Peppermint can also help alleviate irritation and expel mucus. That’s because it’s a proven decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and painkiller.

If you don’t already have peppermint tea, you can pick up loose or bagged teas at your local grocery or online. And if you have fresh peppermint, you can easily make your own tea using any type of mint.

Directions To make fresh tea:

1. Wash and cut fresh mint leaves and place them in a cup or teapot.
2. Add boiling water and steep for about five minutes.
3. Strain and serve with lemon, honey, or milk.

You may wish to deeply inhale the aroma of the peppermint tea while the tea is steeping. This can help clear your nasal pathways.

2. Drink warm water

If peppermint tea isn’t your thing, a glass of warm water will do. This can help you stay hydrated and warm you internally. Make extra effort to get in fluids.

3. Apply a lukewarm compress

You can also use a lukewarm compress to help cool your body from the outside in. Although it may be tempting to use a cold compress, the sudden temperature change can cause chills. A lukewarm compress provides a more gradual temperature change.

To make a compress:

1. Wet a small towel or washcloth with lukewarm water.
2. Wring out the excess water and place the compress on your forehead.
3. Repeat as often as you’d like.

4. Saltwater gargle

Gargling with salt water or even just water can help get rid of some of the mucus in your throat and relieve irritation.

Direction:

1. Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
2. Gargle the mixture for 30 seconds, and spit it out.
3. Repeat at least three times each day.

5. Drink a cup of coffee

Drinking a cup of coffee may also help relieve shortness of breath. This is because caffeine is similar to a bronchodilator drug called theophylline.

They can both be used to open up the airways in your lungs, which can help to relieve your symptoms. Caffeine’s effects may last for up to four hours.