How to relieve congestion in kids and adults

These are my personal notes from a lecture by a holistic practitioner about relieving congestion. I’m sharing them for easy reference and in the hope that they may benefit others seeking natural remedies.

Understanding Congestion and Illness

• Congestion is the body’s way of cleaning up from the inside.
• Viruses act like a “clean-up crew,” clearing out dead cells, diseased tissues, and toxins by expelling them through mucus.
• When you or your child get “sick,” it’s often the body’s natural process of making space for new growth.
• Fun Tip: The next time your child is sick, measure their height before and a couple of weeks after recovery—you might notice a growth spurt!

Rather than suppressing congestion, we should support the body’s natural detox process.

Remember DRIP – Detox pathways, Respiratory (mucus), Immune support, Productive cough

(D)detox Pathways

To clear illness effectively, ensure the detox pathways—bowels, lungs, and skin—are functioning well.

1. Bowel Support
   • Magnesium citrate:
     • For Children: 1–4 gummies every 4 hours.
   • Coconut oil or enemas can assist with movement.
   • Vitamin C flush: Take enough to reach soft stools.
2. Lung Support
   • Visit a chiropractor for adjustments.
   • Apply eucalyptus essential oil to the chest.
   • Use a humidifier or steam tent.
3. Skin Support
   • Take Epsom salt baths.
   • Use dry skin brushing to encourage lymphatic flow.

(R)respiratory-Clearing Mucus

When supporting the immune system, the goal is to encourage mucus to flow out. Stuck mucus can attract bacteria, leading to secondary infections.

1. Warming Herbs and Oils
   • Use oregano, garlic, thyme, rosemary, ginger, and cayenne.
   • Apply to the bottoms of feet, along the spine, or on the belly button to help expel mucus.
   • Internally, take oregano tincture or capsules, or consume garlic 3–4 times daily.
2. Sambucus (Elderberry)
   • Supports mucus clearance.
   • For Children: 1/4–1/2 dropper, 3–6 times daily (or hourly for intense symptoms).
   • For Adults: 1–2 droppers.
3. Goldenseal Tincture
   • Use at the tail end of illness to dry up mucus.

(I) immune Support

1. Vitamin C (Liposomal Form)
   • For Children: 500 mg, 3–6 times per day (or hourly for intense symptoms).
   • For Adults: 1,000 mg, 3–6 times per day.
2. Cod Liver Oil
   • Rich in vitamins A and D.
   • For Children: 1/2 tsp per day.
   • For Adults: 1 tsp per day.
3. Lavender Essential Oil
   • Apply along the spine 4 times daily.
4. Echinacea
   • Use when symptoms first appear.
5. Protease Enzyme
   • Helps break down the protein coating of viruses for faster elimination.
   • For Children and Adults: 1–2 capsules, 3–6 times daily.

(P)productive Coughs

A dry, wheezy, or barky cough indicates the body needs additional support.

1. Heat the Mucus
   • Apply a garlic or onion poultice to the chest or feet:
     • For Adults: 20 minutes.
     • For Children: 10–15 minutes (watch for skin irritation).
   • Apply GOOT to chest or feet before bed (super easy to make)
     • Wear shirt/socks to prevent staining sheets
2. Encourage Lung Clearing
   • Use a steam tent with 1 drop of eucalyptus oil for 15 minutes.
   • Nebulize with:
     • 0.9% saline.
     • 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide (3 drops).
     • 2% iodine (2 drops).
   • Nebulize 1–3 times daily for 20 minutes (shorter for children as tolerated).
   • Colloidal Silver Use for green mucus.
3. NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
   • Thins and dries mucus while detoxifying.
   • For Children: 1 cap daily (up to 4 if symptoms are intense). Mix in applesauce.
   • For Adults: 2–6 caps daily.
4. Additional Remedies
   • Fenugreek and thyme capsules soothe and clean the lungs.
   • Marshmallow root or slippery elm powder calms dry, painful coughs.
   • Black seed oil reduces inflammation and congestion:
     • For Children: 1/2 tsp hourly.
     • For Adults: 1 tbsp hourly.

Final Tips

• You don’t need to do everything—start with what you have on hand.
• Use at least one remedy from each category and be consistent.
• If you don’t see improvement within 24 hours, adjust the dosage, frequency, or try a different remedy.

Supporting the body naturally during illness is about working with its processes. Celebrate the healing journey, and trust your body’s wisdom!

Have you tried any of these remedies? Share your experience or questions below!