Mucus is also known as phlegm. There is nobody who has not suffered from clogged nose, sticky throat or the heavy sinuses. All this happens due to the formation of mucus in the respiratory passage. It can be very irritating, and has to be cleared with repeated effort. Mucus formation happens when the inner lining of the respiratory tract secretes this sticky substance.
Though one may buy over the counter expectorant, some home remedies still have to be administered. Fortunately, there are many effective home remedies that can be used to get rid of nagging mucus without using medicines.
Best Home Remedies For Mucus
Steam Inhalation
Steam dislodges mucus like nothing else can. It travels through the entire respiratory tract and makes the mucus loose by humidifying. Loose mucus becomes easy to be thrown out. To take steam, it is best to use a mini sauna. Mini sauna unit is like the one your beautician uses for facial steam. Put a sheet or towel over your head as you inhale steam, the steam will be trapped inside to help the mucus become loose. Then it becomes easy to throw it out.
Gargles
Though gargles seem to touch only the throat, they are effective in looking after the mucus of the upper respiratory system. They straightaway start working not only on congestion, but also on healing throat infection.
To do the gargles take a cup of hot water, put ¼ tsp of rock salt or table salt in it and stir. Check that the water should not be as hot that it burns the throat, but a bit less hot. Take a big sip and throw your head backwards, looking up at the ceiling. Now make the deep gargling sound as you swirl the water in your throat. Deeper the water goes, better will be the effect.
After finishing gargling wrap your throat and ears with a cloth. This will keep the heat inside for some more time.
Hot Water Bath
Try this wonderful therapy of taking hot water bath. Fill up your bathroom with steam by running hot water. Make sure that the door is closed so that the steam does not leak out. Now stand under the hot shower, be careful that the temperature is not too hot. Your head should be able to enjoy the heat of the shower.
The heat penetrating whole of your body, especially your head will make the mucus drain out very easily. After you are done with it, stay there for some more time to avoid exposure. Even when you have to go out, go fully covered, no window of the room should allow the entry of wind for another half an hour.
Holy Basil
Holy basil helps in relieving the symptoms of infection and is a good expectorant as well. To get benefit of the healing powers of basil make its infusion and drink. There is one variety of basil which has a blackish tinge on its leaves, this is the best type of basil as far as the medicinal benefits go. To make infusion take four cups of water, put 20 to 30 leaves of basil in it. Let it boil for about five minutes.
Keep it covered with a lid throughout so that the oils do not get evaporated. Take one cup of this hot infusion add some honey and drink it hot. Take a cup of holy basil thrice a day. Use it for a week or so.
Lemon Tea
Lemons are laden with vitamin C, precisely the reason why lemon should be taken. Lemon will fight infections and as we know that the infection is responsible for mucus formation. Take ¼ tsp of lemon juice in a cup of warm water, add a tbsp of honey and drink.
Use Humidifier
Humidifier is extremely convenient to use and extremely beneficial for mucus. While you move about in your room, humidifier does not let your mucus dry up. It will help you get a good sleep. This way it is easy for the mucus to drain out.
Eat Spicy Food
Mucus gets dislodged very easily when we eat spicy food. If you have yet not tried eating it, see for yourself the results.
When we eat spicy food, our nasal glands become very active and the nose automatically starts blowing. This is exactly what does the magic. Along with nasal water out comes the mucus and the whole area around the nose gets cleared in no time.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Water does not allow the mucus to dry up. Very often we do not pay much attention to water intake. When we have mucus, we must drink more water than we would on the other days.
Eat Garlic
Garlic helps to get of many ailments. It is anti-microbial in nature and helps in fighting infections. You can eat its pieces with honey.
The garlic will help in getting rid of the phlegm and the honey will help in healing of throat infection. You need not add any honey of your throat is alright.
Ginger Tea
This tea is a useful remedy for mucus. You may drink this tea three to four times a day. Honey should be added to the tea to get good results for mucus. Ginger tea is the most popular tea for phlegm, but you may drink any other tea as well. It is a good idea to put a few drops on lime juice. Lime juice will give a tangy taste to the tea and provide much needed vitamin C.
When you make this tea, stand close by and inhale the rising ginger vapors. When you pour this tea and while drinking also make a conscious effort to inhale vapors.
Use Onion
Onion has a strong smell that spreads all around and loosens the mucus. Put pieces of raw onion in some honey and eat. Honey will coat your throat and onion will help in expelling the mucus.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
