How to Loosen Mucus Naturally: Find Safe Ways to Clear Thick Mucus from Your System

Mucus

If you have excessive, thick mucus in your respiratory tract, it is important you get it out. Therefore, you do not want to go with cough suppressants to prevent this. Below you will learn how to loosen mucus naturally so you can clear it out of your system more easily.

Natural Remedies

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Water

Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day. Avoid beverages that dehydrate the body, including alcohol, coffee and sodas. If you drink juice, use all natural juices and dilute it with water.

Milk

Avoid milk and milk products. Milk contains a protein called casein which can increase mucus.

Spices

If you can tolerate it, add some spice to your food such as horseradish or hot chili peppers.

Heat

Apply a heating pad, hot water bottle or mustard poultice to your chest for 20 minutes to help loosen mucus. To make a mustard poultice, mix 3 parts of flour to 1 part dry mustard, add water to form a paste, spread the paste on a piece of cheesecloth, fold the cloth and place over your chest.

Steam

Inhale steam. Shut yourself in a bathroom and turn on the shower using hot water to fill the air with steam. You can also hold your head over a pot of steaming hot water. Cover your head with a towel to trap in the steam. To enhance its effects, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil to the water. If you don’t have these essential oils, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar.

Peppermint Tea

Drink a hot cup of peppermint tea and inhale the steam as you drink it. Not only will this help loosen your mucus and act as an expectorant, it will also enhance your immune system. To prepare a cup of tea, pour 1 cup of hot water over 2 tablespoons of dried peppermint leaves, cover and steep for 10 minutes. To enhance its effects, add some honey or lemon juice.

Essential Oils

Add a few drops of cedar, eucalyptus, myrrh or peppermint oil to 1/4 cup of carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, sweet almond, coconut or grapeseed and massage onto your throat and chest.

Place a few drops of jasmine, pine or thyme oil on a handkerchief and inhale.

Nighttime

Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier in your bedroom at night when you sleep. To help make breathing easier, sleep with your head elevated.

Now that you know how to loosen mucus naturally, be aware that this is not a cure for what is causing the thick mucus_._

References

Health 911: Coughs - https://www.health911.com/coughs

Native Remedies: Throat Mucus - https://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/clear-phlegm-and-throat-mucus.html

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stilles_Mineralwasser.jpg

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