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Many people are troubled by problems related to the sinuses or bronchi. Cough and mucus buildup often accompany these problems. How do you get rid of them? There are several options!
What is mucus and why is it produced?
Mucus is a thick substance secreted by the mucous membranes of the bronchi or the sinuses. Its role is to trap bacteria or impurities and remove them from the airways.
If mucus is thick, its movement is impeded and it becomes stuck in the airways, which worsens airflow. Coughing is one of the mechanisms the body uses to get rid of this mucus.
Mucus is produced continuously, and when we are healthy we don’t even notice it. During the flu, rhinitis or a cold its production increases dramatically.
The cause of increased production may not only be a typical infectious disease, but also conditions such as asthma or pollen allergies.
Patients then experience symptoms similar to infections in the form of elevated temperature, runny nose, frequent coughing and breathing difficulties. If mucus is not given sufficient attention, it can lead to blockage of the airways and secondary respiratory infections.
Home remedies for quickly getting rid of mucus
In today’s article we will reveal several home remedies that will remove mucus from the airways and also relieve other accompanying symptoms. And all of this is achieved in a completely safe and effective way.
1. 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 boost the immune system and help clear clogged sinuses.
You will need:
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Instructions:
Place the honey and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix them well together with a spoon. Consume the mixture immediately. Do this 3 times a day for effective airway relief.
2. Ginger, honey and pepper
Ginger acts as a natural mucus dissolver. It also has strong anti-allergic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
It very effectively clears clogged bronchi and throat of accumulated mucus and suppresses its further production.
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
Instructions:
Put the water on the stove. When it reaches boiling point, add the pieces of ginger and the pepper.
Reduce the heat, cover the pot with a lid (leave a small opening to prevent boiling over) and let it simmer for 1 minute.
Turn off the heat, fully cover the pot with the lid and let it steep for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain the tea, let it cool slightly and then add the honey.
Drink this tea in small sips throughout the day.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is excellent in that despite its acidic taste, it has alkaline effects on the body. By maintaining the body’s proper pH you can prevent excessive mucus production.
Simply take 1 teaspoon of raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, dilute it in a glass of clean water and drink it.
Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day to eliminate mucus. This solution can also be used as a gargle if you are suffering from a sore throat alongside sputum.
4. Turmeric
Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, has strong medicinal effects and kills bacteria that are a major cause of respiratory illnesses.
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (also has antibacterial properties)
- 1 glass (2dcl) of lukewarm water (soothes an irritated throat)
Instructions:
Add the turmeric and salt to the glass of water. Mix it well.
Use this mixture to gargle your throat 3 to 4 times a day.
Since turmeric does not dissolve in water, it is good to drink it immediately after mixing, otherwise the turmeric will settle at the bottom of the glass.
Gargling with the salt and turmeric water solution is extremely beneficial because the lukewarm water soothes the throat and the antibacterial properties of salt and turmeric suppress bacterial growth.
5. Steaming
Steaming is another excellent way to loosen accumulated mucus from the bronchi and throat. Inhaling steam usually provides immediate results.
Water vapor moving down the airways softens the mucus and makes it easier to expel.
This is helped if you add herbs that contain 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 mucus production)
Instructions:
Boil the water and add the herbs.
Let them steep for a few minutes and also wait until the water cools slightly so the steam is not too hot.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool down more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you may also breathe through your mouth occasionally) for several minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day.
Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
In addition to the recipes above, we have a few more tips for getting mucus out of the bronchi and 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 mucus, but blow your nose or spit it out to speed the 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 mucus and remove airway congestion.
