Using honey, chrysanthemum leaves, ivy, ginger, and garlic correctly can thin phlegm, clear airways, and reduce coughing.
Phlegm is caused by respiratory infections such as pneumonia, mild infections, tuberculosis, lung cancer, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pharyngitis. The cause can be viruses, bacteria, or fungi. To effectively remove phlegm, it's important to know the cause. Besides medication, using a humidifier, resting, and choosing certain healthy drinks can also help reduce phlegm.
Water increases the moisture content of mucus, making it easier to drain. Patients should drink more fluids than usual, including herbal teas and juices. Nasal steam inhalation can also be helpful.
Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and is used to relieve coughs and nasal congestion. Drinking honey twice a day helps improve inflammation, soothe respiratory symptoms, and clear phlegm.
Honey can be consumed directly, mixed with warm water, or added to herbal teas. Parents can mix honey with orange juice or other fruit juices for children over one year old. However, honey should not be given to children under one year old due to the high risk of poisoning.
Ginger is widely used as a medicine and a spice in cooking. It helps reduce congestion and acts as a natural expectorant. People with phlegmy coughs can crush ginger and boil it for a few minutes, then drink the ginger water or ginger tea throughout the day.
However, ginger can cause digestive upset, heartburn, and nausea if consumed in excessive amounts. People with low blood pressure should avoid ginger as it can cause their blood pressure to drop even faster.
Garlic has many uses and is common in many households. It contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to loosen phlegm. People with coughs can crush garlic, mix it with honey, and drink one spoonful three times a day, or eat raw garlic in stir-fries and stews. People taking anticoagulant medication should not consume garlic.
Ginger and garlic can be used to make drinks or added to tea to help loosen phlegm. Photo: Anh Chi
Lemon balm (also known as mint) is an herb that thins mucus and is used in many cough and phlegm remedies. Adults can pick 3-4 lemon balm leaves, wash them, crush them, and mix with 1-2 grains of salt, then drink it directly. Parents can steam about 10 lemon balm leaves with lemon, honey, and rock sugar to make a natural cough remedy for children.
Licorice root can thin mucus and relieve sore throats. Add half a teaspoon of licorice root to a cup of water and boil for 10 minutes, then drink. Gargling with half a teaspoon of licorice root mixed with warm water daily helps to loosen phlegm more quickly.
Peppermint contains menthol, which improves infection symptoms by relieving muscle spasms in the respiratory tract. Add a drop of peppermint oil to hot water and use it for steam inhalation, or drink peppermint tea, or suck on peppermint candy.
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes and reduces respiratory irritation.
Ivy leaves have expectorant properties, helping to widen the airways and stimulate fluid secretion to expel phlegm.
( According to Healthline )
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