What are some good ways to relieve chest congestion without using those over-the-counter cold medications?

I'm getting over the H1N1 (swine) flu and I'm feeling a lot better except for the chest congestion and cough that accompanies it. I don't cough constantly but when I do, it can be a bad cough. Sometimes it feels like a sharp, stabbing pain when I cough because of all the congestion. I don't like taking those over-the-counter cold/cough medicines. I'm using Vicks Vapo-Rub. What else can I do to ease the congestion? Thanks!