Phlegm is the body’s natural way of combating a respiratory infection. It’s the mucus the lungs produce to help expel irritants, which come from an infection. It typically accompanies the flu and common cold.
In other words, when you’re suffering from an infection such as the flu, common cold or bronchitis, your body produces more phlegm to capture the inflammatory cells, virus, or bacteria that are triggering the damage.
The most common phlegm build up symptoms include weakness, feeling slightly feverish, constant need to clear your throat, persistent coughing, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
You should be able to cough phlegm out. But, some phlegm build up may seem persistent.Therefore, you should remove the phlegm from your body before it builds up too much
4 Simple Methods to Remove Phlegm Naturally
1. Honey
Honey can provide relief to your throat. It contains dextromethorphan, which is a substance used in most cough medicines to treat respiratory tract infections.
You can get rid of your phlegm by adding a pinch of black pepper to 1 tbsp. of honey. The honey can soothe your mucus membranes and the black pepper can aid in treating the infection.
Or add 1 tbsp. of honey to 1 glass of water and consume it a few times daily.
2. Salt Water
Salt water is a great antibacterial agent, helps fight inflammation, and helps relax your throat. You should gargle 1/4 tsp. of salt in a glass of warm water for maximum benefits. Rinse and repeat the same procedure a few times on a daily basis.
3. Steam
Inhaling steam is among the most effective methods to help get rid of phlegm. It can make the phlegm a bit more liquid and easier to remove.
You can take a hot shower for 10 minutes. You should keep the bathroom closed in order to keep all the steam in. Also, it is quite relaxing.
Or boil some water and then place it in a basin. Next, use a towel to cover your head and inhale the steam for 10 minutes. Repeat it 2-3 times daily.
4. Lemon
Lemon is packed with vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as a powerful immunity booster since it enables the immune system cells to fight infections. Also, this fruit has potent antibacterial properties
There’re 2 ways to use lemon to help break up your phlegm. Grab one slice of lemon and sprinkle pepper and salt on it. Next, suck the lemon juice out. This can help bring your phlegm out effectively. Repeat the same procedure 2 times daily.
Or add 1 tbsp. of honey and 2 tsp. of lime juice to 1 glass of warm water and consume it 3 times daily.
Caution: In case your phlegm is still persistent after a few weeks or in case it is acquiring a hue of yellow or green, or blood, you must visit a doctor since you may be experiencing a more serious infection, such as bronchitis.