Honey
Honey is another natural decongestant available at home. One 2007 study by researchers discovered indications that the cough relief from buckwheat honey may be superior to that from conventional medications. The researchers enrolled 105 kids between the ages of 2 and 18. They were given buckwheat honey, dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant with a honey taste, or nothing at all. The results showed that parents thought buckwheat honey gave their children the most symptom alleviation.
Most stores sell health food, and specialty food stores sell buckwheat and honey. Just like with any cough treatment, take a tablespoon every several hours. However, due to the danger of botulism, don’t offer honey to children under the age of one. Combining up to two tablespoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon makes it a good home remedy for chest congestion.
While the honey calms the throat, the lemon juice may help with congestion. The two tablespoons of honey can also be consumed straight or combined with toast to make a spread for a snack.
