Phlegm And Mucus Bringing Your Health Down? 5 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of It

8 Home Remedies For Phlegm And Mucus

Dr Sudha Asokan, founder of Dr Sudha's Ayurveda Kendra, said, “Phlegm and mucus build-up develops due to severe pollution, dust in the environment, etc. It can cause discomfort, often associated with colds, coughs, and respiratory conditions. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers natural remedies to alleviate these issues and promote respiratory health.”

1. Tulsi Tea

“Tulsi is known for its respiratory benefits. Boil a few tulsi leaves in water, add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of black pepper, and drink this tea twice daily. Tulsi helps clear mucus and soothes the respiratory tract,” said Dr Asokan.

2. Turmeric Milk

Dr Sudha mentioned, “Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk. It is also known as Golden milk as it acts as an immune booster and helps in strengthening the body. Drink at bedtime to loosen the mucus and ease the breathing.”

3. Steam Inhalation With Eucalyptus Oil

“Inhaling steam infused with a few drops of eucalyptus or camphor oil can clear nasal passages. Cover your head with a towel while inhaling the steam for 10-15 minutes for best results. You can also apply camphor oil on your face and chest region, then take steam,” shared the expert.

4. Honey and Ginger

“Honey is a natural scrapping agent, and ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. Mix one teaspoon of grated ginger juice with an equal amount of honey. Consume this mixture 2-3 times a day to reduce phlegm and soothe the throat,” shared Dr Sudha.

5. Kadha (Herbal Decoction)

“Boil water with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper, and add tulsi leaves. Sweeten it with honey if needed. This remedy strengthens the immune system and clears the respiratory passage,” mentioned Dr Asokan.

6. Warm Salt Water Gargles

Dr Asokan mentioned, “Dissolve half a teaspoon of rock salt in warm water and gargle for relief from throat irritation and to loosen phlegm stuck in the throat.”

7. Dietary Adjustments

“Avoid cold, fried, and dairy products as they increase mucus production. Instead, consume warm soups, herbal teas, and easily digestible foods to balance the mucous and phlegm which is linked to their accumulation,” said the expert.

8. Nasal Drops

Dr Sudha said, “Prepare a mild herbal juice by crushing fresh Dronapushpi (Chota Halkkusha) leaves, strain it, and use 1-2 drops in each nostril. It helps to clear excess mucus and phlegm from the nasal passages. Reduces mucus build-up in the nasal passage.”

“These remedies, combined with staying hydrated and maintaining warm surroundings, can effectively manage phlegm and mucus. If symptoms persist, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner,” concluded Dr Sudha Asokan.

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4 Home Remedies For Cough: A Pediatrician’s Guide

We also received some tips to help get rid of phlegm and mucus in children from Dr Kushal Agrawal, HOD, Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics, KVR Hospital, Kashipur.

He said, “Cough in children, while distressing, is often a part of recovery from common colds or infections. If your child is active, playful, and sleeping well, the cough will gradually subside with proper care.”

1. “Ensure adequate hydration by encouraging lukewarm water and fluids in small sips. This thins secretions, making them easier to expel. Saline nasal drops can also provide relief by reducing nasal congestion and improving sleep in infants and toddlers,” shared Dr Agrawal.
2. He also pointed out, “Avoid Over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups, especially in young children, as they often contain unnecessary or harmful ingredients. Instead, for children over one year, one to two teaspoons of good-quality honey 3-4 times daily may reduce cough severity and duration.”
3. “Keep the home environment free of irritants like cigarette smoke, agarbattis, deodorants, and mosquito repellents. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the child’s room can also help,” said Dr Kushal.
4. He continued, “Avoid harmful practices such as using castor oil, manually extracting mucus, or exposing children to fumes from ‘Sambrani Dhoop.’ Timely immunisations against diseases like whooping cough, measles, and pneumonia are crucial.”

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