Loosen mucus in the throat: Grandma's home remedies are brilliant

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Mucus in the throat is a typical symptom of colds. The tough lump in the throat not only feels unpleasant, but also leads to a dry cough or clearing of the throat, which can affect the voice.

Our body shows us through annoying symptoms that it is sick and something is wrong. To get rid of these signs, the mucus in the throat must be loosened. Home remedies act as natural expectorants and are also beneficial for other complaints such as a sore throat or cough and are often gentler than medication.

You can find out here which home remedies can loosen mucus in the throat, how to use them correctly and when it is better to go to the doctor if you have mucus in the throat.

What works best for mucus in the throat?

No matter which medicine or home remedy you choose, drinking plenty of water is essential if you want to loosen the mucus in your throat.

The liquid moistens the mucous membranes well and provides them with blood, which supports healing and makes it easier to remove the thick mucus. You should drink at least 1.5 liters throughout the day. If there is a lot of secretion production, maybe more.

Herbal tea for mucus in the throat

Warm drinks such as herbal teas are particularly suitable as home remedies for loosening stuck mucus. In addition to the mucous throat, these can also relieve other complaints such as a sore throat or cough.

Taking herbs as tea or inhalants can loosen mucus in the throat and make it easier to cough up. The heat promotes blood circulation and helps loosen mucus from the larynx.

  • Thymiantee
  • Licorice root tea
  • Ribbon tea
  • Cowslip tea
  • Fennel tea
  • Sage tea

Sage tea is also particularly recommended if you have a sore throat, as sage has anti-inflammatory properties.

Tipp:In the pharmacy or drugstore you can find ready-made herbal mixtures with expectorant properties or cold teas.

Drink several cups of the warm drinks throughout the day, but pay attention to the instructions on the packaging. If taken in excessive amounts, medicinal herbs can also have side effects.

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Loosen mucus in the throat with home remedies

Mucus and the feeling of a lump in the throat are annoying and typical of a cold infection. But thick mucus in the throat can occur even without a cold. In both cases, it is important to loosen the mucus quickly so that the unpleasant feeling in the throat subsides.

Here are effective home remedies for mucus in the throat that grandma swore by:

#1 Honey for mucus in the throat

When it comes to colds with a runny nose, cough and sore throat, honey is an absolute all-rounder. Whether in tea, in candy or straight from the spoon - honey has been used as a remedy since ancient times and is a popular home remedy for sore throats with mucus in the throat.

Real New Zealandis said to work particularly well as a home remedy for sore throats and throat infections, as it contains a particularly high amount of methylglyoxal, which has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. In combination with expectorant herbal teas, the natural food has a soothing and soothing effect.

You can find high-quality Manuka honey on Amazon here*

#2 Apple cider vinegar for mucus in the throat

Apple cider vinegar has proven to be an expectorant. AlreadyHippocratesshouldApple cider vinegar as a home remedyhave applied. The mucus in the throat is broken down and the germs are supposed to be prevented from spreading.
Application:Add one to two tablespoons to a cup of lukewarm water. Take small sips in your mouth and gargle with them. Repeat the application three times a day to loosen mucus in the throat.

#3 Gargle for mucus in the throat

Most people already know it from the tried and tested one. What works well for the mucous membranes of the nose also works well for the throat.
Application:Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle with it. This not only helps against a sore throat, but also reduces new mucus formation.

#4 Onion juice for mucus in the throat

An underestimated home remedy for mucus in the throat and other cold symptoms such as coughing is the good old onion. The essential oils it contains have an expectorant effect, help with coughing and thus free breathing. To utilize the full power of the onion, you should make an onion juice.

Onion juice recipe for mucus in the throat:

  • 1 onion
  • 2 EL Honig
  • a jar with a screw cap

Preparation:Finely dice the onion and put it in a jar with a screw cap. Add honey and mix well. Screw the lid onto the jar and let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. During this time a liquid juice is created. After steeping, pour the juice through a sieve to remove the onion pieces.Application:Take a teaspoon of the expectorant home remedy several times a day.

#5 Anise for mucus in the throat

The spice anise is also said to have antibacterial effects. The medicinal plant also works against mucus in the throat and makes it easier to cough up. The aniseed fruits can be used to make a soothing tea or decoction to inhale.
Application:Crush half a teaspoon to a teaspoon of aniseed seeds and pour them into 200 ml of hot water. Then use the decoction to inhale or let it cool down a little and then drink in small sips.

#6 Thyme for mucus in the throat

Many people know thyme more as a spice and not as a natural remedy. The herb is effective against many pathogens.

A tea made from thyme has an expectorant effect and helps with coughing up. You can either get dried thyme leaves from the pharmacy for a tea infusion or a ready-made tea mixture. These are often found in combination with fennel and sage.

You can buy thyme tea on Amazon here*

Tipp:If you suffer from a dry cough at night due to mucus in your throat, you should rub thyme balm on your chest and back before going to bed. The essential oils it contains make coughing easier and loosen mucus.

#7 Ginger for mucus in the throat

Ginger is a tried and tested home remedy for getting rid of mucus in the throat. The gingerol it contains has an anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect.
Application:Cut a few slices of fresh ginger, put them in a cup and pour hot water over them. Let the brew steep for about 5 minutes. For a delicious taste, you can add fresh lemon or honey. Drink the ginger tea warm and in small sips.

Also read:

Can I drink milk if I have mucus in my throat?

Milk with honey is also a popular home remedy for a sore throat. An experiment byGeorge van Aken vom Wageningen Center for Food Sciencesin the Netherlands.

This could be why the myth persists that you shouldn't drink milk if you have mucus in your throat. But according to experts, that’s nonsense. The “slimy” mouth feeling you get after drinking milk has no negative impact on mucus production. On the contrary, milk and honey are considered more beneficial.

Thick mucus in the throat without a cold

In most cases, the mucus in the throat is due to a viral infection. If the immune system is attacked by the virus, bacterial infections and inflammations in the throat and throat can also occur.

These manifest themselves as scratching and mucus in the throat, difficulty swallowing and a sore throat.

But mucus in the throat can also occur without a cold. Possible causes include allergies, where allergens such as pollen or animal hair irritate the respiratory tract, i.e. the mucous membranes of the throat, larynx and nose, or acute or chronic bronchitis.

In very rare cases, serious illnesses can also be behind the mucus in the throat and the feeling of a lump in the throat.

Mucus in the throat: when to see a doctor?

As a rule, mucus in the throat is a harmless side effect of a cold or an allergy. You should see a doctor if the mucus in the throat, the sore throat and the cough last longer than usual. Even if the cold has subsided after a week or so, there may still be mucus in the bronchi for a few days.

If you are still struggling with thick mucus in your throat and respiratory tract, you should definitely ask a doctor for advice. If the symptoms worsen or bloody or purulent sputum occurs. If you suddenly experience shortness of breath or a high fever, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Sources:
Netdoktor.de
Pharmacy survey
gesund.bund.de

Important NOTE:The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a diagnosis from a doctor. In the case of serious illnesses and to rule out interactions, the use of medicinal herbs and home remedies should only take place after consultation with medical staff. If you have any uncertainties, urgent questions or complaints, you should contact your doctor. The medical on-call service can be reached via the nationwide number 116117.