It's very annoying to have phlegm in your throat, but there are several homemade solutions that can solve the problem quickly! Try gargling with salt or inhaling steam to soften the mucus. Also, drink hot liquids and lemon tea to ease the discomfort, and eat soup or spicy foods. Finally, prevent future phlegm buildup with some preventative measures.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using homemade solutions
Step 1. Gargle with warm salt water to clear mucus and soothe the throat
Mix ½ teaspoon (2.5 mg) of salt in 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water. Take a sip from the cup, but don't swallow the water. Tilt your head back and gargle for a few seconds. Then spit the water into the sink and rinse your mouth.
Repeat every two to three hours throughout the day if necessary
Step 2. Use a humidifier to moisten the air and airway
Fill the reservoir to the limit with filtered water, turn on the appliance and let it run while you recover. The steam moistens the airways and thins the mucus, which relieves phlegm in the throat.
If you like, add eucalyptus essential oil, an active ingredient in various ointments to decongest the breast. Use an eyedropper and add two or three drops to the water in the reservoir
Step 3. Take a hot shower and take the opportunity to inhale the steam for temporary relief
Since steam can soften and thin the phlegm in the throat, a hot bath helps a lot. Just don't exaggerate the temperature so as not to burn your skin. Afterwards, just relax, take a deep breath and enjoy the bath.
You can also use eucalyptus essential oil in the bath. Use an eyedropper to add a few drops to the shower floor or bathtub before stepping into the shower
Step 4. Inhale steam into a basin of hot water to thin the secretion
Fill a large container such as a bowl with boiling water. Then lean over the steam and cover your head with a towel. Inhale for as long as is comfortable. Then drink a glass of water to cool down and stay hydrated.
- This method can be repeated once or twice a day to give relief.
- For added benefits, add two or three drops of an essential oil to the water, such as eucalyptus, rosemary, or spearmint to help soften mucus and soothe your throat.
Step 5. Cantarole to release phlegm if your throat doesn't hurt
Sound makes the throat vibrate, which helps clear mucus. Choose your favorite song and hum for a minute or two. Then take a few sips of water to clear your throat.
This technique is best if your throat is not sore. If it's uncomfortable, try something else
Step 6. Wash your sinuses with a neti pot to clear the airway and thin the mucus
Fill a neti pot, also known as a nasal cleanser, with saline or filtered water. Then lean over a sink and turn your head to one side. Place the spout of the neti pot in the nostril that is up and slowly pour the water into the nose. It must enter through the upper nostril and exit through the lower one.
- Do the same with the other nostril. Be careful not to inhale saline or water.
- Do not use tap water in the neti pot. It's rare, but the water can be contaminated with amoebas that can even lead to death.
Method 2 of 3: Relieving Mucus with Drinks and Food
Step 1. hydrate the body drinking at least 12 glasses of water a day, which equates to almost 3 liters.
The liquids help to thin the secretion so that it doesn't accumulate in the throat. To reach the minimum amount needed, you can also drink other liquids such as teas and juices. Also, you can eat more liquid foods such as soups or fruits. Women need about 12 glasses a day and men 15.
Try adding lemon to water or tea as it helps to clear mucus. Add slices or squeeze some juice straight into the glass
Warning:
no need to exaggerate the amount of liquid. If you drink too much water, you may have a condition known as hypervolemia, which is the accumulation of fluid in the blood, as the body already accumulates more water naturally because of the disease. Symptoms include confusion, lethargy, irritability, coma and seizures.
Step 2. Drink warm liquids to clear your throat and clear mucus
Drink warm water, tea, or another hot beverage to loosen the phlegm. The heat softens and thins the secretion, which facilitates its expulsion. This makes the throat clearer.
Warm liquids also help you relax, increasing your sense of well-being
Tip:
Ginger tea is a popular drink to relieve throat irritation, coughing, and mucus. Leave a bag to steep in the hot water for two or three minutes and drink it when the tea is at a comfortable temperature.
Step 3. Drink lemon tea with honey to soothe your throat and fight mucus
You can make a ready-made bag or add 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of lemon juice to 1 cup (240 ml) of water and finish with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey. Drink the tea while it's still warm.
- The acid in lemon juice helps to thin and eliminate phlegm, while honey soothes the throat.
- You can enjoy your tea as often as you like.
Step 4. Have hot soup
The soup heats the mucus, helping to thin it so it can be eliminated more easily. A broth can also play the same role. Furthermore, a chicken soup can also act as an anti-inflammatory.
Chicken soup is the best option, so take it if you can. However, any soup helps to warm the throat and increase fluid intake
Step 5. Eat spicy foods to loosen phlegm
Choose spicy dishes that contain ingredients such as cayenne pepper, chili pepper, wasabi, horseradish or chili. These spices are natural decongestants, so they thin the mucus and make the nose start to run, helping to clear the phlegm.
They can burn your throat, so it's best to let them go if you're already in pain
Method 3 of 3: Preventing phlegm buildup
Step 1. Elevate your head to go to sleep
Mucus flows naturally from the sinuses and may end up in the throat. If you lie down, it can build up and be uncomfortable. To avoid the problem, stack some pillows and sleep with your head elevated, allowing the phlegm to drain.
Use several pillows or sleep sitting in an armchair if the mucus is too thick
Step 2. Stop consuming certain foods that cause reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux can cause mucus to build up in the throat. Do you keep having heartburn or burning in your throat? Keep an eye out for foods that may be responsible for the condition and avoid them.
- Some foods that make reflux worse include garlic, pepper, caffeine, soda and fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, onions, mint, tomatoes and sauces, chocolate, and fried foods.
- Talk to a doctor if you have reflux more than twice a week.
Step 3. Avoid smoking and staying in environments with cigarette smoke
Cigarettes can dry out the vocal cords, which triggers the production of mucus to restore moisture to the area, making the situation worse. The best thing to do is to stop smoking and also ask that no one smoke near you.
Are you smoker? One option is to chew nicotine gum to relieve withdrawal symptoms
Step 4. Avoid dairy products as they can thicken the mucus
Maybe you've heard around that milk and milk products stimulate the production of mucus, but it's a lie. However, they can thicken the phlegm, especially if they are not skimmed. This doesn't always happen, but it's best to avoid dairy products while you're sick.
If you do not want to stop consuming milk and dairy products, go for low-fat and light options, as they are less likely to cause such an effect
Step 5. Avoid exposure to allergens, fumes and aggressive chemicals
Vapors from paint, cleaning products, and other chemicals can irritate the airways and damage the lungs, which triggers the body to produce mucus. Decrease contact with such irritating agents. If unavoidable, wear a mask and move to fresh air as soon as possible.
Tips
- It's okay to swallow phlegm, but if you prefer, you can spit it out too.
- Suck on a cough lozenge with menthol to soothe your throat.
Notices
- If you cough blood or have shortness of breath, seek an emergency room or call the SAMU if needed.
- Get medical attention if you are coughing up a yellowish or greenish discharge.
- Do not use apple cider vinegar in mouthwash as it is not good for treating the infection and can still leave your throat burning.