Natural remedies to loosen phlegm and treat coughs.

Báo Nam Định•03/06/2023

Expectorants are substances that add moisture to mucus, making it less sticky and easier to cough up, helping to clear phlegm or mucus from the respiratory tract (airways).

1. How do expectorants work?

Expectorants, although a group of medications used to treat coughs, do not suppress coughing but rather help prevent mucus buildup in the respiratory system. This is important because coughing up mucus is the body's way of removing microorganisms, foreign objects, and excess mucus from the airways.

Expectorants are also used as an adjunct treatment alongside other medications to help treat coughs. In addition to medication, several natural remedies can help loosen phlegm.

Licorice contains chemicals that can thin mucus, helping to loosen phlegm and reduce coughing.

2. Some natural remedies to help loosen phlegm

- Water: Water increases the moisture content of mucus, making it easier to expel. You can use water as an expectorant by drinking plenty of it or consuming it in the form of herbal tea.

Additionally, you can rinse your mouth with salt water, use a humidifier, or inhale steam... all of which can produce similar effects.

- Honey: Honey has long been used to relieve coughs and nasal congestion, with studies proving it to be an effective expectorant. To use honey as an expectorant, dissolve one teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Drink the mixture throughout the day. However, do not give honey to children under 1 year old.

- Ginger: Widely used as both medicine and food. Ginger reduces congestion and acts as an expectorant. To use, crush the ginger root and boil it with water for a few minutes, then sip the drink throughout the day.

However, it's important to note that ginger should not be used if you are taking blood thinners. Ginger lowers blood pressure at high doses, so avoid using it if you are taking blood pressure medication.

- Garlic: Garlic has many uses and is grown all over the world . It contains a chemical called allicin, which has medicinal properties. Garlic can help relieve coughs if you crush it and add it to hot water for steam inhalation. You can also crush garlic, mix it with honey, and drink one teaspoon three times a day. However, avoid consuming garlic if you are taking anticoagulant medication.

- Basil: This herb helps to thin mucus. To use, boil about 10 basil leaves with 5 cloves in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool and drink three times a day. You can also add a few drops of basil oil to boiling water and use it for steam inhalation.

However, basil should be avoided if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you have diabetes or hypothyroidism.

- Licorice: Licorice is an herb native to certain regions of Europe and Asia. It contains chemicals that can thin mucus secretions and reduce the incidence of sore throats after certain surgical procedures.

Add half a teaspoon of licorice root to a cup of water and boil for 10 minutes, then drink this tea. You can also add half a teaspoon of licorice root to a cup of warm water and gargle three times a day, or eat licorice candy.

However, be sure to avoid using licorice if you have high blood pressure.

- Peppermint: Peppermint contains menthol, which can relieve symptoms of throat and chest infections. Peppermint oil is also an antispasmodic – it alleviates or reduces muscle spasms in the respiratory tract.

To use peppermint as an expectorant, add a drop of peppermint oil to hot water and inhale the steam. You can also drink peppermint tea, but remember that peppermint can cause heartburn and vomiting. Peppermint essential oil can be toxic to children and women.

- Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus is used in many cough lozenges, inhalers, and sprays to loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion. You can also use it by adding two drops of eucalyptus oil to water and using it for steam inhalation. However, eucalyptus oil is toxic when ingested orally.

According to suckhoedoisong.vn

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