Most of the people think that phlegm is a thick, sticky stuff which hangs in the back of the throat whenever we suffer from respiratory problems. That’s absolutely wrong assumption.
Mucus membrane of the airways (or windpipe) will produce a thick liquid substance called phlegm (flem) to filter the air which we breathe. The mucous membranes line your nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, stomach, urinary bladder and lungs that make phlegm to protect and support the proper functioning of the respiratory system.
The sticky nature of mucus will trap allergens, dust, bacteria or virus and when you’re healthy then the mucus is thin and when you’re sick then the phlegm gets thick and makes you feel uncomfortable. It is a sign of infection and if not treated on time then it clogs and irritates the bronchial tubes to result in upper respiratory infection like cold, flu, bronchitis, etc.
In certain cases, it can be caused by allergic reactions to any irritants (such as hay fever or asthma), excessive smoking, damaged vocal cords, etc. Phlegm is indicated by a constant cough, constant need for throat clearing, breathing difficulties, feeling weak, fever, chest congestion, and runny nose and it is expelled through coughing.
So, treating phlegm is somewhat frustrating but instead of using the over the counter medications and cough syrups just give a trail to some effective natural remedies that work well without any side effects.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Phlegm:
Here are some best remedies that give a quick relief from the phlegm but all you need is to follow these natural remedies regularly until you get complete relief from the problem.
Let’s get started…
Remedy – 1: (Steam)
Inhaling steam is one best way to get rid of phlegm why because the steam gets into the nasal passages and thereby keep the phlegm in liquid form to eliminate it.
Here are few ways of inhaling the steam to get rid of phlegm.
- Turn the shower to full heat and stay in that closed bathroom for about 10 minutes to break up the mucus. After taking your shower, dry the skin to apply moisturizer why because the warm water will rob the skin’s moisture and make it dry quickly. Do this steam shower for twice daily.
- Take a large bowl and fill it with hot water. Then take a towel and hold it over the head to inhale the steam emitting from the large bowl for about 7 – 10 minutes. This will loosen up the mucus secretions in the lungs and thereby clears them easily. Continue this steam inhalation for several times a day.
- Also, pour few drops of any aromatic oils (such as eucalyptus oil) to the water and then inhale the steam to prevent the production of mucus in the throat.
- Also, you can add some dried rosemary and thyme in this hot water and inhale the steam for best results.
- Running a humidifier at night will help to expel the phlegm easily from the throat and help you to get a sound sleep.
Remedy – 2: (Salt Water Gargle)
Gargling with salt water will definitely help you to get rid of phlegm. Salt acts as an effective remedy to eliminate bacteria and other microbes causing infection and warm water will soothe the irritated throat. So, this gargle will thin the mucus and reduce the production of phlegm.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 glass of warm water.
- Stir well and use this solution to gargle for a few seconds.
- Spit out and repeat this gargling process for several times daily until you get a complete relief from the phlegm.
Remedy – 3: (Ginger)
The natural decongestant property of ginger will fight off the microbes to clear throat and respiratory tract infections. It also exhibits antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease the congestion and thereby help you to breathe easy.
- Rinse thoroughly a fresh ginger and cut it into slices.
- Pour 1 tablespoon of these slices in 1 cup of boiled water.
- Let it steep for a few minutes and strain the water.
- Stir 1 teaspoon of raw honey and some fresh lemon juice in this ginger tea.
- Drink this ginger tea for several times throughout the day until you get a complete relief from this phlegm and mucus.
Note:
- Or simply chew few fresh raw ginger slices for several times in a day (or) include ginger in your diet to get rid of this phlegm.
- Or else mix equal quantities of ginger, cardamom and cinnamon powder to 1 cup of hot water. Stir well and strain the mix to drink it by adding 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Drink it twice daily to clear the phlegm in the throat.
Remedy – 4: (Lemon Juice)
The rich content of vitamin C and antibacterial property in lemon makes it as an excellent remedy for loosening mucus and phlegm along with improving the body’s resistance to the infection to prevent the recurrence of this problem.
Have a look at how to use lemon to get rid of phlegm.
- Mix 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of raw honey in 1 glass of hot water. Stir well and drink this water at least 3 times a day to soothe the throat and thereby to reduce the production of phlegm. Repeat it regularly until you get a complete relief from the problem.
- Cut a fresh lemon into slices and sprinkle some salt and pepper on the lemon slices. Then suck on these slices to clear the phlegm out of the throat and repeat the action 2 – 3 times daily to clear the phlegm out of the throat.
Remedy – 5: (Turmeric)
Turmeric exhibits strong antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to kill the bacteria or germs causing excess mucus production and thereby clear the phlegm. It enhances the immune system and protects you from getting rid of infection or allergens.
Here are a few ways of using turmeric for treating phlegm.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 glass of hot milk and stir well. Drink this warm turmeric milk twice daily i.e. once in the morning and once at night before bedtime.
- Simply swallow 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder followed by 1 glass of water for 2 – 3 times daily.
- Mix a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of turmeric in 1 glass of hot water and stir well. Use this mix to gargle for several times daily till you get rid of phlegm and mucus in the throat.
Remedy – 6: (Cayenne Pepper)
The warm spicy nature of cayenne pepper will thin the mucus and release the buildup in the nasal passages and throat. It helps to reduce the pain in the chest and thereby soothes an irritated throat.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and fresh ginger (grated), 1 tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and raw honey and 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl.
- Stir well and drink this mix to reduce the production of phlegm.
- Repeat the intake of this cayenne pepper mixture for 2 – 3 times daily until you get relief from the phlegm in the throat.
Note: Include cayenne pepper in your diet for quick relief.
Remedy – 7: (Honey)
The antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of honey will eliminate the mucus and soothe the irritated throat. It has an antiseptic property that helps to boost the immune system and thereby fights off the infection.
Have a look at how to use honey to get rid of phlegm and mucus.
- Honey with a combination of pepper will help to clear the infection quickly along with soothing the mucous membranes. Simply mix a pinch of black or white pepper powder to 1 tablespoon of honey and consume it twice daily for a week to clear the phlegm in the throat.
- Stir 1 tablespoon of honey in 1 glass of warm water and drink it a few times daily to thin and clear the mucus from the throat.
- Or simply consume 1 tablespoon of honey once in the morning and once at night before bedtime to get relief from the phlegm and cough caused by it.
Remedy – 8: (Onion)
The anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and expectorant properties of onion will make it as an excellent remedy for treating phlegm and mucus. It relaxes the throat and boosts up the immune system to speed up the healing time.
Here is the detailed process of making a tonic using onion and sugar to expel the phlegm.
- Take a small onion and chop it finely.
- Toss 2 tablespoons of sugar on these onion pieces placed in a bowl.
- Let it sit aside for 30 minutes, as it develops a liquid mixture.
- Separate the liquid (tonic) and consume 1 tablespoon of this tonic for every 2 – 3 hours or whenever you need.
- Store the tonic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 – 2 days.
Remedy – 9: (Carrots)
The vitamin C in carrots exhibits powerful antioxidants that boost up the immunity and thereby builds resistance to various kinds of infections. It is enriched with various vitamins and minerals that help to clear phlegm, reduce a cough and throat irritation.
- Take 4 – 5 fresh carrots and extract its juice by adding a little water.
- Then stir 2 – 3 teaspoons of raw honey in carrot juice.
- Drink this carrot juice throughout the day to clear the phlegm from the throat and also to soothe your irritated throat.
Tips and Precautions:
- Intake of hot chicken soup will moisturize the airways and thereby thin the mucus to get rid of phlegm. So, consume chicken soup for 2 – 3 times daily to clear the phlegm and soothe the irritated throat. Add ginger and garlic to the soup to your homemade soup for added benefits and quick relief.
- However, it is normal to have phlegm (flem) that lasts for up to a week but if the symptoms last more than a week or having blood in the phlegm then consult your doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment to get relief from the problem.
- Blow your nose regularly or cough up to expel the phlegm and mucus whenever possible for getting quick relief from the problem but don’t swallow the phlegm to make the condition worse.
- Garlic with its sulfur content helps to clear the bacteria and other microbes causing infection and thereby phlegm production. So, consume a few raw garlic cloves at night before bedtime or include them in your daily diet. Also, use shallots (consume 6 – 8 shallots with sugar) as well.
- Avoid exposure to irritants like chemicals, paint fumes, household cleaners, etc. will cause irritation to the respiratory tract and aggravate the production of mucus. Also, open your windows to allow fresh air and to stay healthy.
- Quit smoking, as the smoke from cigarettes or cigars, will worsen your throat and thereby interfere with the natural healing of the body.
- Consume hot and spicy foods (that contains chilies or pepper) which help to loosen the mucus and thereby aids in the easy expulsion of the mucus or phlegm from the body.
- Drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids like herbal teas, soups, fresh fruit or vegetable juices, smoothies, broths, etc. to stay hydrated and to thin & clear the phlegm.
- Rinsing your nasal or sinuses with saline and clean water will clear the mucus and phlegm. The saline nasal rinse and netipot are available in the drugstore and use them to cleanse the sinuses and nose.
- Avoid consuming fried foods, meat, and dairy products. Consume respiratory health-promoting ingredients like lemon, ginger, garlic, spicy foods, berries, pomegranate, ginseng, licorice root, Echinacea, guava tea, oral zinc, black elderberry, etc.
- Get enough rest and also sleep with an elevated heat to get relief from the congested nasal passage.
Final Word:
All these remedies and tips will definitely help you in clearing the phlegm and relieve you from the infection. Do you know any other effective remedies for getting rid of phlegm? Then share your experience with us in the below comments box.
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