Mucus or phlegm is the sticky thing which hangs out at the back of your throat when you are sick. However, you should know that it is present in your body all the time. It is sticky because it traps viruses, allergens, and dust. Phlegm is the healthy part of the respiratory system. However, if it is making you uneasy, you have to find out ways to remove it from the body. Here are some natural remedies to remove them.

  1. Keep Air Moist

Dry air tends to irritate our throat and nose which leads to the formation of more mucus like a lubricant. If you keep the air moisturized, it will keep the mucus thin. You might already be aware of the fact that steam can clear congestion and mucus. However, steam might lead to burns. Hence, it is better to use one cool mist humidifier and run all throughout the day. All you need to do is ensure that you change water regularly and clean it as per the instructions on the package.

  1. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drink loads of fluid and stay hydrated. It is better to have the warm ones as it helps with the mucus flow. Water will help in loosening your congestion since it helps the mucus to move. Try drinking anything from chicken soup to clear broths. Some other liquid options are warm fruit juice, decaffeinated tea, and lemon water.

  1. Gargle with Salt Water

Salt can help with phlegm movement and also its removal. Nonetheless, it largely depends on the amount you are using. This is because using salt in excessive amount might dry out the back of your throat. This, in turn, can aggravate your cough. Hence, use salt in a modest amount. Add 2-3 teaspoons of salt to 200ml of water. Stir it to dissolve the salt. In case you find it difficult to gargle because of the taste, put salt in a small amount and as you progress to add more. Make sure that you repeat the process several times a day.

  1. Use Eucalyptus Oil

To get mucus out of your throat and chest, you can use eucalyptus oil. It helps in loosening the mucus. Hence, you will be able to cough out easily. Either use a diffuse or inhale the vapor. You can also use a balm which contains eucalyptus oil.

  1. Refrain from Smoking

If you are a smoker, you might feel that one or two cigarettes are going to do no wrong. However, you could not be more wrong. Cigarettes have irritants that can worsen a cough and prolong the presence of mucus. Thus, smokers are advised not to smoke during this period or at least cut down on the number of cigarettes they have. As a matter of fact, you need to avoid the toxic product; it can be domestic cleaning products or paint fumes. However, get in touch with your doctor if you notice that the mucus has increased or if there are some other symptoms.

        6. Other Alternatives

Aside from these home remedies, OTC or Over-The-Counter medications and prescriptions are also available for throat clearing. Your primary health care provider may recommend:

  • Your doctor may give you an expectorant to loosen the mucus on your throat. An expectorant can be purchase without a prescription; safe and effective to use. Follow the package instructions for dosage and intake or as directed by your doctor.
  • Prescription medicines like mucolytic is another option to thin the mucus on your throat through a nebulizer. These products are available in different strengths suitable for children and adults.

Do note that prescriptions and medicines may cause side effects; hence, it is important to see your doctor first to assess your condition. Seeing a doctor not only helps ease the condition but also a way of treating the root cause of mucus over production which can be caused by an infection or allergens.

Something to Remember

Remember that excess mucus does not necessarily mean you are sick. Mostly, accumulated mucus is noticed in the morning because it has accumulated overnight. It is normal for your body to produce music all the time. However, if it is something that bothers you or make you feel uncomfortable, you can always set an appointment with your doctor to check underlying conditions.

How can I get rid of mucus in my throat fast?

Your doctor may also suggest some self-care steps you can take to help reduce mucus, such as:
  1. Gargle with warm salt water.
  2. Humidify the air.
  3. Stay hydrated.
  4. Elevate your head.
  5. Avoid decongestants.
  6. Avoid irritants, fragrances, chemicals, and pollution.
  7. If you smoke, try to stop.

Why do I feel like I have mucus stuck in my throat?

When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, the medical name for this is postnasal drip. Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux. A person may also notice additional symptoms, such as: a sore throat.

What will dry up mucus in throat?

“Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed. “I recommend taking this in the morning only.

What naturally kills mucus?

Home remedies for mucus in the chest
  • Warm fluids. Hot beverages can provide immediate and sustained relief from a mucus buildup in the chest.
  • Steam. Keeping the air moist can loosen mucus and reduce congestion and coughing.
  • Saltwater.
  • Honey.
  • Foods and herbs.
  • Essential oils.
  • Elevate the head.
  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

What can I drink to cleanse my lungs?

Here are a few detox drinks that can help improve your lungs and overall health during the winter season:
  1. Honey and hot water. This powerful drink can help detoxify the body and fight off the effects of pollutants.
  2. Green tea.
  3. Cinnamon water.
  4. Ginger and turmeric drink.
  5. Mulethi tea.
  6. Apple, beetroot, carrot smoothie.

Is coffee good for lungs?

Coffee was associated with a reduction in respiratory mortality, and one study found improved lung function in coffee consumers. Smoking was a significant confounder in most studies. Conclusions: Coffee consumption was associated with some positive effects on the respiratory system.

Can Apple cider vinegar help respiratory problems?

Benefits of apple cider vinegar for colds

Unfiltered apple cider vinegar often contains the “mother,” a mix of yeast and bacteria that work as probiotics. In 2018, researchers found that probiotics have an immune-boosting quality that effectively fights influenza-like respiratory infections and the common cold ( 1 ).

Does lemon juice break up mucus?

Lemon. Similar to salt water and honey, lemons are great for sore throats because they can help break up mucus and provide pain relief. What’s more, lemons are packed with Vitamin C which can help to boost the immune system and give it more power to fight off your infection.

Who should not drink apple cider vinegar?

Indeed, apple cider vinegar is known to prevent diabetes, but when you are already on diabetes drugs or on insulin, avoid having apple cider vinegar. These medications decrease your blood sugar level and when combined with ACV, your blood sugar might get too low.

Does apple cider vinegar clean arteries?

The high-density cholesterol in your body, or good cholesterol, removes bad cholesterol from your arteries and helps fight heart attacks and strokes. By consuming the vinegar, you’re increasing bile production and helping support your liver, which are both very important for processing and creating good cholesterol.

Can Apple cider vinegar hurt your kidneys?

Apple Cider vinegar should not cause any damage to the kidneys.

What are the side effects of drinking apple cider vinegar?

7 side effects of apple cider vinegar
  • Delayed stomach emptying.
  • Digestive side effects.
  • Low potassium levels and bone loss.
  • Erosion of tooth enamel.
  • Throat burns.
  • Skin burns.
  • Drug interactions.

Does apple cider vinegar burn belly fat?

According to this study, adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your diet can help you lose weight. It can also reduce your body fat percentage, make you lose belly fat and decrease your blood triglycerides. This is one of a few human studies that have investigated vinegar’s effects on weight loss.

Is apple cider vinegar a laxative?

Using apple cider vinegar to treat constipation

People who promote ACV as a treatment for constipation often claim that it: acts as a natural laxative. contains pectin, a water-soluble fiber that can help improve your overall digestion.

Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning or at night?

Ingesting undiluted vinegar of any kind can damage your throat and esophagus. Consume it earlier in the day. Drinking apple cider vinegar at least 30 minutes before bed may lower your risk of indigestion or acid reflux after laying down.