10 home remedies that help to reduce phlegm from your chest & throat

This is one of the best ways to loosen up stubborn phlegm in your chest and throat. The hot steam liquifies the phlegm, allowing you to cough it up, according to Livestrong. Try having a long, hot shower, keeping the fan off and the doors closed to seal in all the steam. Alternatively, you can fill a mixing bowl or a basin with boiling water. Lean over the bowl with your head covered by a towel and inhale the steam for as long as necessary to loosen up the phlegm. Be very careful with this method, as steam can cause serious burns. Approach it gently without putting your face too close to the water, and ensure there are no children or pets around who might accidentally tip the water over.

WebMD describes a technique whereby you create vibrations on the chest using a cupped hand. These vibrations help to move the phlegm into larger airways so that it can be coughed up. Chest percussion can be done at home by a partner, but it is important that you see your doctor first for proper instruction.

This is a fantastic remedy for three reasons, according to Top 10 Home Remedies. Salt water is a powerful antibacterial agent, it relaxes your throat, and it reduces inflammation. Dissolve a pinch of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle. Rinse and repeat several times a day.

We’ve talked about gargling salt water, but you can also try rinsing your nasal passages with it. Nasal irrigation is the method of pouring a saline solution into one nostril to loosen up the mucus that has collected there, and then draining it out of the other nostril. WebMD emphasizes the importance of using distilled or boiled water when making your own saline solution, and rinsing your irrigation device after each use.