Expectorants are substances that add moisture to mucus, make it less sticky and easier to cough up, and help clear phlegm or mucus from the airways (airways).
1. How do expectorants work?
Expectorants, although a class of medicines used to treat coughs, do not stop the cough but help prevent mucus from building up in the respiratory system. This is important because coughing up mucus is the body's way of removing microorganisms, foreign bodies, and excess mucus from the airways.
An expectorant is also used as an adjunct treatment along with other medications to help with a cough. Besides medication, a number of natural remedies can help loosen phlegm.
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| Licorice contains chemicals that can thin mucus, help loosen phlegm, and relieve cough. |
2. Some natural remedies to help loosen phlegm
- Water: Water increases moisture in the mucus, making it easier to expel. You can use water as an expectorant by drinking plenty of water or taking it as an herbal tea.
In addition, you can gargle with salt water, use a humidifier or through steam inhalation… also get the same effects.
- Honey: Honey has long been used to relieve coughs and congestion, with studies proving it to be an effective expectorant. To use honey as an expectorant, dissolve a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water. Drink the mixture throughout the day. However, do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.
- Ginger: Widely used as medicine and food. Ginger relieves congestion and acts as an expectorant. To use, crush a ginger root and boil it with water for a few minutes then sip the drink throughout the day.
However, it should be noted that ginger should not be used if you are taking anticoagulants. Ginger lowers blood pressure in high doses, so avoid it if you're taking blood pressure medication.
- Garlic: Garlic has many uses and is grown all over the world. It contains a chemical called allicin, which has healing properties. Garlic can help relieve a cough if you crush it and put it in hot water for a steam bath. You can also crush garlic, mix it with honey and drink a spoonful, three times a day. However, avoid consuming garlic if you are taking anticoagulants.
- Basil: It is an herb that helps to thin mucus. To use boil about 10 basil leaves with 5 clove buds in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool and drink it three times a day. You can also add a few drops of basil oil to boiling water and use it for steaming.
However, you should avoid using basil if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or if you have diabetes or hypothyroidism.
- Licorice: Licorice is an herb that is native to several parts of Europe and Asia. It contains chemicals that can thin mucus secretions and reduce the incidence of sore throats after certain surgical procedures.
Put half a teaspoon of licorice in a cup of water and boil for 10 minutes, then drink this tea. You can also put half a teaspoon of licorice in a cup of warm water, then gargle three times a day or eat licorice candy.
However, make sure you avoid using licorice if you have high blood pressure.
- Mint: Peppermint contains menthol, which can relieve symptoms of throat and chest infections. Peppermint oil is also an antispasmodic – alleviating or reducing muscle spasms, in the respiratory tract.
To use peppermint as an expectorant, add a drop of peppermint oil to hot water and steam it. You can also drink peppermint tea, but remember, mint can cause heartburn and vomiting. Peppermint oil can be toxic to children and women.
- Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus is used in many cough lozenges, inhalers, and sprays to loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion. You can use it by adding two drops of eucalyptus oil to water and steaming it. However, eucalyptus oil is toxic when consumed orally.
According to suckhoedoisong.vn
