Phlegm refers to the thick, viscous substance produced by your respiratory tract’s mucus membrane whose role is to fight infections, especially in the case of a severe cold. It normally accumulates in your chest and throat to cause congestion. The phlegm is normally expelled through coughing.
Excess phlegm is largely linked with a cold, sinusitis, flu, or other bacterial and viral infections. Likewise, it can be occasioned by an allergic reaction to irritants, such as in asthma, hay fever, or damaged vocal cords. It normally comes with a runny nose, fever, weakness, unrelenting cough, as well as difficulty in breathing.
Phlegm may not be a serious health issue, but it can block the bronchial if not treated properly, thereby leading to a secondary upper respiratory infection.
Fortunately, there are some effective natural remedies that you can use to remove mucus and phlegm in your chest and throat within no time:
USE GINGER
Ginger can act as a natural antihistamine and decongestant. It also possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and expectorant properties, which help ease chest and throat congestion as well as drying out drying excess mucus and promoting the removal of the accumulation.
You should chew 3-4 raw ginger slices daily or consume ginger tea a couple of times a day.
What you need:
- 6-7 pieces of ginger
- A teaspoon of black peppercorns
- A tablespoon of honey
- 2 cups of water
Instructions:
Pour the water into a pan and place it on the stove. Once the water starts to simmer, add the pieces of ginger and the peppercorns. Cover the pan and let the water boil for one minute. Then, lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 7 minutes. The color of the water should change to pale yellow. Strain and add a tablespoon of honey and mix well. Drink the tea slowly while it is still hot to quickly ease the congestion. You should drink 2-3 cups of ginger tea every day for best results.
USE TURMERIC
The active compund present in turmeric, curcumin has potent antiseptic and healing properties. It is effective in reducing phlegm as it neutralizes the bacteria that is responsible for the excessive production of mucus.
Ingredients:
- A tablespoon of Turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- A glass of warm water
Instructions:
Add the turmeric to the warm water, add the salt to the solution and mix them well. Gargle with the solution to get almost instant relief. Repeat te procedure 3-4 times daily to loosen mucus and minimize phlegm in the throat
USE A SALT WATER GARGLE
Gargling with salt water is another effective way to remove phlegm. Whereas warm water is effective in soothing the throat, salt has antibacterial properties that combat the bacteria responsible for the infection.
The mixture of salt and water lowers the production of mucus and build-up of phlegm.
Steaming
Steaming is extremely effective way to loosen up mucus and phlegm in the throat. The inhaling of vapors will provide instant relief.
Breathing in steam allows the vapors to travel down your throat and loosen up clogged mucus, thus providing instant relief. Infusing the water with herbs is also extremely beneficial.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 cups of boiling hot water Rosemary (contains antiseptic properties) – ½ teaspoon
- Half a teaspoon of thyme (reduces excess mucus)
- Half a teaspoon of dried rosemary
Instructions:
Add half a teaspoon of thyme and dried rosemary to the water, and lean over the bowl to inhale the steam. Put a towel over the head, so the steam can go directly into the face. Repeat 3-4 times daily.
You can also enjoy a steamy shower twice daily.
Additional tips:
- You should regularly blow the nose to expel the phlegm
- Do not consume colds drink and foods
- Avoid smoking, as it leads to congestion and irritates the respiratory tract
- Use a humidifier to control the mucus production
- Avoid exposure to household cleaners, paint fumes, and hazardous chemicals, as they irritate the nose and throat
- Do not swallow the phlegm or mucus, but gargle and spit it out to accelerate the healing process
- Consume spicy foods such as garlic and peppers to thin the mucus and break up the congestion.
Source: houseofhealth
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