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Surely you have experienced it too — during illnesses, colds or other health complications mucus forms in our airways that make breathing difficult. We have several quick methods for you that will help you fast.
What phlegm is and why it forms
Phlegm is a thick substance secreted by the mucous membranes of the bronchi or the paranasal sinuses. Its role is to trap bacteria or impurities and carry them out of the airways.
If the phlegm is thick, its movement is hindered and it consequently gets stuck in the airways, which worsens air flow.
Coughing is one of the mechanisms the body uses to get rid of this phlegm.
Phlegm is produced constantly and when we are healthy we do not even notice it. During the flu, a cold or other illnesses its production increases dramatically.
The cause of the increased production may not only be classic infectious diseases, but for example asthma or pollen allergies.
Patients then feel symptoms similar to infections in the form of elevated temperature, runny nose, frequent coughing and difficulty breathing.
If phlegm is not given enough attention, it can lead to blockage of the airways and secondary respiratory infections.
Home remedies for quickly getting rid of phlegm
In today’s article we will reveal several home remedies that will remove phlegm from the airways and also relieve other accompanying symptoms.
And all of this is achieved in a completely safe and effective way.
ginger compress
Effect: treats blocked sinuses and helps especially with inflammation of the frontal sinuses
A teaspoon of dried ginger and two tablespoons of plain flour together are mixed with water in a bowl until a thick paste forms. Apply this to a folded handkerchief. Place the handkerchief with the ginger paste on the forehead, cover with a cloth diaper and wrap with a woolen scarf. Leave it to act ½ hodiny . You can repeat several times a day until the phlegm starts and the sinuses clear.
Honey and lemon
Honey has strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. In addition, its components soothe irritated mucous membranes of the airways very well, providing almost immediate relief.
On the other hand, lemon is rich in vitamin C and other bioflavonoids that strengthen the immune system and help to clear blocked sinuses.
You will need:
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
procedure
Put the honey and lemon juice into a small bowl. Mix them well together with a spoon. Consume the mixture immediately.
Do this 3 times a day for effective airway relief.
Ginger, honey and pepper
Ginger acts as a natural dissolver of phlegm. It also has strong anti-allergic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
You will need:
- 6 to 7 small pieces of ginger
- 1 tablespoon of honey (has antiseptic properties)
- 1 teaspoon of ground pepper (fights infection)
- 2 glasses (4 dcl) of clean water
procedure:
1. Put the water on the stove. When it reaches boiling point, add the pieces of ginger and the pepper.
2. Reduce the heat, cover the pot with a lid (leave a small opening to prevent boiling over) and let it simmer for 1 minute.
3. Turn off the heat, cover the pot completely with the lid and let it steep for another 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea, let it cool a little and then add the honey.
Drink this tea in small sips throughout the day.
Warning: Ginger is not recommended for 4 groups of people.
We described them in more detail in this article. If you belong to one of these groups, it’s better to skip this recipe.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the active substance found in turmeric, has strong medicinal effects and destroys bacteria that are the main culprits in respiratory illnesses.
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (also has antibacterial properties)
- 1 glass (2 dcl) of lukewarm water (soothes irritated throat)
procedure:
1. Add the turmeric and salt to the glass of water. Mix it all well.
2. Gargle your throat with this mixture 3 to 4 times a day.
3. Since turmeric does not dissolve in water, it is good to drink it right after mixing, otherwise the turmeric will settle at the bottom of the glass.
Gargling with a solution of water containing salt and turmeric is extremely beneficial because the lukewarm water soothes the throat and the antibacterial properties of the salt and turmeric suppress bacterial growth.
Steaming
Steaming is another excellent way to loosen accumulated phlegm from the bronchi and throat. Inhaling steam usually produces immediate results.
Water vapor moving down the airways softens the phlegm and makes it easier for it to come out.
It also helps if you add herbs containing medicinal essential oils to the water.
You will need:
- 4 to 5 glasses of boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary (antiseptic properties)
- 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (reduces phlegm production)
procedure:
1. Boil the water and add the herbs to it.
2. Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a little so the steam is not too hot.
3. Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so that the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
4. Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool down a bit more.
5. Breathe deeply through your nose (you can also breathe through your mouth occasionally) for a few minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day.
Other tips for getting rid of phlegm
In addition to the above recipes we have a few more tips for removing phlegm from the bronchi and paranasal sinuses.
- blow your nose regularly
- do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages
- do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage
- avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes
- do not swallow phlegm, but blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing processes and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract
It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin phlegm and remove airway blockages.
