You may find it beneficial to use the humidifier at night and keep it near your bed. Let the water run until it begins to steam up the bathroom. To maximize your steam, step into the shower and close the curtain or door. For a more targeted steam, place a large bowl in your sink and fill it with hot water. If at any point the heat becomes overwhelming or makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the steam. Drinking a glass of cold water can help you cool down and rehydrate.
Researchers in one study found evidence to suggest that buckwheat honey may be more effective than traditional medication at relieving cough. The researchers enrolled children between the ages of 2 and 18 to participate. They received buckwheat honey, a honey-flavored cough suppressant known as dextromethorphan, or nothing at all. Results revealed that parents found buckwheat honey to provide the most symptom relief for their kids.
You can purchase buckwheat honey at most health food stores and specialty food shops. Simply take a spoonful every few hours like you would any cough medicine. Certain essential oils may help loosen mucus in the chest. If you want to diffuse the oil into the air, you can pick up a diffuser from your local drug store. You can also add a couple of drops of the oil to a hot bath or bowl of hot water so the scent is released into the air. For a more targeted approach, fill a bowl with hot water and a few drops of the essential oil.
Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a hand towel to help trap the steam. Breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes. To do this, mix your essential oil with a carrier oil, like jojoba or coconut oil. The carrier oil helps dilute the essential oil and reduces your risk of irritation. A good rule of thumb is 12 drops of carrier oil for every 1 or 2 drops of essential oil. Then, apply the diluted oil to the inside of your forearm.
Repeat as needed throughout the day. Never apply an essential oil to inflamed, irritated, or injured skin. You should also keep all essential oils away from your eyes. Decongestants are available in liquid, tablet, or nasal spray form at your local drug store. Common OTC options include:. Follow the directions on the packaging. A decongestant can speed up your heart rate and make it harder to fall asleep. You may find it better to take during the daytime.
Moisturizing the air around you can help keep mucus thin. You may have heard that steam can clear phlegm and congestion. Instead of steam, you can use a cool mist humidifier. You can run the humidifier safely all day long. Find a cool mist humidifier online today. Drinking enough liquids , especially warm ones, can help your mucus flow.
Water can loosen your congestion by helping your mucus move. Try sipping anything from juice to clear broths to chicken soup. Other good liquid choices include decaffeinated tea and warm fruit juice or lemon water.
Try consuming foods and drinks that contain lemon, ginger , and garlic. Spicy foods that contain capsaicin, such as cayenne or chili peppers , may also help temporarily clear sinuses and get mucus moving. There is some scientific evidence that the following foods and supplements may prevent or treat viral respiratory diseases:. More studies are needed, but for most people, adding these ingredients to your diet is safe to try.
If you are taking any prescription medications, ask your doctor before adding any new ingredients to your diet some can affect the efficacy. Read more: 7 ways your body benefits from lemon water ». It may even kill germs and soothe your sore throat. Warm water works best because it dissolves the salt more quickly. Sip a bit of the mixture and tilt your head back slightly. Let the mixture wash into your throat without drinking it. Gently blow air up from your lungs to gargle for seconds, and then spit out the water.
Repeat as needed. Using eucalyptus essential oil may get the mucus out of your chest. It works by helping to loosen the mucus so you can cough it out more easily. At the same time, if you have a nagging cough, the eucalyptus can relieve it. You can either inhale vapor by using a diffuser or use a balm that contains this ingredient.
And remember: Speak with your doctor before using essential oils on children. There are also over-the-counter OTC medicines you can use. Decongestants , for example, can cut down the mucus that flows from your nose. Decongestants work by reducing swelling in your nose and opening up your airways. Ginger helps relieve coughs and soothes your airways, while working wonders to dislodge stubborn mucus. Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties, perfect if you have a sore throat or cold and are clogged up with phlegm.
Honey deposits a protective layer on your throat, reducing irritation and allowing your mucous membranes to heal. Add a teaspoon of grated ginger. Have two tablespoons daily for three days.
If the symptoms persist, consult a health professional. Stir 1 tablespoon of table salt into a glass of hot water. Gargling for a few minutes will make your throat feel a lot better. Turmeric is a true super-food. Mix half a teaspoon each of black pepper and turmeric in a glass of hot non-dairy milk, and add a scant teaspoon of honey.
You can drink this yummy concoction daily until the mucus clears up. A good hot cup of herbal tea will help dilute stubborn phlegm. Our Echinaforce Hot Drink , with echinacea and elderberry, works wonders against persistent mucus. Just add one teaspoon to a cup of hot water and enjoy! You can keep your mucus membranes moist by inhaling steam made from lightly salted water and essential oils of plants such as eucalyptus and rosemary.
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