Colds as well as upper respiratory infections are often accompanied by phlegm. Although it is not serious health problem, if not treated on time, it can irritate the bronchial tubes and as a result cause another infection.
The presence of phlegm is commonly shown by a repetitive need to clear the throat, runny nose, non-stop coughing, feeling of weakness, difficulties with breathing and sometimes even fever. It tends to accumulate in the chest and throat and is removed by couching.
Bacteria and viruses make up the phlegm. Causes of phlegm include: flu, colds, bronchitis, allergic reactions, excessive smoking or damage of the vocal cords.
The process of dealing with phlegm can be challenging, but as always there are some homemade remedies that can be quite effective.
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Lemon Juice
Lemon is very good in loosening mucus and phlegm. Additionally it has antibacterial properties, as well as high amount of Vitamin C that boosts the immune system.
- Take 2 teaspoons of squeezed lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey and add them in a glass of hot water. Consume this beverage minimum 3 times per day to soothe the sore throat and minimize creation of phlegm.
- The alternative is to cut a lemon into slices, take one and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over it and suck the slice. This will make the phlegm to come out of the throat. You can do this couple times per day.
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Steam
Inhaling stem is possibly the best and easiest way to eliminate phlegm. What it does is turning the phlegm from the nasal passages in liquid form so that elimination is easier.
- Have a steam shower every day for two times. Stay in the bathroom for about 10 minutes while your shower is running on full heat. Moisturize your skin afterwards.
- Second option involves pouring boiling water in a big container, keeping your head above it, while covered with a towel. Stay in this position 5-10 minutes. This way, the mucus in your lungs will be loosened, and you can do this method for a few times daily.
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Salt Water
Salt water gargle is another simple method for getting rid of phlegm. The warm water will sooth the soreness of the throat, while the salt will aid in dealing with bacteria.
Take ¼ of a teaspoon of salt, mix it in a glass of warm water and gargle with this, repeating the procedure several times per day.
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Ginger
Ginger has been use for a long time as treatment for battling respiratory tract infections. The useful properties it has will make the breathing easier.
- You can add one tablespoon of grated ginger in one cup of boiling water. Leave it for a couple minutes, and add 2 tablespoons of honey. Drink this for a few times a day.
- Or you can chew on fresh slices of ginger or add ginger to your food.
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Turmeric
The powerful antiseptic properties turmeric possesses help in reduction of phlegm with the killing of bacteria that are the trigger for mucus production, and with additionally help in boosting the immunity.
- Take a glass of hot milk and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric, drinking this in the morning and at night.
- Consume half a teaspoon of turmeric, helping with a glass of water for 2-3 times per day.
- Take a glass of hot water and add one tablespoon of turmeric and a bit of salt. Gargle with the solution few times during the day.
6. Cayenne Pepper
It helps the organism in releasing accumulated mucus from the nasal airways and the throat. It will also help in pain reduction from the chest.
Mix ¼ of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and fresh ginger (grated), one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and honey and 2 tablespoons of water. Consume this mixture for 2-3 times daily.
If you’d like, you can also use cayenne pepper in your cooking.
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Honey
What makes honey a great remedy is its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It will help in soothing the sore throat and in phlegm removal. Additionally, the antiseptic properties will strengthen the immune system.
- Take one tablespoon of honey and add a bit of black or white pepper powder. The honey will serve in soothing the mucus membranes, whilst the pepper will help in the infection treatment. Take this for 2 times a week.
- Take a glass of water and add a tablespoon of honey. You can consume this drink for several times each day.
- Chicken Soup
If the soup is hot, it will contribute in moisturizing the airways and also help with getting the phlegm thinner. Soothing the sore throat and promoting relaxation are a plus.
If you consume chicken soup for 2-3 times daily, it will clear the phlegm of the throat. Add ginger to multiply the benefits. Keep in mind that homemade soup is better than canned soup.
9. Onion
The properties of the onion are the following: antibiotic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and many more. There help in relaxing your throat and eliminating phlegm. It speeds up the healing process and strengthens the immunity as well. Use onion and sugar to make a tonic to make the phlegm more fluid, for easier removal.
Chop a small onion and toss it with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Leave it for 30 minutes, you’ll see how it turns into liquid. Every 2-3 hours, take 1 tablespoon of this mixture, or whenever needed.
If you made a bit more tonic, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Carrots
Carrots are an exceptional source of vitamin C, which is a very strong antioxidant, helping with the immunity and resistance to infections. They are also rich with numerous nutrients and vitamins that play an important role in reducing cough and phlegm.
Take 4-5 fresh carrots, and make a juice. If needed, add little water to make it more liquid. After that, add 2-3 teaspoons of honey and mix until it is homogenous. Take this juice thorough the whole day to get rid from phlegm on your throat.
Next time when phlegm is bothering you – try these remedies! However, make sure the phlegm is blood-free, yellow or green. If it is not, go and see a doctor.
