The transition of seasons from sultry summers to wet and muddy, the rainy season may be enjoyable for some, but it is horrible for those who are prone to cough and cold. It begins with a dry cough and running nose and ends up with chest and nasal congestion. You can fight the discomfort with healthy foods. Drive out the congested mucus and breathe comfortably again right from today.

Congestion is the unhealthy accumulation of mucus and body fluids which makes it difficult to breathe. Add these foods to your diet to avoid and treat congestion.

Top 9 foods to fight against congestion and breathe freely again

1. Jalapeno peppers

When you eat these peppers, it generates heat, which prompts your body to secrete fluids to calm it. These fluids clear the mucus that has accumulated in your nose. It is also antibacterial, which makes it useful in combating chronic sinus infections. However, make sure you don’t consume them in excess as it can cause acid reflux.

2. Strong and pungent garlic

If your nose is feeling stuffy, then it is time to unblock the nostrils with garlic. The antibacterial and antifungal compounds garlic help in easing the discomfort of mucosal congestion.

Crush the garlic to extract its juice which contains allicin. Boil the crushed garlic and strain out the juice. Drink it thrice every day to cure the pain and congestion in a few days.

3. Hot and spicy mustard

Mustard is the perfect condiment that can aid with unblocking the respiratory tract. If you are suffering from a blocked nose and shortness of breath, then mustard is excellent for you.

The fiery flavor and odor of mustard can help in the expulsion of mucus and enable free-breathing again. Eat a tablespoon of raw mustard whenever your nose feels clogged to get rid of congestion.

4. Raw and golden honey

Honey is rich in nutrients a natural remedy for a variety of respiratory problems like common cold, cough, and blockage. Eat a few tablespoons of honey and let it trickle down your throat. It is excellent for providing relief from pain and congestion.

Honey possesses potent antibacterial and antiviral properties which work for the inhibition of microbial action in the respiratory tract. You can also add two tablespoons of honey to a cup of warm water and drink the solution twice a day for the natural treatment of cold, congestion, and dry cough.

5. Ripe and sweet bananas

Banana is rich in potassium, vitamin C, and manganese and is an excellent fruit for combating congestion. Eating a couple of ripe bananas every day not only helps in curing mucus congestion but is also suitable for the regulation of bowel movement.

It is high in nutrients and rich in enzymes like lectin that contribute to the cure of congestion. Lectin helps in the inhibition of viral action, which is suitable for the elimination of microbes along with the mucus.

6. Fresh and raw turmeric

Turmeric is rich in curcumin which is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that works to cure the congestion and breathlessness.

Crush an inch-sized piece of raw turmeric and heat it slightly. Eat it at once to drain out the mucus completely. You can prepare a tonic of apple cider vinegar and turmeric to heal nasal and chest congestion.

Add a tablespoon of turmeric to a cup of apple cider vinegar and stir gently. Drink the tonic twice a day to relieve the pain and burning sensation in the respiratory tract and do away with the congestion.

7. Coarse and curative oatmeal

Oatmeal is loaded with nutrients and one of the healthiest breakfast options. Begin your day with a bowl of cereal to develop body immunity, regulate blood glucose level, and cure congestion.

The bland taste of oatmeal might not suit your palate, but that is what makes it excellent for the cure of gastric inflammation and acid reflux.

8. Cool and refreshing coconut water

Drink coconut water every day for clearing out the sinuses and relieving the respiratory passage of the excessive accumulation of fluids and mucus.

Coconut water can cleanse the body of fluids and mucus and provide relief from sinus pain and breathlessness.

9. Fresh pineapple juice

Fresh and sweet pineapple juice is one of the best home remedies for congestion and sinus pain. It contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme, bromelain, which helps in the cure of inflammation.

Drink pineapple juice every day for the natural treatment of inflammation, pain, and congestion.

Conclusion

Congestion is the unhealthy accumulation of mucus and body fluids which makes it difficult to breathe and even speak without feeling breathless. The causes of congestion include health complications like smoking, alcoholism, obesity, junk food, and excessive strain. Add these healthy and delicious foods to your diet to avoid and cure congestion.

What are your favorite natural remedies for congestion?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

About the Author

Henna is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, yoga, and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.