Makes your throat instantly relieved
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| garlic illustration (reference.com) |
Phlegm is something that feels thick and sticky at the back of the throat. Actually, the mucous membranes produce phlegm all the time to protect the respiratory system. However, during illness, phlegm becomes thick and irritating.
Mucus is sticky and traps dust, allergens and viruses. When you’re sick, phlegm is particularly thick because it traps foreign substances. Sometimes, the presence of phlegm makes us feel uncomfortable so we feel the need to expel it.
Well, to thin and expel phlegm, you can utilize natural ingredients that you can find around you. What are they?
1. Warm water
Keeping the body hydrated can help thin phlegm, making it easier to expel when coughing. According to studies, warm drinks are beneficial for sneezing, annoying coughs, sore throats and chills (Rhinology, 2008).
Try to drink more warm water when coughing or when you feel throat discomfort. Other good liquid options are warm broth, warm lime juice, or warm tea without sugar.
2. Honey
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| honey illustration (pixabay.com/stevepb) |
Honey is a popular home remedy for a variety of health issues. Plus, research shows that honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
A study tested the effects of buckwheat honey on upper respiratory tract infections in children. In the study, parents reported that honey provided the best benefit for symptom management, compared to standard treatment or no treatment (Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 2007).
To treat a cough, you can consume a tablespoon of honey every 3 to 4 hours until the symptoms subside. However, remember that honey should not be given to infants under 12 months of age.
3. Warm salt water
Gargling with warm salt water can thin phlegm in the throat and relieve coughing, according to Medical News Today. Make a salt water solution by adding one teaspoon of salt to one glass of warm water.
Use this mixture to gargle and leave it in the back of the throat for a few moments. Do this several times a day as needed.
4. Thyme
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| thyme illustration (pixabay.com/Hans) |
Thyme has antimicrobial properties and can help thin phlegm. In fact, quoting from the Byrdie page, thyme has long been used to treat coughs and upper respiratory tract infections.
To get these benefits, you can make tea from thyme leaves. Also add fresh lemon and honey for flavor. Drink several times a day until the symptoms subside.
5. Eucalyptus oil
Using eucalyptus essential oil can help thin phlegm and expel it. According to Healthline, eucalyptus can help thin mucus, so it can be expelled more easily. If you have a nagging cough, eucalyptus essential oil can help relieve it.
To get this benefit, you can buy eucalyptus essential oil which is widely available in the market. Use it by inhaling the vapor through a diffuser or using a balm containing this ingredient. However, talk to your doctor first if you want to use it on children.
6. Garlic
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| garlic illustration (reference.com) |
Garlic is one of the best cough suppressant ingredients. This is because the main route of excretion of garlic essential oil is through the lungs, cites Byrdie.
To reap these benefits, you can add raw garlic to salad dressings, other food items, or blend it into smoothies. A smoothie consisting of leafy greens, ginger, and garlic is a potent combo to strengthen immunity and tackle annoying phlegm.
7. Ginger
Ginger has strong therapeutic properties, which is why it is often used to treat coughs, colds, and congestion.
Ginger helps relieve coughs and soothes the airways, while expelling stubborn mucus. Research shows that certain purified compounds in ginger root can relax the muscles in the airways (American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, 2013).
You can consume ginger raw or together with honey for a stronger effect. To do this, infuse one teaspoon of grated ginger and two tablespoons of honey with one glass of warm water. Drink twice per day for several days.
Basically, phlegm is generally not a problem to worry about. By using the natural ingredients above, phlegm will be easier to expel and you will feel comfortable again. If the condition does not improve, see a doctor!
