Causes And Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Phlegm In Lungs

Phlegm is the sticky substance that you expectorate when you cough. It is a natural mechanism adopted by the body to protect the respiratory system from outside offending agents, like dust particles, pollutants, chemicals and bacteria that we tend to inhale.

Causes of Phlegm in Throat and Lungs

  • When mucus clogs and obstructs the air ways, it gives rise to a sensation of phlegm stuck in the throat.
  • The commonest cause is post nasal drip due to common colds and flu. When you lie down, the mucus from the nose gets accumulated in the throat producing phlegm and a bout of cough.
  • Seasonal allergies can also trigger throat inflammation and result in mucus accumulation.
  • Pregnant women complain of a build up of phlegm in the throat, especially during the last part of the pregnancy. This occurs due to estrogen secretion which accelerates mucus production and makes it thick.

Natural Remedies for Phlegm in Lungs

  • Phlegm in simple terms is the mucus secretion from the bronchial linings and air passages. An accumulation and an undue build up of mucus, results in the development of congestion within the lungs.
    Green and yellow – brown phlegm signals infection in the respiratory tract, where as grey phlegm is the result of tar and dust particles inhaled due to smoking.
  • It is necessary for you to see a doctor when you have excessive amounts of secretion and nasal discharge, and for a prolonged period of time. It may be a sign of chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis or acute condition such as pneumonia.
  • To manage acute cases of phlegm, steam inhalation is recommended. In fact, steam inhalation can help prevent an aggravation of the complaint. Boil the water in a bowl, and add two to three drops of eucalyptus oil after it is taken off from the stove. Alternatively you may add some cloves or a few sprigs of mint leaves. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for about 5 minutes. This process liquefies the thick phlegm and facilitates its expulsion.
  • Basil decoction: Take 20 to 30 fresh basil leaves, a pinch of crushed black pepper, and a teaspoon of crushed ginger. Add all the ingredients to a cup of water and boil. After a few minutes, strain the liquid, and add one teaspoon of honey. Have about ¼ cup of this decoction 2 to 3 times in a day. It is an excellent home remedy to get rid of phlegm.
  • Garlic: Since ancient times garlic has been considered to be a natural expectorant and a potent anti-biotic. Consume a clove of raw garlic with milk in the morning to obtain rapid relief from phlegm.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated, since, water is considered an excellent expectorant.
  • Ginger: Half tea spoon of ginger juice and one teaspoon of honey is beneficial as well. It allays inflammation and congestion and makes breathing easier.

One thought on “Causes And Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Phlegm In Lungs

  • March 13, 2012 at 12:01 pm
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    Herbs for expelling phlegm from lungs:
    • Anise: botanical name is Pimpinella anisum. It is effective remedy for expelling sputum due to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory property. It is also a safe herb used for nausea resulting from excessive phlegm.
    • Hyssop: Botanical name is Hyssopus officinalis. It is a natural remedy for chronic bronchitis. It liquefies the tough phlegm adherent to the bronchial walls.
    • Horehound: Botanical name is Marrubium vulgare. It is useful to control post nasal drips. Loosens tough mucus and helps in its expulsion.
    Since many herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy, a pregnant woman should always consult her doctor before taking any herbs.

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