Cold is one of the common infections for human beings in the world. When this cold is high the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages produces a thick viscous substance that hangs around in the back of your throat is called phlegm.
Phlegm itself is not dangerous, but it can clog the airways when present in large amounts. If you are wondering on how to get rid of phlegm and how to get rid of mucus in chest then there are numerous other foods and natural remedies that can work as perfect as medicines! Surprised? Well, then follow these natural remedies on how to get rid of phlegm.
What causes phlegm?
They are many external and internal factors that cause phlegm. Some of a few are listed below.
- Common cold or flu
- Bacteria, viruses, and allergens
- Dust and mould
- Due to heat or air conditioning
- Wood smoke and industrial exhaust
- Asthma
- Cigarette smoke
- Cystic fibrosis
- Consuming more cold drinks
- Taking certain medications
What are the symptoms of phlegm?
Here are some of the noticeable symptoms of phlegm.
- Frequent throat clearing
- A chesty cough early in the morning
- Chest congestion
- Shortness of breath
- A sore throat
- An excess cough with greenish or yellowish mucus
- Sometimes blood with the mucus
- running at the nose and sneezing
What is phlegm made of?
Phlegm is made of excessive mucus produced by the mucous membranes of the respiratory passage. It hangs around the back of the throat. It is made of a thick viscous liquid that has the yellowish or greenish colour i.e., yellow phlegm and green phlegm. There are also brown phlegm and white phlegm. Bacterial infections like pneumonia and bronchitis phlegm can cause brown phlegm. white phlegm could be the result of viral infection.
What does green phlegm mean?
The green phlegm indicates robust and a widespread immune response. The green phlegm is always a point to a bacterial infection. The germs, white blood cells, proteins, and other cells produced during the immune response gives the green colour of the phlegm. It is a sign that your body’s immune system is at work.
Five impressive natural remedies on how to get rid of phlegm:
There are many natural remedies and home remedies on how to get rid of phlegm. some of them are listed below. Do follow these natural remedies for best results on how to get rid of phlegm.
1. How to get rid of phlegm with the help of foods?
Honey and lemon:
How to use:
- Take 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl and stir well
- Consume this mixture immediately
- Do this 3times a day for good results on how to get rid of phlegm
[Read: Get Rid of Phlegm in Throat]
Benefits of honey and lemon on how to get rid of phlegm?
Honey is rich in antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. These properties of honey soothe the irritated respiratory tract. We all know that lemon is highly rich in vitamin C. This boosts immunity and clears the airways. The combination of lemon and honey is more powerful, natural cold and cold treatment. If you are thinking on how to get rid of phlegm and how to get rid of mucus in chest through foods then this will be the best answer for it.
Onion:
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Image: Shutter stock
How to use?
- Take an onion and cut into tiny slices and have 1 teaspoon of honey
- Now crush the 1 tablespoon of the cut onions and mix it with the honey
- Consume this mixture immediately
- Do this for at least 2-3 times daily for fabulous results on how to get rid of mucus in chest
Benefits of onion on how to get rid of mucus in chest:
Onions are a rich source of various anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. They are the source of various nutrients. The presence of a compound called quercetin in onion makes it them quite impressive. Quercetin has proved to be beneficial against various diseases. Its action against respiratory infections and mucus in the chest highlights its usefulness.
Quercetin contains an anti-allergic agent that can help prevent the accumulation of phlegm and mucus in your chest and respiratory tracts. It is well known for its immunity boosting properties also. It helps to relieve blood in phlegm.
Garlic:
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Image: ShutterStock
How to use?
- Take 4-5 cloves of garlic and a cup of lukewarm water
- Crush a few cloves of garlic and add it in the lukewarm water
- Consume this mixture every morning
- You can also chew the garlic cloves or add them to your daily cooking also
- Consume this 2-3 times daily on how to get rid of mucus in chest
Benefits of garlic on how to get rid of phlegm and how to get rid of mucus in chest:
Garlic contains compounds with powerful potent medicinal properties that pose anti-microbial properties. It contains a compound called allicin that gives it most of its medicinal properties. It can combat the common including the phlegm and the mucus in the chest. It is used as a natural expectorant to help break down the mucus in the chest and the phlegm build-up. It can help fight viral and bacterial infections which cause respiratory glands to produce more mucus and phlegm.
Pineapple:
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Image: Shutterstock
How to use?
- Take 1/4 pineapple and cut into slices and one cup of warm water
- Now blend the one-fourth of pineapple with the cup of warm water
- Consume this drink immediately
- You can also chew the pineapple slices in your mouth
- Do this regularly until you get relive from mucus and phlegm
Benefits of pineapple on how to get rid of phlegm:
We know that pineapples are packed with vitamins such as C and A. Vitamin C can relieve symptoms of a cough and cold that clears congestion caused by excessive production of mucus and phlegm. they are rich in source of an enzyme called bromelain which possesses anti-inflammatory properties. This powerful property can help reduce inflammation that causes glands to produce unwanted phlegm and mucus that eventually reduces coughing up phlegm and persistent cough with phlegm.
Precautions:
Make sure that you peel the skin of fruit and vegetable before consuming. Always use fresh fruits and vegetables.
Foods to eat:
These foods can give best results on how to get rid of phlegm and establish good anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties on mucus and phlegm.
- Soups
- Green leafy vegetables fresh fruits
- Honey
- Spinach, kale, and collards
- Oranges, lemon, and other citrus fruits
- Warm water and warm drinks
- Garlic, ginger, spices and other herbs
- Wholegrain rice, bread, and other whole grains
- Soybeans, beans, and lentils
Foods to avoid:
These foods tend to aggravate the condition.
- Eggs
- Sweetened beverages (soda)
- Alcohol
- Fish and shellfish
- Meat and poultry
- White bread, white rice, and pastries
- Caffeine
- High-salt foods
- Cakes
- Dairy and chocolates
2. How to get rid of phlegm with herbs?
· Ginger:
How to use:
- Take a whole fresh ginger and cut it into 6-7 pieces
- Have a 1 tablespoon of black peppercorn and 1 teaspoon of honey
- Heat the water until it begins to simmer
- Add the ginger pieces and peppercorn and close the water with a plate
- Leave it to heat for 5-10 minutes
- Now strain and add the honey
- You can also simply chew the ginger pieces daily
- Consume this mixture daily for effective change on phlegm
Benefits of ginger on how to get rid of phlegm:
The ginger is a potent natural antihistamine and decongestant agent that has strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. These properties boost immunity and treat phlegm, cough and many illnesses. Ginger soothes congestion by drying out excessive mucus of phlegm.
Turmeric:
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Image: ShutterStock
How to use?
- Have a 1 tablespoon of turmeric and ½ a tablespoon of salt
- Add the ingredients to a glass of lukewarm water
- Stir it and consume the drink 2-3 times daily for chronic phlegm in throat and sore throat phlegm
Benefits of turmeric on how to get rid of phlegm:
Turmeric has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants. Curcumin in turmeric is responsible for most of its medicinal properties. It fights bacteria and viral infections when combined with salt. It soothes the infections and treats coughing up phlegm and yellow phlegm also.
Cayenne pepper:
How to use?
- Have a ½ tablespoon of cayenne pepper powder, 2 teaspoons of water and 1 teaspoon of honey
- Now add the cayenne pepper powder with water and stir well
- Add honey to this mixture
- Consume this mixture on a daily basis
- Do this at least twice a day for wondrous benefits on how to get rid of mucus in chest
Benefits of cayenne pepper on how to get rid of mucus in chest:
Cayenne pepper is quite popular for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to combat inflammation and infections. Consuming cayenne pepper is one of the easiest ways to get rid of the unwanted mucus and phlegm by indulging in hot fluids and spicy foods. It provides immediate relief from the congestion caused by mucus in the chest and phlegm build-up.
3. How to get rid of phlegm with the use of essential oils?
They are many essential oils for cough and phlegm. some of them which give effective results are listed below.
Rosemary essential oil:
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Image: Shutterstock
How to use?
- Add a couple of drops of rosemary essential oil in a bowl
- Add 1-2 drops of carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil
- Apply and massage the essential oil with a carrier oil on the chest and the back
- You can add a few drops in the hot water and inhale the vapor by covering your head with the help of a blanket
- Do this daily to get the best results on how to get rid of phlegm
Benefits of rosemary oil on how to get rid of phlegm:
Rosemary is well known for their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They are rich in vitamins which boosts the immune system. They are the great potent powerhouse for treating coughing up bloody phlegm naturally. They can effectively work on how to get rid of mucus in chest and phlegm.
Eucalyptus oil:
How to use:
- Add a couple of drops of Eucalyptus essential oil in a hot water tub
- Cover yourself and the hot tub with the help of a blanket
- Inhale the steam and allow it to go through the nostrils and mouth
- You can also add 1-2 drops of carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil with eucalyptus oil
- Apply and massage the mixture on the chest and the back
- Do this daily to get the best results on how to get rid of phlegm
Benefits of eucalyptus essential oil on how to get rid of phlegm:
Eucalyptus oil has a wide variety of benefits on mucus and phlegm. It has antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant properties which will act effectively on the persistent cough with phlegm and phlegm in lungs.
Peppermint oil:
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Image: ShutterStock
How to use:
- Add 6-8 drops of peppermint essential oil in a bowl of streaming how water
- Bend over the bowl and cover yourself and the bowl with blanket or towel
- Now inhale the steam with peppermint oil deeply
- Do this twice a day to get relieved fast on how to get rid of phlegm
Benefits of peppermint oil for phlegm and mucus:
The main components of peppermint oil are menthol that is rich in natural expectorant and antispasmodic properties. It is one of the widely used essential oil to clear congestion in chest. The steam from the peppermint oil can go right up to your lungs and helps in breaking down the mucus and phlegm build-up and relaxes your lung muscles. This eventually breaks the phlegm in lungs andrelievesfrom coughing up a lot of phlegm.
Precautions:
Always make sure that before you apply the essential oils on the chest and back of your body you add carrier oil like coconut or olive oil with them. Because direct contact of essential with skin can cause irritation or inflammation.
4. How to get rid of phlegm with the help of home remedies?
Saltwater:
How to use:
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the lukewarm water
- Stir it until the salt dissolves
- Gargle the mixture that contains salt
- Allow it to sit in the back of the throat
- Do it several times a day for best results on how to get rid of phlegm
Saltwater on how to get rid of phlegm:
Saltwater gargling is a proven home remedy to combat cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections that can lead to form mucus in the chest and phlegm build-up. While the lukewarm water can provide immediate relief to the congested throat, the antibacterial and antiviral properties of salt can combat the infections that have resulted in the excessive production of mucus and phlegm. Thus, it cures green phlegm sore throat.
Steaming:
How to use?
- Add half a teaspoon of thyme and half a teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Boil 4-5 cups of water
- In a bowl of hot water add the thyme and dried rosemary
- Now inhale the vapours of hot water that contains the herbs
- Place the towel over the head to make the steam go directly to the face
- Do this thrice a day for good results on how to get rid of phlegm
Benefits of steaming on how to get rid of phlegm:
Steaming incredibly loosens mucus and phlegm in the throat and thus clear the airways. It instantly provides relief and soothes the congestion. The vapor containing the thyme and dried rosemary contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidants in it. This will encounter the germs that cause cold and helps on how to get rid of mucus in chest and phlegm.
5. How to get rid of phlegm with apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar:
How to use?
- Add a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of lukewarm water
- Stir it well and consume the mixture
- Consume this drink daily to remove phlegm
Benefits of apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar contains incredibly healthy natural miracles. It regulates the pH balance in the body and prevents excessive production of phlegm and mucus. It is the powerhouse of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. It can act effectively over coughing up with white phlegm.
Conclusion:
The natural methods and home remedies for how to get rid of phlegm and how to get rid of mucus in chest are discussed and are wondrously beneficial and leave no side effects on the lungs, chest, and other parts of the body. It is not a big deal to remove phlegm and mucus from the lungs and chest if you follow these natural remedies regularly.
Follow these natural methods and home remedies genuinely. While doing these remedies make sure you keep all precautions in mind to get effective results. However, if inflammation and allergies persist and become more painful over the time, make sure to consult with a physician.
