Today, we’re going to talk about how to clear mucus (or phlegm) trapped in your lungs. Many people rely too quickly on over-the-counter medications to address this issue without fully understanding why these treatments don’t always work—or why they can cause unwanted side effects.
The Two Types of Mucus Medications
There are actually two main types of medications used to treat mucus: suppressants and expectorants. However, suppressing mucus or coughing can sometimes prolong an infection and weaken the immune system. These medications can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and even kidney stones.
Common Treatments for Mucus
Most over-the-counter medications fall into one of two categories: mucus suppressants and expectorants. Suppressants work by blocking mucus production, while expectorants help clear it from your system. However, suppressing mucus or coughing can sometimes do more harm than good by extending the duration of an infection and making the immune system more vulnerable.
Additionally, mucus-suppressing medications can have mild but unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, they may even lead to more serious complications like kidney stones.
The only FDA-approved expectorant is designed to help clear mucus from the lungs, while most other medications focus on suppression. Because of this, natural remedies are often a safer and more effective option, as they come with fewer risks of side effects.
How to Clear Mucus from the Lungs Naturally
One simple and effective way to remove mucus naturally is by using a combination of natural ingredients. But before diving into specific remedies, it’s important to understand the role of lung exercises.
If mucus has settled in the lower parts of your lungs, practicing deep breathing exercises can help loosen and expel it. Try alternating between chest breathing (breathing from the chest) and diaphragmatic breathing (using your diaphragm). This technique helps mobilize mucus and makes it easier to clear.
Certain foods are also highly beneficial. For example, radishes are particularly effective in clearing mucus from deep within the body. Like onions, radishes contain sulfur, which helps break down and expel mucus.
If you have a dry cough, another natural remedy that works almost every time is calcium, which can help soothe a persistent cough in both children and adults.
The Best Natural Remedy for Mucus in the Lungs
One of the most powerful natural remedies for clearing mucus relies on just three simple ingredients: onion, honey, and lemon.
- Onion: A powerful natural expectorant, onion helps thin mucus and soothe coughs, especially those caused by viral infections. It’s rich in sulfur, which breaks down mucus. If you don’t have a juicer, simply grate an onion and strain it through a sieve to extract about a tablespoon (15 ml) of onion juice. Onions also contain quercetin, a natural antihistamine that helps with allergies, mucus production, and inflammation—without any harmful side effects.
- Honey: Raw honey or Manuka honey is an excellent natural expectorant and a strong antimicrobial agent. It helps reduce coughing and eliminate mucus while offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Beyond respiratory health, honey is also used to treat wounds, such as pressure sores. It contains natural hydrogen peroxide, which is great for killing pathogens. Use one tablespoon (15 ml) of honey.
- Lemon: Lemons are packed with citric acid, which helps thin mucus and make it easier to expel. They’re also rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. Use two tablespoons (30 ml) of fresh lemon juice.
To prepare this remedy, mix these three ingredients into a cup of warm water. Drink this mixture three times a day for the best results.
Additional Enhancements
To make this remedy even more effective, you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and some ginger. These ingredients complement the expectorant and soothing properties of the mix, providing additional relief. This natural remedy is easy to prepare, effective, and free of side effects.
Understanding Excess Mucus Production
It’s important to recognize that excessive mucus production can be caused by specific conditions that require tailored solutions. For example, if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus—it can trigger mucus production. If this is the case, you should look into additional treatments that specifically address GERD symptoms.
By incorporating natural remedies and understanding how mucus functions in the body, you can take a safer and more effective approach to clearing your lungs and improving your respiratory health.