Phlegm: natural remedies to thin it that really work

What are the natural remedies to thin the phlegm?

Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous

Thick, stringy and viscous liquid: phlegm is not exactly the best also because, often accompanied by cough or bronchitis, it causes that feeling of general malaise typical of seasonal flu

Il cold nothing else is that infected mucus which occurs as a result of a respiratory tract infection. It can contain viruses or bacteria and that is why it is very important for our body to be able to expel it. But what are the natural remedies to thin the phlegm?

Phlegm, or sputum, is the secretion product of the glands found in the respiratory mucous membranes. A normal amount of mucus - which is between 20 and 100 / ml per day - is necessary to protect and lubricate the mucous membranes and to allow optimal breathing.

In case of excessive or thick secretion, disturbances such as stuffy nose, cough or ear pain occur: in fact, the increased production of mucus gives life to the phlegm that weighs on the breathing and causes at least itching in the throat.

Index

What is phlegm

It is therefore clear that the so-called "sputum”Is a disorder resulting from one inflammatory state of the throat. In the presence of this inflammation in the final part of the respiratory tree, the glands increase the secretion of mucus and, at the same time, generate a slowing down of the ciliary movements.

At the same time, the mucus changes its chemical formation due to the inflammatory mediators and takes on a increasingly sticky consistency. In this state the mucus properly becomes phlegm and has the particularity of remaining in the throat, precisely because it is more sticky.

Phlegm: natural remedies to thin it that really work

Depending on the nature of the problem, the phlegm can take on different "colors", such as

white and frothy
there is a “simple” bronchial irritation, that is a non-bacterial inflammation of the respiratory tract (not supported by pathogens). It is a typical condition of smokers, asthma sufferers, respiratory allergies and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
yellowish
usually slimy too, yellow phlegm already indicates the presence of bacteria and is caused by a nose or respiratory infection. It is more dense and difficult to expectorate and is characterized by the presence of pus;
green
indicates a prolonged stagnation of purulent mucus in the bronchi and is characterized not only by the typical color, but also by the fetid odor (gangrenous sputum). It occurs in cases of abscesses, pulmonary gangrene or bronchiectasis caused by repeated bacterial infections;
reddish / brown
it indicates the presence of blood in the respiratory tract which may be due to the effort in coughing with consequent micro-lesions of the respiratory mucosa. But be careful, because it could also be the symptom of a much more serious pathology, such as a neoplasm, pulmonary infarction or bacterial pneumonia;
ribes jelly catarrh
Typical of Klebsiella Pneumoniae pneumonia.

Causes of phlegm

It is clear that the causes that lead to the formation of sputum in the throat can be very numerous. The most common are undoubtedly viral infections, bacterial infections and allergies, but also sinusitis, stay in particularly polluted environments or some drug therapies.

In summary, the main causes of phlegm are:

colds caused by viruses and the common flu
sinusitis
allergies to pollen and plants (allergic rhinitis)
gastroesophageal reflux
bronchial asthma
whooping cough
pneumonia
TBC
otitis
deviated nasal septum: sometimes, the production of phlegm and its presence in the throat could be due to deformations in the nose, which is the deviation of the nasal septum
nasal polyps, the presence of which obstructs the nasal cavities favoring the permanence of the mucus inside them

Phlegm, symptoms

Phlegm in the throat is the consequence of inflammatory processes affecting the upper airways, but its presence can give rise to other symptoms such as:

continual need to clear your throat
feeling of lump in the throat
cough
throat irritations and sore throats
nasal congestion and sneezing
headache
fever
itchy nose
burning in the eyes and increased

Natural remedies to thin the phlegm

There is no doubt that the treatment of phlegm in the throat depends on the cause that caused it. This is why it is always good to contact your doctor.

In principle, according to traditional medicine, if the sputum originates from infectious diseases of a bacterial nature, antibiotic drugs and possibly anti-inflammatory drugs are used. As for viral infections, palliative drugs, such as decongestants and mucolytics, can be used to alleviate the problem. In case of allergic disorders or even polyps, the doctor will implement other therapeutic strategies.

All this if you are already in an acute and advanced phase, but only your doctor will be able to decide what to do following a careful examination.

For the rest, it is possible to resort to some palliative remedies to relieve the discomfort and discomfort caused by phlegm.

The main natural remedies for phlegm are:

Nasal washings

With a physiological solution at room temperature, in a sitting position, or alternatively using nasal sprays based on sea or thermal water or with the lota (special tool for nasal washes)

Suffumigi

The fumigations are one of the best known grandmother's remedies to fight phlegm too. The water vapor helps to clear the nose and upper respiratory tract and favors the dissolution of sputum, especially if essential oils are combined with boiling water

Propolis

Propolis is in effect a natural antibiotic ally, especially in the fight against seasonal ailments. Propolis preparations are effective antibacterials and counteract infection

Sage herbal tea

It will prove to be an excellent mucolytic: boil three sage leaves in water for about ten minutes, filter and drink

Infusion of thyme

Although particularly indicated against the problems of intestinal swelling and aerophagia due to poor digestion, the infusion of thyme is also a natural disinfectant and antibacterial, which helps to fight germs. For the same purpose, you can also try making infusions of hyssop, oregano, eucalyptus, mallow or elderflower

Ginger tea

It is the natural anti-inflammatory par excellence, but care must be taken in case of gastric reflux. Our recipe and all the tips for a perfect ginger tea

Erisimo

It is no coincidence that it is also called "singers' herb": erisimo is a plant capable of relieving inflammation of the throat, in particular hoarseness and lowering of the voice, but also laryngitis, pharyngitis and tracheitis can be relieved or prevented thanks to the use of this plant in the form of herbal tea, mother tincture or tablets

Dried fig tea

Also useful against fever. Boil two dried figs cut in half, then filter and drink still hot, to thin the phlegm and calm the cough

Also remember to drink plenty of water during the day and make the room you stay in a little more humid, since heating often makes the air drier. Do not smoke and at the table prefer foods that do not favor the production of mucus, such as: