How to Thin Mucus Naturally

Mucus and phlegm are an unavoidable result of the cold winter months. A mucus buildup, if left untreated, leads to a cough, a sore throat and possibly an infection. Over-the-counter antihistamines break-up mucus and eliminate coughs and sore throats. Such products are also known to cause drowsiness or a loopy feeling. Loosening mucus without prescriptions or other medicines, allows you to eliminate phlegm and sinus drainage, without experiencing an unwanted sleepy or hazy feeling.

Things You'll Need

• Humidifier
• Saline nasal spray
• Table salt
• Spicy foods
• Peppermint leaves

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Instructions

• 1

  Cough, or otherwise clear your throat. This action breaks apart clumps of mucus, helping it to pass either through, or out of your body.

• 2

  Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking the proverbial eight glasses of water per day loosens and thins mucus, preventing it from building up in your throat and chest.

• 3

  Add moisture to the air by using a humidifier or boiling water on your stove. The excess humidity moistens mucus and moisturizes your airways, making it easy for the mucus to pass through your body.

• 4

  Use a saline nasal spray and/or gargle with salt water. The salt, combined with the liquid, moisturizes dry nasal passages and also prevents mucus from clumping up inside your nose and throat.

• 5

  Eat spicy foods. Foods such as chili peppers and Wasabi Peas, thin mucus and expel it from your body via the mouth or nose.

• 6

  Brew homemade peppermint tea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a tea made up of 1 cup boiling water and 1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves, loosens mucus and eliminates a sore throat. Let the mixture cool before drinking, and drink the tea three to five times per day. The University of Maryland website doesn't recommend giving such a tea to infants or small children.