9 home remedies for mucus
What exactly is mucus? Mucus is made from glands in your nasal cavities and sinuses. It helps to protect surfaces such as your sensitive tissues in the throats and airways. It also helps to trap bacteria, dust and infections from entering the body by making sure that they adhere to its sticky substance. However, mucus can also be a detriment to the body in that too much can cause congestion and a need to cough it up especially when you are sick or have a cold. There a variety of medications you can take to help eliminate it but before you head in that direction consider these 9 home remedies for mucus.
Garlic
Garlic contains antiviral and antibiotic properties that help to eliminate excess mucus and its buildup in the lungs and nasal passages. It thins the mucus so that when coughing a majority of it comes up. For best results, chop up 1 garlic clove and add to pot of boiling water. Drain excess then drink at room temperature. Do this daily till mucus has lessened.
Honey
Honey helps to thin mucus in the throat and nasal passages. Its smooth substance collects mucus upon contact. For best results, eat 1 tablespoon of honey or drink honey tea daily till excess mucus has reduced.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint also helps to thin excess mucus while making it easier to breathe and cough. It also helps to reduce mucus production so that it returns to normal. For best results, drink 1 cup of peppermint tea daily till mucus levels is back to normal.
Salt Water
Salt Water helps to loosen excess mucus in the throat and nasal passages while fighting bacteria and lowering phlegm production. For best results, add 1 tablespoon of salt to a glass of water and gargle. Do this daily till mucus quantity is less.
Ginger
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties which help to fight off infections and bacteria. It also helps to loosen phlegm in the nasal passages so that you can breathe regularly. For best results, chop 1 ginger up and add to boiling water. Drain excess then drink when it is at room temperature. Do this daily till mucus has reduced.
Black or Cayenne Pepper
Both black and cayenne pepper help to loosen and remove excess mucus in the lungs, throat and nose. They both help to clear the nasal passages by warming it so that mucus is easier to cough up. For best results, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or black pepper to water and drink daily until mucus has lessened.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains antibacterial and antiviral properties that help to fight against infections and bacteria in the body. It also contains citric acid which helps to reduce mucus so that you are able to swallow and breathe easier. For best results, take 1 tablespoon of lemon juice daily or cut up 1 lemon and squeeze into glass of water.
Water
By simply drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water daily helps to clean and eliminate toxins in the body. It also moistens the throat and nasal passages which make it easier to thin mucus.
Sleep
Sleeping 8 hours a day can help to fight off illnesses and irritations. It also slows down the production of mucus in the body so that it can go back to normal.
