In this article, you will get to know various easy and natural ways to get rid of phlegm. Phlegm is defined as the thick, viscous substance that is secreted by the mucous membranes lining your respiratory passages. In other words, this substance is a coagulated accumulation of mucus and other dead substances. It is often a symptom of a cold or the flu. In rarer cases, phlegm can be an indication of bronchitis or pneumonia. Phlegm can cause a great amount of discomfort. It blocks the nasal passages and makes it hard to breathe.
While phlegm is predominantly a symptom of some type of infection, there are other factors that could cause its occurrence. Another characteristic of this secretion is to coat the throat and nasal passages when they get too dry. Factors that influence this can be,
- Medications that cause your mouth and throat to dry up.
- Insufficient fluid intake, leading to dehydration.
- Dry environments caused by artificial heating or air conditioning.
- Excessive smoking or alcohol consumption.
Remedies to Get Rid of Phlegm:
1.) Vapor Rubs to Cure Phlegm Fast
Phlegm is essentially coagulated mucus. One way to get rid of phlegm is to revert it back to its liquid form. Hence, it may be easily expelled from our system. Vapor rubs are an excellent way to achieve this. But instead of using commercial vapor rubs, opt for a natural alternative. Homemade vapor rubs are easy to make and, more importantly, they are free of chemicals that could prove harmful in the long run.
- To make your own vapor rub, you will need 1-2 tablespoons of beeswax (or palm shortening), ½ cup of virgin olive or coconut oil, and 15-20 drops of any essential oil. You will also need a double boiler and an airtight glass jar.
- Place the double boiler on the heat. Once hot, add in the wax and melt it. Now add the oil and stir to blend.
- Add the measure of your chosen essential oil. You can choose from eucalyptus, peppermint, clove or cinnamon. You can use them alone or as a combination.
- Move this mixture into the glass jar and leave to infuse for 24 hours. Once it has set, use as required. This can be kept for 2-4 months before discarding.
2.) Steam to Get Rid of Phlegm Naturally
This may be one of the simplest and fastest ways you can get rid of phlegm. Phlegm is simply coagulated mucus gathered in your nasal passage. By inhaling the hot steam, you allow this coagulated phlegm to revert back into a liquid form. This makes it easier to expel from your system.
- For this method, you will need, a large bowl, hot boiling water, and a towel.
- Pour the water into the bowl and position your head over this. Cover your head with the towel to trap the escaping steam. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing the steam to loosen up the phlegm.
- To increase effectiveness, you may add ½-1 teaspoon of the homemade vapor rub into the hot water.
- Alternatively, you can take steamy, hot shower twice daily. Make sure to only stay for 10 minutes and to moisturize your skin afterward. Hot oil tends to strip away the natural oils in your skin.
3.) Lemon-Honey Treatment for Phlegm
Lemon contains natural properties that aid in loosening the coagulated mucus. In addition, the high content of vitamin C and the antibacterial properties of lemon helps your system fight infections better. When combined with the soothing, demulcent that is honey, it makes for an excellent natural remedy to get rid of phlegm.
- For this remedy, you will need 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and half a glass of water.
- Heat the water till it is warm, but not too hot to drink. Add the lemon juice and honey to this glass and stir well.
- Drink this 3 times every day to reduce the phlegm production and to expel existing phlegm.
Note: A demulcent is a substance which helps to relieve irritation of the mucous membranes in your throat and mouth by forming a protective film. As one cause for phlegm production is the dryness of your nasal passage, this is highly beneficial to get rid of phlegm.
4.) Treat Phlegm Overnight with Ginger
Ginger is a great way to get rid of phlegm from your nasal passages. With this rhizome, you can get almost instant relief from congestion caused by phlegm. Ginger contains a natural compound called gingerol, which helps to inhibit the production of mucus. In addition, consuming ginger helps to produce heat in the body which is useful to loosen the phlegm.
- Make yourself some ginger tea to counter the problem of phlegm. All you need is a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root and 1 cup of water.
- First, cut up the ginger root into slices. You can further extract the juices by crushing these with the flat side of the knife.
- Bring the water to boil and then add the cut and crushed ginger. Let it simmer and infuse for 5 minutes.
- Now pour this into the mug and add 1 teaspoon of honey for flavor. Optionally, you may strain the tea to remove the ginger slices if you desire. Drink this 2-3 times in a day.
5.) Homemade Expectorant to Treat Phlegm
An expectorant made from cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar is excellent to treat and get rid of phlegm. This is because the heat that is produced from the consumption of this helps to loosen up the congestion of phlegm from our system. This particular mixture works well to thin out the phlegm buildup, making it easier to expel.
- To make this remedy, you will need 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Fill a cup quarter-way up with hot water. Add the measures of cayenne pepper powder and apple cider vinegar. Stir well.
- Now drink this solution while it is still warm. Make this natural expectorant twice every day till the phlegm is completely relieved.
- As a bonus to boost effectiveness, you can add other spicy elements to the mix, like hot salsa, crushed black peppers, or even horseradish.
6.) Garlic to Get Rid of Phlegm Fast
Another home remedy to get rid of phlegm is to use garlic. Garlic contains natural compounds that make it a good antiviral and antibacterial agent. It encourages the production of secretions that aid to loosen and drain the phlegm from the nasal passage. In addition, it boosts the ability of the immune system.
- For this remedy, you will need 4 regular sized cloves of garlic.
- Peel them and pop them into your mouth.
- Chew on all 4 at once to facilitate expelling the coagulated mucus from the nasal passages. The heat produced from the garlic reacting with your saliva works to loosen the phlegm.
- Do this twice a day to relieve yourself of phlegm. If the taste of garlic is too strong, drink one glass of milk right after.
7.) Eucalyptus Oil to Cure Phlegm
This essential oil is a powerful remedy to get rid of phlegm. It contains various astringent, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. But most noteworthy is the ability to decongest phlegm buildup in the nasal passages.
- To make use of this remedy all you need is eucalyptus oil and a clean handkerchief.
- Simply place a few drops of this oil on the handkerchief and sniff it. The eucalyptus oil will act as an expectorant to clear up the nasal passage from the phlegm.
- Alternatively, combine this with the steam treatment. Add 3-5 drops of this essential oil into the bowl of hot water and inhale the steam that rises up.
8.) Gargle to Get Rid of Phlegm Fast
You can also gargle with warm salt water to get rid of phlegm buildup. This method is probably one of the easiest methods to loosen and expel phlegm from the throat and mouth. The warm water works to soothe the irritation in the throat. Salt is good to destroy the bacteria that are causing the infection.
- To prepare for this easy method, all you need is is a glass of warm water and some table salt.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of salt to this warm water and stir till it dissolves. The water should not be too hot to burn your mouth, but it should be warm enough to work on loosening the phlegm.
- Repeat this remedy several times in a day.
9.) Turmeric to Cure Phlegm Naturally
Turmeric contains strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties that kill bacteria which causes the excess mucus production. This will help to stop phlegm buildup. In addition, this spice will strengthen your immune system to prevent further infections. You can imbibe the benefits in a number of ways.
- Drink a solution of turmeric and milk, twice a day. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of hot milk and stir well. While the turmeric works to kill the bacteria, the milk will soothe and coat the throat with a thin-film.
- Alternatively, make a solution with which to gargle. Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric and ½ teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Gargle with this once a day.
10.) Onion to Get Rid of Phlegm
Another inexpensive and natural way to get rid of phlegm is to use onions. This vegetable contains antibiotic and expectorant qualities that help to fight the infection as well as halt phlegm production. In addition, onions also boost the immune system to speed up the healing process.
- You will need 1 onion and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Peel and wash the onion well. Chop it finely and add the sugar.
- Leave this to stand for 30 minutes to develop a liquid texture.
- Consume 1 tablespoon of this tonic once every 3-4 hours. Store the extra in the refrigerator.
