Summarize this article in one sentence.
Mix 1⁄2 tablespoon (7.4 mL) of salt water with 4 ounces (110 g) warm water. Stir until the salt and water are fully blended, and then gargle the mixture in the back of your throat. Spit the salt water out after you’ve gargled for several seconds. The warm salt water will relax your upper lungs, allowing you to cough up mucous. For the best results, gargle with salt water 3 or 4 times daily. Peppermint is a useful natural decongestant. Drinking a strong cup of peppermint tea will loosen phlegm in your lungs and make it easier to cough congestion out of your lungs. The hot temperature of the tea will help to relax your lungs and trachea, making it easier to breathe and cough up phlegm. You can purchase peppermint tea at any grocery store or supermarket. Warm fluids like tea, soup, and water with honey can help clear up congestion in your lungs. If you’re feeling really congested, sip on a warm drink and see if that helps. If your lungs are congested and you’re struggling to cough up all of the mucous, the warmth and steam from a hot shower will help loosen the phlegm. The warm water will also relax your body and your lungs, making it easier to breathe. The more time you spend in a warm, humid environment, the looser the congestion will become. If you have the time, shower for at least 10 minutes. Green leafy vegetables like kale, cabbage, and broccoli can help, as well as carrots, red peppers, and garlic. Season your vegetables with turmeric or ginger to help clear your lungs even more. A humidifier pumps cool mist into the air. Breathing in the humid air overnight will keep your mouth and nose moist, and prevent congestion from building up in your lungs and chest. You can purchase a humidifier at any large retail outlet. Humidifiers are also sold at large department stores and at major online retailers. Indoor allergies may be making your lung congestion worse. A HEPA filter will clean the air in your home by getting rid of dust, pollen, dander, and spores, so that your indoor allergies don’t affect you as much. These devices are used by respiratory therapists to loosen the mucus in patients lungs. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in trying a vibratory PEP mucus clearance device. Smoke and pollution can make your lung congestion worse. If you live in an area with a lot of air pollution, stay inside as much as possible until your lung congestion clears up. If you smoke regularly, cut back or stop smoking so your lung congestion goes away faster.
Gargle with salt water. Drink a cup of hot peppermint tea. Drink warm fluids. Take a hot shower. Eat vegetables and spices that help with lung congestion. Set up a humidifier in your room at night. Set up a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) if you have indoor allergies. Use an acapella vibratory PEP mucus clearance device. Avoid inhaling smoke or air pollution.