wellbeing
oi-Amritha K
Friday, January 20, 2023 at 7:15 p.m
When you’re sick, you develop a thick, sticky substance known as phlegm in your throat. Although mucus is healthy, it forms a protective lining on some parts of the body. It keeps these areas from drying out and protects them from invading invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
Accumulation of excess mucus in the body caused by infections, allergies, and smoking can lead to mucus build-up.
The sticky mucus can trap dust, allergens, and viruses. When you’re healthy, your mucus is thin and less noticeable, but when you’re sick or exposed to too many particles, the mucus can thicken and become more visible.
How to get rid of mucus: home remedies
Here are 4 proven ways to get rid of mucus:
1. Ginger syrup with cinnamon
The combination of ginger and cinnamon has a drying effect on the respiratory mucosa and is therefore an excellent natural expectorant [1].
ingredients
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teacup peeled ginger root, sliced
- 85g brown sugar
- 100ml of water
directions
- Bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Turn off the heat, add the ginger and cinnamon and stir well.
- Store the syrup in a clean, dry glass container.
- Take a teaspoon of this ginger syrup three times a day.
2. Palm Sugar, Tulsi, Ginger and Pepper
Due to Tulsi’s ability to boost the production of antibodies, it prevents infections from occurring. Palm sugar not only eases the respiratory tract, but in combination with pepper and ginger it relieves phlegm and itchy coughs. It also works wonders in combination with pepper and ginger [2].
ingredients
- palm sugar
- 10-12 tulsi leaves
- pepper powder, to taste
- 1 teacup peeled ginger root, sliced
directions
- Boil water in a pan and add pepper and ginger.
- Add tulsi and palm sugar.
- Bring to a boil.
- Strain hot and drink.
3. Inhalation of eucalyptus vapors
To relieve a stuffy nose, inhaling steam infused with eucalyptus is a great way to treat cough and phlegm. It contains expectorant and antiseptic properties [3].
Inhaling eucalyptus oil can make symptoms worse in some people. If you notice your symptoms getting worse when inhaling, discontinue use immediately.
ingredients
- 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 liter (about 4 cups) of boiling water
directions
- Add the eucalyptus essential oil to the boiling water in a bowl.
- Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam.
- Tilt your head towards the bowl for 10 minutes and take deep breaths.
- Repeat this process two to three times a day.
- Alternatively, you can use fresh eucalyptus leaves soaked in boiling water if you don’t have this essential oil.
4. Peppermint tea
A cup of peppermint tea contains menthol, an essential oil that can relieve symptoms such as cough, phlegm, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, and other cold symptoms [4].
There are also antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties in peppermint tea that help the body fight a cold and recover faster.
ingredients
- 6 leaves chopped mint leaves
- 150 ml (5 oz) boiling water
directions
- In a teacup, combine the mint and boiling water and let it steep for five to 10 minutes.
- Add honey to taste after straining.
- Consume 3 to 4 cups per day.
One last note…
There are several causes of phlegm, including pneumonia, mild infections, tuberculosis, lung cancer, bronchiectasis, and bronchitis. If you experience pain, excessive discomfort, and fever, see a doctor.
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Story first published: Friday, January 20, 2023 at 7:15 p.m [IST]
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