Sticky mucus serves a vital function in the body and it lines the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. It helps to lubricate these surfaces and acts as a filter to remove unwanted substances before they enter the body. Moreover, it contains antibodies and enzymes that help the body recognize and kill invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Changes in mucus may be triggered by respiratory and sinus infections, colds and flu, allergies, and irritants like smoke. Those changes will leave you uncomfortable, frustrated and downright miserable. These natural remedies will help you manage your steaming or stuffy nose and congest chest in the meantime.
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Blow Your Nose Properly
Blow your nose to clear mucus from the nasal passages. Make sure you are doing it correctly because blowing your nose may cause more problems. Blow gently and clear only one nostril at a time. Change your tissues and wash your hands.
Drink Warm Liquids
While you are under the weather, stay hydrated with warm drinks. It will provide you with some degree of comfort and will help loosen the mucus in the chest and nasal passages.
Inhale Steam
Steam therapy is both effective and completely safe. It serves to loosen up the mucus and phlegm so they can move out of your body more quickly. Boil water in a pot and transfer immediately to a large, heatproof bowl.
If you wish, you can stir in two spoons of fresh or dried herbs. Lean over the bowl after you drape a towel over your head. Keep in as much steam as possible and breathe in the vapors for up to 10 minutes.
Raise the Humidity
Add some extra moisture to the air in your home. It will help to thin out mucus in the nose and phlegm in the chest, and all you need to do is use either a warm-mist or a cool-mist humidifier. Keep in mind that the cool-mist is a better option and you must clean the machine with a solution of vinegar, water, and tea tree oil.
Use a Neti Pot
The Neti pot is one of the most popular methods of performing nasal saline irrigation. It is a practice of flushing out the sinuses and nasal passages with a salt-water solution. Mix one cup of distilled water, a half teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of baking soda.
Apply Warm Compresses
Place a warm compress on the affected areas to help loosen mucus further. Wet a small towel with very warm water and lay it gently over the eyes, nose, and cheels. Leave for three minutes and repeat this procedure two to six times a day.
Diffuse Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a powerful therapeutic tool when clearing away mucus and phlegm.
Eucalyptus – antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant.
Tea tree – antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic.
Peppermint – helps to open nasal passages.
Basil – it helps open nasal passages.
Rosemary – antiseptic that helps open nasal passages.
Pine – decongestant, and antimicrobial.
Lavender – antihistamine, antiseptic and antimicrobial.
Chamomile – relieves and soothes congestion.