Seasonal colds and flu can leave you feeling miserable, especially when mucus and phlegm build up, making it hard to breathe or speak comfortably. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter remedies, consider these time-tested, natural home remedies that can help clear congestion and speed up your recovery. These solutions, passed down from generations, are simple, affordable, and effective.
1. Honey and Garlic Syrup
This remedy is a powerhouse for clearing mucus and boosting immunity. Honey soothes the throat and has antibacterial properties, while garlic is a natural expectorant that helps break down mucus.
How to Make It
- Slice 6–8 cloves of fresh garlic thinly.
- Add the garlic slices to a glass jar and pour in raw honey until the garlic is completely submerged.
- Seal the jar and let it sit for 12–24 hours to allow the garlic’s natural oils to infuse into the honey.
- Take 1 teaspoon of this mixture 2–3 times a day to reduce phlegm and soothe your throat.
2. Lemon and Ginger Tea
Lemon is packed with vitamin C, which boosts your immune system, and ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help loosen mucus and soothe your airways.
How to Make It
- Boil 2 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes, then add the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey for sweetness.
- Drink this warm tea 2–3 times a day for relief from congestion.
3. Onion Syrup for Persistent Coughs
Onions are rich in sulfur compounds that help reduce inflammation and break up mucus.
How to Make It
- Chop 1 medium onion into small pieces.
- Layer the onion in a jar with sugar or honey, alternating layers.
- Let it sit for a few hours until it releases a syrup.
- Take 1 teaspoon of the syrup every few hours to alleviate coughing and clear mucus.
4. Steam Inhalation with Essential Oils
Steam inhalation can loosen mucus in your nasal passages and chest, making it easier to expel.
