Mucous secretion is the body’s natural process to filter the foreign entities entering it. Phlegm is a type of mucus that is secreted by the respiratory system. It protects the inner respiratory system from getting too dry or in eliminating harmful substances from the system. learn more to know how to get rid of phlegm in throat naturally.
Mucus protects your insides from stomach acid and flushes out elements that could otherwise cause illness, such as dust and bacteria. It also prevents cracking up of the membranes, which could otherwise lead to infections.
When you are sick or exposed to too many dust or harmful particles, the phlegm gets too thick that can block the air passages. There are no severe consequences of phlegm. However, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microbes.
The different colors of the mucus can indicate the kind of allergy or infection that you are suffering. Following are the types that you must know:
Phlegm is a part of your respiratory system that guards it against the invasion of foreign substances. However, at times it gets thicker and uncomfortable. Home or natural remedies play a vital role in getting rid of the phlegm stuck in the throat, kill the harmful microbes, and also alleviate any triggers that can cause it.
Ginger acts as a natural decongestant and helps in clearing the excessive deposition of phlegm in the throat. Further, it has potent properties that make it highly effective in treating cold and flu that can increase the secretion of mucus.
You can also use small pieces or grated ginger to flavor the foods.
Ginger is a warm spice; excessive consumption of it may upset your stomach. Hence you must eat it in moderation.
Echinacea(1) is a potent herb that can treat various viral and bacterial infections and ease the secretion of mucus in the throat. It also enriches the immune system.
Sipping in warm Echinacea tea loosens the phlegm in the throat and enables you to get rid of it quickly. It is a proven remedy to get rid of phlegm stuck in the throat.
If you are on medications, then consult your doctor before using Echinacea remedy.
Eucalyptus essential oil(2) helps in easing out the discomfort caused due to excessive phlegm deposition in the throat. It does so by loosening up the mucus and pushing it out when you cough. The essential oil is known to quickly cure a nagging cough and the feeling of discomfort in the throat.
Like other essential oils, Eucalyptus essential oil is highly potent. You must use it in a small amount at the beginning to know your tolerance towards it.
Honey and lemon potent antibacterial properties that make it highly effective in treating infections. Further, its therapeutic nature helps in resolving phlegm trouble. It also soothes your irritated throat and promotes the regeneration of the damaged lining of it due to persistent coughing.
Use raw and unprocessed honey for better results.
Saltwater is antimicrobial and helps kill the germs and microbes present in your mouth. Further, it also helps in soothing the sore throat. Gargling helps in loosening the phlegm that comes out easily when you spit out the water.
You must not gulp down the saltwater after a swishing body and as it may contain phlegm.
[Read: Salt Water For Sore Throat ]
Coughing is your body’s natural mechanism to keep the respiratory tract clear. Hence, if you end up coughing up white phlegm, then do not feel embarrassed. If the mucus in your throat hasn’t hardened much and is loose, then you can get rid of it quickly by coughing.
Do not cough too forcefully as it may damage your throat.
[Read: Get Rid Of Sore Throat ]
Here are the foods that can reduce mucus production and have anti-inflammatory properties that keep your respiratory tract clear.
Some foods are known to cause allergies and can increase mucus production. Hence you must limit their intake. These include:
The remedies mentioned above are highly effective in loosening the thick mucus that may result in times these cough and other discomforts. At times one may experience phlegm after eating, which is to protect acid reflux that may make you feel like there is a lump in your throat. However, if you experience frequent phlegm in your throat with other symptoms, you must consult a physician as it may be an underlying issue of some other disease.
In mild cases, phlegm can go away on in its own in 5-10 days. However, not taking care can sometimes make it worse and lead to further infections.
The phlegm may contain some harmful germs or microbes. Hence, it is better to spit out phlegm rather than swallowing it.