should your UTI symptoms worsen within one week of starting treatment, immediately visit your physician as you could be dealing with a potentially serious infection.

UTI Remedy #1 | Water

While this may seem too simple, drinking ample water is the most effective way to flush this vital bodily system to help calm symptoms and promote swift healing. As a general rule of thumb, drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, drink at least 80 ounces of purified water per day. While the act of urinating may be painful, avoiding ample hydration is the biggest mistake you can make when it comes to restoring your urinary tract health.

UTI home remedy - baking sodaBaking soda helps ease the burning sensation when urinating

UTI Remedy #2 | Baking Soda

One of the most uncomfortable symptoms of a UTI is the near-constant urge to urinate due to a burning sensation. An effective UTI home remedy involves drinking baking soda water to actually neutralize the acidity within urine. Although baking soda does not actively eliminate the bacterial infection responsible for a UTI, it can reduce pain and burning sensations.

  • To utilize this UTI home remedy, simply pour 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 8 ounces of filtered water. Stir until the baking soda completely dissolves and drink first thing in the morning for at least one week.

UTI Remedy #3 | Ginger Tea

One of the major causes of UTI pain is due to inflammation caused by an active infection. One of the most potent UTI home remedies is ginger tea as it features unique anti-inflammatory properties. Its unique active compounds hinder a biological process known as prostaglandin synthesis. By blocking this process, the chemical messengers responsible for triggering inflammation and pain signals, inflammation is reduced and pain is numbed. In fact, this natural process is the same many synthetic medications try to accomplish.

  • To utilize this remedy, simply brew 1 cup of fresh ginger tea and consume up to three times per day until your UTI has subsided.

UTI Remedy #4 | Blueberries

The active compounds found in blueberries thwart UTI infections by disturbing the health of the bacteria that causes urinary tract infections. By affecting bacterial fimbria, its life-cycle is shortened, which results in faster healing.

  • To utilize this home remedy, simply consume 1 to 2 cups of blueberries per day.

ACV is one of the best UTI home remedies Apple cider vinegar can aid swift healing of UTI

UTI Remedy #5 | Apple Cider Vinegar

The constituents found within apple cider vinegar make it one of the most effective UTI home remedies. Filled with a variety of enzymes, minerals and potassium, apple cider vinegar interacts with the bacteria responsible for the onset of a UTI. By inhibiting this bacteria from growing (or multiplying), you can experience swift healing and relief from painful symptoms.

  • This UTI home remedy is quite simple to utilize. Simply add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 8 ounces of water. Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey, for taste, and drink two times per day for one week.

UTI Remedy #6 | Indian Gooseberry

One of the most effective ways to naturally banish a UTI is to increase your consumption of vitamin C. Indian Gooseberry, also known as Amla, inhibits the growth of UTI-causing bacteria due to its high vitamin C concentration.

  • To utilize this home remedy, add 1 teaspoon of Indian Gooseberry Powder to 1 cup of water. Place over high heat and bring the solution to a boil. Allow this mixture to boil until the water evaporates. Scrape the residue out of the pot and consume up to three times per day for a maximum of five days. By evaporating the liquid, you create a residue rich in vitamin C for potent healing capabilities.

UTI Remedy #7 | Tea Tree Oil Bath

The powerful antibacterial properties found within tea tree oil make it one of the most effective UTI home remedies. Unlike many other of the remedies listed, this method works through a topical treatment.

  • To utilize this remedy, run a warm bath and place 10 drops of pure tea tree oil into the water. Lower yourself in the water and wash your urethra opening with this water. Soak in the tub for 20 minutes. Repeat once a day until the infection has stopped.

No.8 on our list of UTI home remedies is pineapplePineapple contains the enzyme ‘bromelain’ that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties

UTI Remedy #8 | Pineapple

Considered one of the most beneficial UTI home remedies, the active compounds in pineapple are known to help reduce pain and symptoms of a urinary tract infection. The bulk of this fruit’s medicinal benefits is derived from an enzyme known as Bromelain. This enzyme features powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which actively works to reduce UTI symptoms. When combined with antibacterial herbs or medicines, pineapple helps to bring near-instant relief.

  • To utilize this remedy, consume 1 cup of freshly cut pineapple per day. Do not consume canned pineapple as it typically consists of excess sugar and preservatives.

UTI Remedy #9 | Uva Ursi

Uva Ursi consists of a variety of active compounds known to hold powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Research has found this herb to be among the most effective natural UTI home remedies.

  • To utilize this remedy, consume a fresh Uva Ursi supplement. Make sure the supplement contains 100% Uva Ursi for maximum effectiveness. Continue to supplement with this herb until the UTI has been cleared.

As stated above – these UTI home remedies can be very effective when used early, and for minor UTIs. However if your symptoms continue or get worse, please visit your doctor right away for treatment and diagnosis.

(White blood cells in urine image from: Wikipedia, ACV image from Mike Mozart)

8 Post Nasal Drip Remedies For Immediate & Lasting Relief

 

8 post nasal drip remedies

Did you know the glands in your throat and nose are capable of producing up to two quarts of mucus per day? Although the notion of so much mucus may not seem appealing, this substance plays a vital role in your continued health. Mucus features a host of responsibilities, which include trapping inhaled matter, clearing debris from your airways and even fighting off infections. Typically, you swallow mucus without much thought; however, there are times when its presence becomes noticeable and you can feel it dripping down the back of your throat. When this occurs, it’s referred to as post nasal drip. There are many reasons why this sensation takes hold, ranging from thicker-than-normal secretions due to an illness or by swallowing disorders.

The most common cause of post nasal drip include allergies, sinusitis, rhinitis, the common cold and even sudden shifts in air temperature. Regardless of why you’re experiencing this uncomfortable sensation, the need for immediate relief is universal. Post nasal drip remedies are designed to naturally reduce the severity of this condition.

Post Nasal Drip Remedies for Immediate Relief

The following post nasal drip remedies were designed to reduce the presence of mucus and help the body naturally regain its intended balance. Although these remedies are considered quite effective, you must actively work to inhibit the onset of symptoms by avoiding air irritants, such as cigarette smoke or spending excess time outside during the peak of allergy season.

Remedy #1 | Salt Water Gargle

Gargling with salt water is perhaps one of the most effective post nasal drip remedies as it works to reduce inflammation and “dry up” excess mucus. To utilize this simple and powerful remedy, simply add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water. Pour a small amount in your mouth and gargle for 1 to 2 minutes up to five times per day.

Remedy #2 | Drink Ample Water

When it comes to post nasal drip remedies, sometimes the most effective cures are also the easiest. Making sure you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day can provide significant relief from post nasal drip symptoms as this level of water intake ensures the nasal passages are properly hydrated. Hydration is imperative as dehydrated nasal passageways attempt to compensate for the lack of hydration with excess mucus production.

Remedy #3 | Ginger and Thyme Tea

When it comes to home remedies for post nasal drip, none are as effective at instantly relieving these symptoms as ginger and thyme tea. Both of these herbal ingredients feature active compounds capable of releasing excess mucus while providing ample inflammation relief. When consumed regularly, post nasal drip can be completely eliminated. This is an excellent home remedy for those who are surrounded by air irritants, such as cigarette smoke. To utilize this remedy, simply bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil and add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Cover and allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to two servings per day.

Peppermint oil - post nasal drip remedy

Remedy #4 | Peppermint Oil Vapor

Sometimes the most effective post nasal drip home remedy simply involves breathing in. Peppermint oil is an excellent example of such a remedy. The volatile oils found within this ingredient work to break up excess mucus while simultaneously calming inflammation and irritation that often results in post nasal drip. To utilize this PND remedy, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Once hot, pour into a heat-safe bowl and add 5 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Bring the bowl under your nostrils and breathe deeply for several minutes.

Remedy #5 | Apple Cider Vinegar

The acetic acid found within apple cider vinegar makes this one of the most effective PND remedies. By consuming up to two times per day, you can experience significant reduction in post nasal drip symptoms. Simply add 1 tablespoon of unprocessed apple cider vinegar to 8 ounces of water. If the flavor is too strong, add 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Drink up to two times per day to help control and inhibit post nasal drip symptoms.

Apple cider vinegar is also an effective home remedy for UTIs.

Remedy #6 | Eucalyptus Oil Vapor Treatment

The healing properties in eucalyptus oil make it an excellent post nasal drip remedy. When its vapors are inhaled, its active properties act as an anti-inflammatory and expectorant, which means it helps break up excess mucus for post nasal drip relief. To utilize this remedy, simply bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil and pour in a heat-safe bowl. Add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil. Lean over the steam and drape a towel over your head. Breathe normally for three to five minutes. Make sure to keep your eyes closed as its vapor can cause your eyes to sting. This is an effective post nasal drip remedy in the morning or before bed.

Pollen - common cause of rhinorrhea and post nasal dripPollen – a common cause of post nasal drip symptoms

Remedy #7 | Use a Humidifier To Prevent PND

For many, post nasal drip intensifies during drier months. As you inhale dry air, your body attempts to increase the moisture within your throat by increasing mucus production. This post nasal drip remedy increases air moisture to naturally trigger a reduction in mucus production. Simply place a humidifier in your room and breathe normally. You’ll soon notice your post nasal drip symptoms begin to ease.

Remedy #8 | Saline Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation is among the top post nasal drip remedies for instant relief. Not only does the saline content help reduce inflammation, but its use thins mucus and helps wash away irritants or infections that may be causing your symptoms. To utilize this remedy, add 1/4 teaspoon of finely ground non-iodized salt into 8 ounces of warm, sterile water. Add this solution to a Neti Pot. Lean forward and turn your head to the right side over a sink. Make sure to keep your forehead along the same horizon as your chin. Gently insert the Neti Pot spout into the left nostril and raise the Neti Pot to slowly inject the solution into the left nostril. Breathe through your mouth and allow the solution to flow out of the right nostril. Repeat on the other nostril.

25 Natural Home Remedies For Constipation That Work!

chocolate covered prunes - 1 of our 25 natural home remedies for constipationChocolate covered prunes – delicious constipation home remedy 

Constipation is extremely common in people of all ages, and can leave you feeling bloated, sick, irritable, and in severe cases, can even result in loss of appetite.

Infrequent or irregular bowel movements can have a significant impact on a person’s general wellbeing and day-to-day happiness, and it’s highly likely that, at some point in your life, you will experience the many symptoms associated with constipation.

With cases varying from person to person, symptoms of constipation include difficulty passing stools, bowel movements becoming less frequent, and stomach aches and cramps becoming a regular occurrence.

But it’s not all bad news – there are numerous remedies for constipation that can help to clear up the symptoms and prevent the problem from reoccurring. There are a whole host of effective natural home remedies for constipation that are perfect for relieving constipated bowels – it’s not always necessary to head straight for the laxative box!

Be sure to check out our: Home Remedy Infographic For Common Ailments

25 Natural Home Remedies for Constipation

Olive Oil

This is one of the 25 constipation home remedies that you’ll almost certainly find in store cupboards around the world. Best known as a healthy and tasty cooking fat, Olive Oil’s texture and consistency also make it perfect for stimulating your digestive system. It can even prevent constipation too!

Directions

  • Consume 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the morning before you eat (it’s far more effective on an empty stomach).
  • You can even mix the olive oil with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to intensify the flavour (lemon juice is also widely used as an effective aid for constipation).

Fresh Lemon

There’s nothing more refreshing than a burst of lemon to add flavour to your favorite drink. But did you know that it is also great for relieving constipation and getting your bodily functions moving along again?

The citric acid found in fresh lemon is renowned for stimulating your digestive system and is great for flushing out any undigested food and toxins that have built up along the walls of your colon, making it a great home remedy for constipation.

Directions

  • Simply take 1 fresh lemon and 1 cup of water (warm or cold!).
  • Cut your lemon in half using a sharp knife.
  • Now, squeeze the juices from the lemon into the cup of water.
  • Sip until it is finished.

Do this daily and it’s sure to give you to kick-start your metabolism, keeping things moving as they should! Fresh lemon really is one of the most under-appreciated home remedies for constipation, but it should be one of the first you try.

Coffee in the morning - one of the best home remedies for contipationCoffee first thing is a great way to stimulate your bowels

Wake up to a cup of coffee

For many of us, our daily dose of coffee is an essential part of our daily routine. Not only does it give us a much needed boost to start our day, it’s also great for stimulating your digestive system (when consumed in moderation of course!).

But be warned, over indulging can have the opposite effect. This is because coffee is a diuretic, which can make you urinate more frequently therefore, if you drink too much it can lead to constipation cause by dehydrating your body. Check out our post on bulletproof coffee!

Fibre should be your best friend

Consuming a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fibre will naturally help to relive and even prevent constipation! Natural foods such berries, figs, nuts, pears, beans, broccoli and whole grain bread are bursting with natural goodness and fibre, making them perfect for softening your stools, and acting as a natural remedy for constipation.

Raisins are also worth a mention, as they are not only high in fibre but also act as an effective laxative.

Dandelions

Yes, that annoying weed that seems to pop up everywhere in your back yard is one of our natural home remedies for constipation. No, we’re not joking!

The constituents of dandelions act as a gentle laxative and detoxifier. So, drinking dandelion tea will initiate bowel movements. It’s really simple to make too!

Directions

  • Measure 1 – 2 teaspoons of dandelion leaves and place into a mug.
  • Pour 1 cup of hot water over them.
  • Now cover them and let them steep for 6-10 minutes.
  • If you do this at least 3 times a day, you should start to see results.

Prunes – one of the most popular home remedies for constipation!

Consuming prunes or prune juice is probably one of the most well-known constipation home remedies. Prunes are a natural laxative as they contain high amounts of fibre and sorbitol, which softens the stools naturally. Experts recommend drinking a glass of prune juice daily (early morning and late evening) in order to relieve constipation.

Baking Soda

There’s probably not a store cupboard in the land that doesn’t contain baking soda, mainly due to its versatile nature. So, you’ll be pleased to hear that it is an effective home remedy for constipation, and the tummy aches and cramps that often come hand in hand with irregular bowel movements.

The bicarbonate works by encouraging air to leave your body, relieving the pain and pressure caused by constipation. It’s easy to mix up too, simply take 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and mix it into a ¼ cup of warm water! Make sure you drink it all to achieve the most effective results! Baking soda can also be used to treat UTIs.

Establish a routine

As well as all these natural home remedies for constipation, routine is also vital! With the demands of daily life pulling us in all directions, it can often be difficult to establish a routine when it comes to regulating your bowel movements. But, by setting aside around 10 minutes, 1-3 times a day to empty your bowels, it can help you to establish a routine that works around your busy life. Of course, don’t be disheartened if nothing happens at first, it can take time to regulate your bowel movements. Above all, it’s important to remain calm and relaxed in a place that you are comfortable!

Keep moving

It’s a proven fact. Exercising is a great way of getting your body moving and will naturally speed up your metabolism. After all, how can you expect food to move seamlessly through your body if you don’t move around! Setting time aside to exercise daily will not only help to relieve constipation, but it will also prevent it occurring in the first place. It could even be a small change as simple as taking the stairs rather than the elevator. A great remedy for constipation and a way to get fit and active too!

Flaxseed Oil – one of the very best natural home remedies for constipation!

The clue is certainly in the name with this constipation home remedy… flaxseed oil is used around the word as a reliable and trusted home remedy for constipation. It works by coating the walls of the intestine and stool, naturally increasing your bowel movements. Even better, it is also contains heart healthy omega-3 fats and can be enjoyed with a delicious glass of orange juice, which is also bursting with natural goodness and fibre.

And like most of these natural home remedies for constipation, this natural remedy is easy to make … simply mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil with 1 glass of orange juice and drink up!

Aloe Vera - another of our natrual home remedies for constipationAloe Vera get from the plant is best for natural constipation relief

Aloe

Widely known for its ability to soothe cuts and burns, you’ll probably be surprised to hear that it is also able to soothe the cramps and tummy pains caused by constipation. Although drinking aloe juice will do the job, it’s far more effective if you use pure aloe vera gel that comes straight from the plant as this is much more concentrated than juice.

Epsom Salt

Again, this is another remedy that you’ll most likely find lurking in your store cupboard. Epsom salt works by drawing water from its surroundings, allowing it to soften stools and make it easier for you to pass more frequently and easily. But that’s not all. Epsom Salt also contains magnesium, which naturally contracts your muscles, making passing stools a lot easier!

When you need to go, go

It’s so important to always listen to your body. After all, it knows you better than anyone else, right? To prevent constipation, it’s important to go to the bathroom when you need to go. By holding it in, you could cause your bowels to become clogged, making it difficult to pass stools.

Squat – exercise is a constipation home remedy!

Whether or not you like the sound of this remedy, squatting over the toilet can help to relieve constipation by kick starting your colon. This is because your body instantly recognises this position as being a time to retreat to the bathroom and pass stools!

Switch from refined foods to less-refined foods

It’s important to note that these natural home remedies for constipation ease the symptoms of constipation. They do not address the underlying cause! Switching to high fiber and unrefined foods such as whole-grain cereals, pastas, and breads will make a make a huge impact – demonstrating how making small changes to your existing diet can relieve or prevent recurring instances of constipation, acting as a long term natural remedy.

Blackstrap Molasses

Although it’s high in calories, when used occasionally, Blackstrap Molasses is an ideal solution for relieving constipation. Simply take 2 tablespoons before you go to bed every so often, and you should start to notice a difference. Renowned for its strong taste that can often be overpowering, many people choose to add milk or fruit juice, or even prune juice, which will naturally speed up your bowel movements too!

Honey

As a mild laxative, honey is a tasty way to get your bowels moving whilst acting as a natural home remedy for constipation. Experts recommend taking 1 tablespoon of honey three times a day when using it as a home remedy for constipation, and you can even mix it with Blackstrap Molasses for an added kick! However, it’s important to note that this should be used as a short-term solution as honey is extremely high in calories.

Beans

Beans are an excellent source of fibre, making them perfect for adding into all kinds of meals. Whether they’re red beans, lima beans, navy beans or pinto beans, they all do the same job! One note of caution however, although beans are a great home remedy for constipation, it might be worth integrating beans into your diet gradually to prevent excessive gassiness!

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are a great natural remedy for constipation. Not only are they a healthy and nutritious snack, they also soften the contents of the intestines, paving the way for softer stools that are easier to dispose of. Providing roughage and bulk, sesame is also available in a butter, paste, oil, and even Middle Eastern dips (tahini).

It’s important that you only eat ½ ounce each day, and consume lots of water!

Food Diary

If you suffer from recurring bouts of constipation, it might be worth keeping a food diary to establish whether the cause is due to a particular type of food you are eating. By logging what you have eaten each day, it will be much easier to pinpoint the foods that are causing you continuous discomfort. Remember, prevention is better than cure!

Drink plenty of water

Water is a fantastic natural remedy for constipation and, what’s more, it’s cheap! Not only does drinking plenty of water keep you hydrated and, of course, gives you a glowing complexion, it also helps to moisten your intestines and keep them working as they should. By drinking at least 3 litres of water each day, you will be able to experience a host of health benefits! So, drink up!

Understand what’s in your medications

All medications come with some sort of side effects, and constipation is one of the most common reactions to many prescribed and over the counter prescriptions.

If you are taking any form of medication, and regularly suffer from constipation, it might be worth asking your doctor whether your medication could be the cause of the problem. Some of the drugs that have been commonly linked to causing constipation include Beta Blockers and antidepressants, as well as other pain medication.

Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables

Fruit and veg offers are fantastic natural home remedies for constipation, and a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can even prevent constipation occurring in the first place.

In order to sustain a healthy and happy lifestyle, consuming your daily dose of fruit and vegetables should be high on your list of priorities. By consuming at least five healthy servings of fruit and vegetables each day, you will also be minimize your risk of suffering from constipation. And with a variety of fruits and vegetables available, there’s really no excuse!

Castor Oil

Castor oil may not be too tasty but it’s an ideal remedy for constipation. This is because it contains a host of compounds that, when digested, instantly stimulate both the small and large intestines. By swallowing only 2 teaspoons on an empty stomach, you’ll reap the benefits within 8 hours!

Herbal or decaffeinated tea

Not only do herbal and decaffeinated teas taste delicious, they also help to get things moving so they act as a great natural remedy for constipation. They are also super good for you and come in a variety of tempting flavors!

There you go! 25 natural home remedies for constipation, that gently get things moving again.

(Prune & Coffee home remedies for constipation images from: here & here )

Home Remedy Infographic For Common Ailments

home remedies

Recently there was a documentary on the BBC about the effectiveness of many pharmacy medicines available without prescription, sold to cure or reduce the symptoms of some of the common everyday ailments we experience. Things like coughs and colds, sore throats, indigestion and acne.

The conclusion of the BBC documentary was that many of the expensive medicines we purchase to treat these ailments are ineffective, with little if any evidence they doing us any good; in fact many of these medicines have side effects so they could in fact be doing us harm. The ‘take-away’ of the documentary was that you won’t go far wrong trying – tried and tested traditional home remedies, before running out to the pharmacy.

With the above in mind, we’ve had this home remedy infographic created that lists some of the most common home remedies, together with instructions on how to use them.

Update: if you are suffering with a minor UTI, check out our new post on UTI home remedies.
Home remedies for common ailments infographic

Share the Herbal Remedy Infographic On Your Site

Simply copy the code in the box below and then paste it where you want it to appear on your website.

 

There are 10 home remedies for common ailments on the infographic above. Please refer to our home remedy infographic for instructions on how to use each of the remedies.

  1. Oatmeal for acne
  2. Garlic for earache
  3. Salt & Pepper for toothache
  4. Coconut oil for dandruff
  5. Salt water for sore throat
  6. Apple cider vinegar for indigestion. Apple cider vinegar is also excellent for getting rid of skin tags.
  7. Olive oil for constipation
  8. Thyme for coughs
  9. Spiced tea for common cold
  10. Lavender for headaches
(Home remedies image from: Sammy JayJay)

9 Home Remedies for Chest Congestion

chest congestion symptoms

If you are congested and full of mucus, give one of these 9 home remedies for chest congestion a try. In many cases some of these home remedies are actually more effective than the expensive drugs you can buy from the pharmacy. Read on to find out more…

As you breathe throughout your day, you inhale microscopic particles floating in the air around you. These include dust, allergens, viruses and bacteria. Generally, these particles become encased in the mucus that lines your nose and airways, which are then transported to your throat where you can cough them out or swallow them. However, there are times when these particles can irritate the sensitive mucus membranes or a virus/bacteria can stimulate an infection. When this happens, inflammation begins to build throughout your respiratory system resulting in extra mucus. Chest congestion is the physical symptoms of having excess mucus and your body is unable to eliminate it at an efficient manner. This typically results in coughing, wheezing and a sensation of tightness – or congestion – throughout your airways.

Home remedies for chest congestion actively work to loosen the excess mucus while simultaneously treating the causes of its accumulation. Although there are many over-the-counter medications capable of accomplishing this same task, home remedies for chest congestion use the power of nature and non-synthetic compounds to eliminate mucus and restore healthy breathing.

Home Remedies for Chest Congestion

The following home remedies for chest congestion were selected based upon their ability to ease inflammation and promote the release of mucus buildup. As a general rule of thumb, if your congestion worsens after a week of self-care, you should visit your physician as a more serious underlying condition may be taking hold.

Remedy #1 | Salt Water Gargle

Perhaps one of the most effective, and common, home remedies for chest congestion is gargling with salt water. The saline content found within salt water directly supports the safe and gentle removal of mucus from your airways. Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil and then add 2 tablespoons of table salt. Add just a dash of turmeric powder to the hot water and stir well. When the water has slightly cooled, pour the solution into your mouth and gargle for 2 minutes. Repeat up to five times per day for immediate relief.

Remedy #2 | Bay Leaf Tea

The bay leaf is an excellent home remedy for chest congestion as it features various active compounds capable of stimulating the release of excess mucus. To utilize this home remedy, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and pour over three fresh bay leaves. Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and consume once a day until your congestion is relieved.

Remedy #3 | Honey and Onion

Both honey and onion feature powerful anti-inflammatory properties. When used regularly, this simple concoction can reduce respiratory inflammation and promote the release of excess mucus. To utilize this remedy, simply place several slices of onion into a 5 tablespoons of raw honey. Allow the ingredients to soak overnight. The next morning, remove the onion and consume. After eating the onion, take 1 teaspoon of honey. Repeat up to four times per day.

Remedy #4 | Raw Ginger Tea

The pungent volatile oils found in ginger act as an expectorant, which means it directly supports the release of mucus and phlegm from your throat and airways. Simply cut 1-inch of ginger from a fresh ginger root and place in 1 cup of boiling hot water. Allow the ginger to steep for 10 minutes. Once the tea has steeped, add 1 teaspoon of raw honey and consume up to three times per day. Ginger can also help soothe an irritated stomach.

Remedy #5 | Warm Lemon Water

Much like ginger, lemons feature powerful volatile oils capable of releasing the hold of mucus within your respiratory system. Simply bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil and squeeze the juice of 1 whole lemon into the hot water. Grind 1/2 teaspoon of lemon rind into the water. Once at a comfortable temperature to drink, consume up to three times per day.

Remedy #6 | Black Tea With Lemon and Honey

This home remedy for chest congestion is not only effective, but also great tasting. Each ingredient – black tea, honey and lemon – feature potent anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. Not only will you experience relief from your chest congestion symptoms, but the caffeine within the black tea can help provide a much-needed energy boost. Simply brew 1 cup of black tea. Once fully steeped, add 2 teaspoons of raw honey and the juice from 1 lemon into the tea. Drink up to three times per day. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, decaffeinated black tea may also be used.

Remedy #7 | Boiled Vinegar

The strong odor that’s released from boiling vinegar is a powerful home remedy for chest congestion as it works as a vapor expectorant. Simply bring 1 cup of vinegar to a rolling boil and pour into a heat-safe bowl. Lean over the vinegar and take deep breaths. Make sure to have tissue nearby as this home remedy will release mucus from your airways, which will need to be coughed up.

Remedy #8 | Apple Cider Vinegar

There isn’t much apple cider vinegar can’t do. However, one of its most successful uses is as a home remedy for chest congestion. The acetic acid found within ACV acts as an expectorant, which actively works to release mucus and phlegm from your respiratory airway. Simply pour 1 ounce of ACV into a 1 cup of warm water and drink every eight hours.

Remedy #9 | Eucalyptus Oil Steam Inhalation

Because chest congestion is primarily located within the respiratory tract, the most effective home remedies for chest congestion involves medicinally-treated steam. Eucalyptus oil features a host of active compounds; however, the bulk of its mucus-eliminating qualities rests in its ability to perform as an expectorant. To utilize this home remedy, simply bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil. Pour the steaming water into a heat-safe bowl and add 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. While leaning over the bowl, drape a towel over your head and breathe deeply for three to five minutes. Make sure to keep your eyes closed during this treatment as the volatile oils from eucalyptus can create a stinging sensation if your eyes are left open.

Homemade Body Butter Recipe

body butter DIY

There’s nothing quite as lovely as curling up with a friend or partner and feeling their soft skin. Unfortunately, unless you’re one of the rare individuals who were blessed with naturally supple skin, environmental and lifestyle toxins have scratched away your tenderness and replaced it with rough, dry skin. While there are hundreds – if not thousands – of skin care products designed to eliminate roughness, the majority of these solutions are nothing more than marketing hype. Moreover, the ones that actually do work hold a serious price tag few can easily afford. So what are you to do when you want softer skin without the skyrocketing price tag? The solution is easy – homemade body butter.

Homemade Body Butter Recipe – Professional Quality Results at a Fraction of the Price

The reality is most commercially bought body butter products and other skin softening solutions are nothing more than common ingredients packaged inside fancy bottles or cases. However, as with many mass-produced products, manufacturers tend to stray from all-natural compounds for harmful synthetic ingredients. If you have sensitive skin or wish to avoid adding potentially toxic substances on your skin, you’ve likely found many skin care products are simply unacceptable.

The following homemade body butter recipe calls upon the natural healing and restorative qualities found in nature. Each ingredient was carefully selected due to its potency, cost-effectiveness and quality. Whether you have sensitive skin or are on a tight budget, this recipe is ideal for you. Feel free to adjust its concentrations or add your own favorite skin-protective ingredients.

The Ingredients

  • ¼ cup of coconut oil
  • ¼ cup of cocoa butter
  • ¼ cup of Shea butter
  • ¼ cup of sweet almond oil
  • Essential oils (optional)

Directions

Step One – Combine the coconut oil, cocoa butter, Shea butter and sweet almond oil into a small cooking pot. If you’re using essential oils, do not add these into the mixture quite yet.

Step Two – Simmer the ingredients over low heat while constantly stirring with a wooden spoon. Be very careful to not over-heat these compounds as they can burn, which ruins the entire batch. Continue to stir until the ingredients transform into a silky liquid.

Step Three – Once the ingredients have liquified, remove from the heat and pour into a metal or ceramic bowl. Allow the butter to partially solidify, which typically takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

Step Four – After the butter has partially solidified – or set – add up to 15 drops of an essential oil and vigorously whip the butter with a hand mixer until the butter is fluffy. It will closely resemble nice, creamy the cake icing/frosting.

Step Five – Pour the completed body butter into resealable jars, such as a glass container, and apply as often as needed to support soft, healthy skin.

(Image from: Nina Nelson)