A cough with phlegm, known medically as a productive cough, can be accompanied by colds, flu, or infections such as rhinitis or sinusitis, being more likely to develop this condition in the colder months or when spring arrives. However, there may also be more severe causes such as bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, or cigarette smoking. Although natural remedies can help us counteract this ailment, it is necessary to visit the doctor to rule out possible complications. At FastlyHealwe give you some home remedies for a cough with phlegm.
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Why does a cough with phlegm occur?
Coughing occurs when something enters our airways and what this reaction does is try to keep them clear. Cough with phlegm is caused by infections such as bronchitis, flu, rhinitis, sinusitis, or inflammations in the airways that cause difficulty in breathing, such as asthma or allergies. Phlegm is generated from the mucous membrane, which is the one that protects the interior cavities of our body from any external particle. However, when it accumulates in the respiratory tract, it is a sign that something is wrong, and it is necessary to start getting rid of it to avoid complications.
Eucalyptus Vapors
Eucalyptus is a magical plant, especially when it comes to flu-like processes. It has anti-inflammatory properties that improve respiration; it is an expectorant, thanks to the essential oil that its leaves have, which allows to dilute the phlegm and facilitate its expulsion. It is also antimicrobial, which will help to end infectious processes in the respiratory tract.
The following home remedy will help you fight a cough with phlegm. Boil a liter of water and add a handful of eucalyptus leaves; boil for a minute. Remove from the heat, place a towel over your head, and inhale the infusion’s steam. You will feel a significant improvement. You can also perform inhalations with herbs such as mint, sage, and elderberry; their mucolytic properties will provide you with an easier expectoration.
Onion, honey and ginger
The mixture of these three ingredients makes it a very effective home remedy. The onion works as a natural antibiotic; the ginger favors the expulsion of phlegm. The enzyme content in honey gives it antibacterial properties that are ideal for treating and preventing conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and angina.
Boil half an onion in half a liter of water for 15 minutes; in that water, prepare the infusion of your choice and add a tablespoon of honey, the juice of half a lemon, and a pinch of ginger. Take it up to three times a day, especially before going to sleep.
Thyme infusion
Although it is used mainly in the kitchen, Thyme is another home remedy for cough with phlegm; its antitussive and antiseptic properties, as well as expectorant, will help reduce symptoms and prevent complications of flu processes. You can make inhalations, as in the case of eucalyptus, or prepare an infusion with a teaspoon of its dried leaves for each cup of water; it will relieve not only the cough but also the sore throat that it produces.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is a healthy and necessary habit for our body, but if you have a cough with phlegm, it is even more critical since it will help dilute it, and at the time of expectoration, they will be more liquid. It is advisable to consume a little more water than established daily, between 10 and 12 glasses.
Honey with pepper
The mixture of these ingredients will be an excellent expectorant. Add a pinch of pepper to your favorite tea and a tablespoon of honey. Drink it up to three times a day; it will help you calm your cough and expel phlegm more easily.
Marshmallow root
A very effective remedy to eliminate a cough with phlegm is marshmallow root. This plant has bactericidal and expectorant properties, deflating the respiratory tract. Prepare an infusion with a tablespoon of dried root per cup of water. Let it cook for 10 minutes, and drink 2 cups a day.
Honey and lemon
This phlegm cough remedy will help boost your defenses and protect your immune system. Mix the juice of one lemon and three tablespoons of honey in a bowl. You can consume it three times a day, and you can heat it if you wish; it will also help you if you have discomfort in your throat.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Home remedies for cough with phlegm, we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.