Home Remedies to Ease Phlegm and Mucus
Instead of running to the drugstore for meds right away, try these natural tricks first. They’re safe, easy to do, and you can do them right at home.
- Drink Up
Drinking plenty of fluids during the day thins out the mucus, making it easier to cough up. Water, herbal teas, warm broths, and soups are great choices. - Salt Water Gargle
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it a few times a day. This helps cut down on mucus in the throat and soothes irritation. Here’s how:
- Mix 1 cup of water with 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Use warm water to dissolve the salt faster. You can also use filtered or bottled water without that harsh chlorine.
- Take a small sip of the mix and tilt your head back a bit.
- Let the mix go into your throat but don’t swallow it.
- Gently blow air out of your lungs and gargle for 30 to 60 seconds, then spit out the water.
- Do it again if you need to.