Expectorant natural recipes
Although sputum is the result of a natural process, in some cases it may be the result of an underlying disease. However, some natural applications are effective solutions that will allow the phlegm to be expelled from the body. In this article, Dr. We have included proven natural expectorant recipes and methods written by Gökhan Güler.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often used as a natural decongestant. This is because of its potassium content, which is known to help with a runny nose. Apple cider vinegar also has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help fight infections that cause excessive sputum production. Make sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar with some water.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most used herbal oils to relieve congestion. One of the main components of peppermint oil is menthol, which is a natural expectorant and has antispasmodic properties. Vapors from peppermint oil can go as far as your lungs. This can help break up phlegm and relax your lung muscles. Peppermint oil is also antibacterial and can help fight infections that cause excess phlegm in your body. For this, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel or blanket and inhale the steam deeply. You can do this 1 to 2 times a day.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil contains eucalyptol, which makes it a powerful decongestant and germ-fighting agent. The decongestant properties of eucalyptus oil help break up phlegm, and its antimicrobial properties can fight infections. For this, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam that will clear the congestion. You can do this 1-2 times a day.
4. Salt Water Gargle
Salt water gargle is a proven remedy to fight upper respiratory infections such as colds and flu. Both conditions can cause sputum formation. Hot water can provide instant relief to your stuffy throat, while the antibacterial properties of salt can fight off infections that cause excessive sputum production. For this, add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of moderately hot water. Mix well and use this solution to gargle. You should do this at least 3 times a day.
5. Ginger
Ginger is rich in various polyphenols and flavonoids that are antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic. These can help fight infections and prevent congestion due to excessive sputum production. Regular intake of ginger will have a relaxing effect on your lung muscles and will help relieve congestion. In addition, ginger is very popular for its use as a natural expectorant and can help relieve symptoms of excessive phlegm or mucus formation.
6. Garlic
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which gives it most of its medicinal properties. Besides being used as a natural expectorant to help reduce phlegm formation, garlic also has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacterial, viral and fungal infections that can cause your respiratory glands to produce more phlegm.
7. Turmeric
The presence of curcumin is an important property that gives turmeric many of its wonderful healing properties. Curcumin is a natural antiseptic. It also shows antimicrobial properties against various fungi, bacteria and viruses. This is why turmeric helps loosen phlegm buildup in your chest and throat, opening up blocked airways.
8. Humidifier
Exposing yourself to cold, dry air can worsen phlegm formation. Therefore, it is recommended to use a humidifier or vaporizer in your room to keep the surrounding air moist. Moist air helps loosen mucus, making it easier to pass through your nasal passages and airways. This helps fight infections such as sore throat and cough, which may be an underlying cause of excess phlegm produced by your body.
9. Honey
Honey is another natural remedy that can help reduce excessive phlegm formation. Studies have proven that honey is effective in the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases such as cough in children, and its decongestant and expectorant properties that can be very effective against sputum and mucus accumulation.
10. Onion
Onions are a rich source of various nutrients, but it is the presence of a compound called quercetin that makes them quite popular. Quercetin has been proven to be beneficial against various diseases. However, it is also extremely effective against allergies and respiratory tract infections. Quercetin is an anti-allergic agent and can help prevent phlegm or mucus buildup in your airways. It is also known for its immune-boosting properties and can therefore also be used to improve your overall health.
11. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is one of the most effective ways to get rid of phlegm. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C has been proven effective in treating infections such as flu and colds. Both of these are usually accompanied by excessive sputum production. Apart from that, lemon is bactericidal and can help fight bacterial infections that cause your body to produce excessive amounts of phlegm.
12. Herbal Teas
Ingestion of any hot liquid helps to get rid of excess phlegm and when the hot liquid is an herbal concoction the results are phenomenal. Green tea , chamomile tea , thyme and peppermint tea provide instant relief from phlegm in your throat and chest. Hot water can soothe your inflamed glands, while herbs fight microbial infections, which can be a major cause of sputum buildup. Thus, it can reduce the secretion of unwanted mucus or phlegm.
13. Pineapple
Pineapple is packed with vitamins A and C. As we know, vitamin C can relieve the symptoms of cold and cough, which in turn helps to relieve congestion caused by excessive phlegm production. Additionally, pineapple is also a rich source of an enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce inflammation that causes your glands to produce unwanted mucus.
14. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a popular practice known to improve oral health. Rinsing the oil in the mouth brings out all the toxins, germs and excess phlegm. This will allow you to get rid of various ailments over time.
15. Orange Juice
Orange juice is packed with vitamin C, which is an effective way to fight infections that cause coughs along with colds and prevent phlegm from accumulating in your body.
16. Soup
Consuming hot soup several times a day is another effective way to reduce mucus and phlegm formation. Soups containing important nutrients such as ginger and garlic are particularly effective in blocking the accumulated phlegm.
These expectorant methods are effective solutions to get rid of phlegm formation. However, you need to take additional precautions to make sure you don't have to face this problem anytime soon.
Important note:
All these methods are in no way therapeutic. If you are allergic to any of the foods listed above, you should definitely not use it. You should definitely consult your doctor for a definitive solution and treatment.