Meta Description: Discover effective naturally remedies to clear chest and throat mucus and phlegm. From hydration tips to herbal remedies like garlic, ginger, and lemon, learn how to alleviate congestion and breathe easier.
Tags: Mucus, Phlegm, Respiratory Health, Naturally Remedies, Hydration, Hot Beverages, Garlic, Lemon, Ginger, Chicken Soup, Gargling, Home Remedies, Respiratory Infections
Meta Description: Discover effective naturally remedies to clear chest and throat mucus and phlegm. From hydration tips to herbal remedies like garlic, ginger, and lemon, learn how to alleviate congestion and breathe easier.
Tags: Mucus, Phlegm, Respiratory Health, Naturally Remedies, Hydration, Hot Beverages, Garlic, Lemon, Ginger, Chicken Soup, Gargling, Home Remedies, Respiratory Infections
It’s pretty amazing how our lungs can manage the constant threat of pathogens, particles, toxic chemicals and Naturally Remedies that may make their way into the air we breathe.
Have you ever wondered how this is possible? –well, it’s all about mucus!
The respiratory system has a clever defence mechanism where airway mucus traps and removes harmful invaders. But here’s the thing – too much mucus could also create problems, especially when you’re sick. It can make breathing difficult, and your airways will feel blocked.
Trying to go about your daily routine while being congested with mucus and phlegm is not fun.
Don’t worry we have some easy-peasy solutions for your congestion problems. So, let’s jump right into the article and find out what they are!
Drink plenty of Fluids
First things first, drink plenty of fluids!
While it may sound cliche and familiar, the truth is that fluids can be beneficial for decongestion. In fact, doctors have often recommended increasing your fluid intake to counter acute respiratory issues that might cause mucus to build up. As simple as it may seem, staying hydrated can go a long way in clearing congestion and helping you breathe easier.
Troubles like fever and colds often lead to fluid loss because of elevated body temperatures. Medical professionals generally consider the average body temperature to range between 97ºF to 99ºF. When you have a fever, your body temperature can rise above average to over 100.4°F, and your skin may start sweating.
There are two ways you may sweat. First is sensible perspiration, which is easily noticeable as sweat and increased moisture on your skin. Second is insensible perspiration, which is a continuous and unnoticed process of water loss through evaporation.
Those with higher body temperatures tend to experience more insensible perspiration, with occasional episodes of sensible perspiration or profuse sweating as temperatures increase. In both cases, it is recommended to increase water intake to compensate for water loss.
Overall, drinking fluids can help replenish your body if you’re sick and helps thin out mucus, making it easier to expel from the body.
Hot Beverages
Fluids are great for dealing with mucus & phlegm, but when it comes to what to drink, hot beverages are the way to go!
While limited studies support drinking hot fluids as a clinical treatment for sinuses and colds, popular public opinion and personal anecdotes vouch for their efficacy. When examining the effects of consuming hot drinks on those experiencing cold and flu symptoms, researchers found hot drinks were effective in providing immediate relief from runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness, and tiredness. Contrary to this, the same beverage at room temperature only worked for runny noses, coughs, and sneezing. Although not fully supported by science, hot drinks can provide some relief for cold and flu symptoms.
Try the Water
Try the hydration staple: Water.
If you want to get rid of mucus, try drinking hot water. You may have heard this advice from an elder or your peer. Holding a steamy, hot cup of water and taking a deep breath lets you inhale water vapors that may loosen clogged sinuses. Drinking hot water may relieve mucus membranes running down your throat and sinuses.
Go for Green tea!
You can try natural home remedies!
Consuming green tea could help alleviate congestion and combat its underlying causes. Studies have shown that green tea has immense anti-influenza potential due to its catechin-rich content. Catechins are phenolic compounds abundantly present in teas and are well-known for their excellent antioxidant properties. Green tea is rich in EGCGs which are catechins that inhibit the activity of influenza viruses, preventing them from spreading and worsening the infection.
In addition to drinking green tea, another technique worth trying is gargling! Gargling is not so common in European and North American countries but is a widely accepted traditional technique practiced throughout East Asia, especially in Japan. Studies have also backed this claim and view gargling with tea as an excellent shield from upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold and influenza.
Give Chicken soup a try
You can try natural home remedies!
Chicken soup is one of the most popular cold-alleviating recipes. It has long been known to treat symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold and provide much-needed comfort. Studies show the combined nutritional value of chicken and veggies helps reduce the inflammation caused by infection and improve cold symptoms.
Plus, it’s pretty easy to make it easy natural remedies. Add one whole chicken, water, and broth, and boil in a large pot, then simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, then set aside to cool, then shred. Add celery, onions, garlic, carrots, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot with the chicken broth. Then place your shredded chicken back in as well. Season it with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
Add Garlic into your diet
You can try natural home remedies!
Nature has always been a rich source of numerous therapeutic agents. Nature seems to have a solution to everything. So, here are a few natural remedies you must try!
Incorporate more garlic into your diet. Studies have shown that garlic is valuable in treating several infections and chronic coughs. It acts as a vital antibiotic and improves your overall well-being. Research also indicates that garlic is used to treat and prevent common colds. A study that analyzed garlic’s effect on the common cold concluded that those who consumed garlic extracts experienced fewer days of illness, on the other hand, those who did not consume garlic experienced prolonged respiratory problems.
Increase Lemon consumption
Step up your lemon consumption. Lemon is a citrus fruit known for its nutritional benefits and high vitamin C content, which wards off infections and increases your immune function. In Romanian traditional medicine, lemon was widely used for treating sore throats, fevers, chest pain, and high blood pressure. In Trinidad, a combination of lemon juice with alcohol is being used to treat fever, coughs, and the common cold. Current scientific evidence supports the respiratory benefits of lemon extracts and juices. Its antimicrobial effects boost your immune function and help you keep harmful infections and disorders at bay. It is also a crucial remedy for other medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
Try out Ginger
Indians and Chinese have used ginger tonics since ancient times to treat illnesses. Ginger has a strong aroma, and its taste can enhance the flavor of your foods and tea. It has a variety of nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Gingerols, shogaols, and paradols are three major components found in ginger that are responsible for most of its health benefits. Ginger does everything from helping soothe sore throats to easing your digestive troubles. So if you’re feeling nauseous, ginger can help! It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties and is widely known to enhance overall immune function. The rich antioxidant content of ginger is also effective in scavenging free radicals and reducing undue oxidative stress in your body.
Gargle with warm salt water
Gargling with warm salt water can help clear phlegm and soothe your throat. Use filtered or bottled water for the solution, it’s likely it won’t contain chlorine which might irritate your throat. Now heat the water until it becomes slightly warm then add half a teaspoon of salt. Warm water is relatively easy on your throat and quickly dissolves the salt. Sip the mixture and tilt your head a bit backward. Let the mixture reach your throat, but remember not to gulp it down. Now gargle the mixture around your mouth and throat for
Get rid of mucus faster
Now, Let’s discuss some common dos and don’ts that will help you get rid of mucus faster.
- Keep the air moist: dry air accelerates the production of mucus, which can further soreness in your throat and magnify the discomfort. This is why using a mist humidifier for your room can help you prevent sore throat and keep you uncongested. Put a warm, wet washcloth on your face for a brief period. A warm, damp cloth can help relieve sinus headaches and can quickly return moisture to your nose and throat, preventing mucus build-up.
- Let your body remove the phlegm on its own: when phlegm or mucus rises to your throat, your body is probably trying to get rid of it. In such a case, spitting it out instead of swallowing it is the best way to deal with it.
- Avoid smoking: smoking is never a good idea under any circumstances. Particularly when you have respiratory issues, it will only worsen your symptoms. This is because it elevates your production of phlegm and mucus. If you’re looking to rid yourself of any discomfort in your throat, quitting or taking a break from smoking should be one of your topmost priorities.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: when consumed in large amounts, both can cause dehydration and further mucus build-up.
In most cases, mucus and phlegm are mild conditions that can be resolved at home. However, if the problem persists and nothing seems to work, consulting your doctor is the best solution.
Conclusion
Managing chest and throat mucus and phlegm naturally involves adopting simple yet effective remedies that support the body’s natural defence mechanisms. From staying hydrated and consuming hot beverages to incorporating garlic, ginger, and lemon into your diet, there are various approaches to alleviate congestion and promote easier breathing.
FAQs
1. Why do we get chest and throat mucus?
Chest and throat mucus is often a result of the body’s natural defense mechanism to trap and remove harmful invaders such as pathogens and particles from the air we breathe. It can also occur as a symptom of respiratory infections or allergies.
2. How can I tell if my mucus is normal or a sign of illness?
Normal mucus is usually clear or slightly white in color and thin in consistency. However, if you notice changes such as yellow or green coloration or thicker consistency, or if you experience other symptoms like fever or difficulty breathing, it could indicate an underlying illness that requires medical attention.
3. Are there any lifestyle habits that can worsen chest and throat mucus?
Yes, certain lifestyle habits such as smoking, exposure to air pollution, and dehydration can exacerbate mucus production. Avoiding these habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce mucus buildup.
4. Can over-the-counter medications help alleviate chest and throat mucus?
Over-the-counter medications such as expectorants or decongestants may provide temporary relief from chest and throat mucus. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
5. Are there any natural remedies that can help reduce chest and throat mucus?
Natural remedies like staying hydrated, consuming hot beverages, incorporating garlic, ginger, and lemon into your diet, gargling warm salt water, and keeping the air moist can help alleviate chest and throat mucus. However, results may vary, and consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is essential.
Which remedy did you try?
Let us know in the comments below!
