Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good expectorant, meaning it helps loosen phlegm and breaks up coughs. It is soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis) and dry coughs.
Does peppermint tea loosen mucus?
Clears Sinuses
3 It calms inflamed mucous membranes in the sinuses and throat; thins mucus, making it less likely to block the sinuses and impede comfortable breathing; and acts as a decongestant, breaking up phlegm and mucus congestion. Inhale the steam from a hot cup of peppermint tea before you drink it.
Does peppermint oil open your airways?
A 2013 study suggests that when a healthy person uses peppermint oil, it can help to relax the muscles of the windpipe, known as the bronchial muscles. This may explain why this essential oil can ease breathing in people with coughs.
What does peppermint help with?
Today, peppermint is promoted for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), other digestive problems, the common cold, sinus infections, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use (applied to the skin) for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching.
Who should not use peppermint oil?
People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or oil in aromatherapy. People taking certain medications. Peppermint oil aromatherapy can inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down many types of medication.
How do I get rid of phlegm in my chest?
What You Can Do at Home
- Drink lots of fluids. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but not things that can dehydrate you, such as coffee and alcohol.
- Humidify. Try a cool mist humidifier or hop into a steamy shower to keep your airways moisturized.
- Don’t smoke or vape anything.
- Try a teaspoon of honey.
How do I get rid of phlegm?
Getting rid of phlegm and mucus at home
- Keep the air moist.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Apply a warm, wet washcloth to the face.
- Keep the head elevated.
- Do not suppress a cough.
- Discreetly get rid of phlegm.
- Use a saline nasal spray or rinse.
- Gargle with salt water.
Is peppermint oil good for mucus?
Peppermint oil contains menthol. This compound may affect the mucus receptors in the nose, helping to open the airways and clear mucus. Lab studies show that peppermint oil may fight bacteria, one of the triggers of sinus congestion.
Does peppermint expand your lungs?
Using a Peak Flow Meter device showed an improvement in the lung capacity and inhalation ability after inhalation of peppermint aroma [14].
Is peppermint good for congestion?
Peppermint oil is used as a natural decongestant and fever-reducer. It contains menthol, an ingredient found in topical rubs that helps relieve congestion. A 2003 in vitro study demonstrated the viral activity of peppermint oil. Menthol is also used in many cough drops to help soothe sore throats and quiet coughs.
What essential oils break up chest congestion?
Twelve best essential oils for coughs
- Eucalyptus essential oil. Many people use this oil without realizing it.
- Rosemary essential oil. Rosemary is a common garden herb.
- Peppermint essential oil.
- Frankincense essential oil.
- Oregano essential oil.
- Thyme essential oil.
- 7–9.
- Geranium essential oil.
Where do you put peppermint oil for congestion?
Massage 2-3 drops (along with a carrier oil) onto chest or drop into a humidifier to help clear sinus and lung congestion. If your head is feeling stuffed or you can’t stop coughing, try a peppermint essential oil steam.
How long does peppermint oil take to work?
It will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to take full effect. Keep taking peppermint oil until your symptoms improve. Common side effects include heartburn and indigestion.
Is peppermint an anti inflammatory?
Effects on Inflammation
Studies demonstrate that peppermint oil (menthol) possesses anti-inflammatory activity.
How do you apply peppermint oil to your lungs?
Colds and flus: Breathing in steam from hot water mixed with a few drops of peppermint oil can help open nasal passages, which is important if you’re struggling with respiratory issues.
What naturally kills mucus?
Salt water. Gargling salt water may help break up mucus and reduce pain in your throat. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Sip small amounts of the salt water and gargle at the back of your throat.
How long should a phlegmy cough last?
A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus and irritants such as dust or smoke. It’s rarely a sign of anything serious. Most coughs clear up within 3 weeks and don’t require any treatment.
What is the best medicine to remove phlegm?
Expectorants: Expectorants like guaifenesin (Mucinex) help thin phlegm, making it easier to blow out or cough up. Vapor rubs: Vapor rubs provide relief from coughs and chest congestion. Decongestants: Decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine (like Sudafed) can dry out mucus in the chest, nose, and throat.
What causes thick jelly like phlegm?
Dehydration. If your body isn’t hydrated enough, your sinuses won’t have the lubrication to keep your mucus at a thinner consistency. Sometimes strenuous exercise, excessive sweating, and spending time outside in hot temperatures can quickly dehydrate your body, leading to thick, rubbery mucus.
Does swallowing phlegm make your cough worse?
When you do cough up phlegm (another word for mucus) from your chest, Dr. Boucher says it really doesn’t matter if you spit it out or swallow it.
What is the cause of too much phlegm?
Possible causes of excess mucus can be food allergies, an acid reflux from the stomach, or an infection. The consistency of mucus in the throat also varies depending on what is going on in your body. Common causes of too much mucus in the throat include a cold or flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.