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. Animal studies demonstrate that it may also reduce inflammation.
Does peppermint clear phlegm?
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.
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.
What essential oils help with mucus?
Rosemary essential oil
Like eucalyptus, it contains the compound cineole. A study published in the journal Cough found that cineole may help to break up mucus and reduce inflammation.
Is peppermint good for post nasal drip?
Some oils, like eucalyptus and peppermint, may offer relief from postnasal drip.
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.
How do you expel mucus from your lungs?
Use your stomach muscles to forcefully expel the air. Avoid a hacking cough or merely clearing the throat. A deep cough is less tiring and more effective in clearing mucus out of the lungs. Huff Coughing: Huff coughing, or huffing, is an alternative to deep coughing if you have trouble clearing your mucus.
Can I rub peppermint oil on my chest?
The health benefits of peppermint oil include:
Colds/Congestion: Massage 2-3 drops onto chest or drop into a humidifier to help clear sinus and lung congestion.
How do you drain your sinuses?
How To Drain Your Sinuses
- Using a humidifier or vaporizer.
- Taking a hot shower or steam bath.
- Hydrating with warm fluids, such as chicken noodle soup or tea.
- Use a nasal nebulizer as part of your daily nasal hygiene routine.
- Applying hot facial compresses.
How do you clear blocked sinuses?
Home Treatments
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
- Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Use a nasal saline spray.
- Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe.
- Use a micro-current wave device.
- Place a warm, wet towel on your face.
- Prop yourself up.
What oil breaks up chest congestion?
Eucalyptus oil contains eucalyptol, which helps the body to easily break down mucus and phlegm, making it an excellent remedy for a variety of respiratory problems. These include asthma, cough, cold, nasal and chest congestion, runny nose, sore throat, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Is peppermint oil safe to breathe?
Peppermint oil should be kept away from children and infants as it may trigger breathing issues. The oil, in large doses, may also lead to seizures and harm the digestive system. It is also unsafe for the lungs and pregnant and lactating women. Caution is highly advised.
What is peppermint oil good for?
Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use (applied to the skin) for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress.
How can I get rid of mucus in my throat naturally?
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.
What dries up sinus drainage in throat?
Antihistamines and decongestants can often help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections. They can also be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies.
Why do I feel like I have mucus stuck in my throat all the time?
When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, this is known as postnasal drip. Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux. As well as feeling the need to clear the throat frequently, a person with postnasal drip may also experience: a sore throat.
What is the best tea for phlegm?
If you’d like to get rid of your phlegm, a nice cup of mint, thyme, chamomile or echinacea tea is a good option. Our Echinaforce Hot Drink, with echinacea and elderberry, works wonders against persistent mucus. Just add one teaspoon to a cup of hot water and enjoy!
Who should not drink peppermint tea?
Those with Hiatal Hernia or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) should avoid peppermint tea. While some people get relief from GERD symptoms, others report worsening of their symptoms with the use of peppermint tea (3).
What can I drink for coughing up phlegm?
Water. Drinking lots of water not only soothes the scratch of a cough and keeps you hydrated, but it also thins the mucus in your throat. You’re less likely to need to clear things out with a cough.
Does coughing up phlegm mean your getting better?
Coughing and blowing your nose are the best ways to help mucus fight the good fight. “Coughing is good,” Dr. Boucher says. “When you cough up mucus when you are sick, you are essentially clearing the bad guys—viruses or bacteria—from your body.”
Does Covid produce phlegm?
About one-third of people with COVID-19 experience a cough with mucus (phlegm). This is due to lung congestion that can occur during the infection and persist even after it resolves. Your lungs and airways can start to produce extra phlegm when you catch a virus like COVID-19.