How to Thin Mucus Naturally
Mucus and phlegm are an unavoidable result of the cold winter months. A mucus buildup, if left untreated, leads to a cough, a sore throat and possibly an infection. Over-the-counter antihistamines break-up mucus and eliminate coughs and sore throats. Such products are also known to cause drowsiness or a loopy feeling. Loosening mucus without prescriptions or other medicines, allows you to eliminate phlegm and sinus drainage, without experiencing an unwanted sleepy or hazy feeling.
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Instructions
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Cough, or otherwise clear your throat. This action breaks apart clumps of mucus, helping it to pass either through, or out of your body.
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Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking the proverbial eight glasses of water per day loosens and thins mucus, preventing it from building up in your throat and chest.
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Add moisture to the air by using a humidifier or boiling water on your stove. The excess humidity moistens mucus and moisturizes your airways, making it easy for the mucus to pass through your body.
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Use a saline nasal spray and/or gargle with salt water. The salt, combined with the liquid, moisturizes dry nasal passages and also prevents mucus from clumping up inside your nose and throat.
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Eat spicy foods. Foods such as chili peppers and Wasabi Peas, thin mucus and expel it from your body via the mouth or nose.
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Brew homemade peppermint tea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a tea made up of 1 cup boiling water and 1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves, loosens mucus and eliminates a sore throat. Let the mixture cool before drinking, and drink the tea three to five times per day. The University of Maryland website doesn't recommend giving such a tea to infants or small children.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid foods such as dairy products, caffeine, overly salty foods and soy products.
The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia website recommends contacting a doctor if the mucus buildup lasts for longer than three weeks, or longer than 10 days -- if dealing with a child under the age of three.
