Do you ever feel like you can’t shake the common cold? Or that your allergies are just getting worse? If so, you’re not alone.
Millions of people suffer from chronic respiratory conditions that cause extra mucus to collect in their noses and lungs. This phlegm is the body’s way of protecting against infection and irritants, but it can be really uncomfortable and challenging to get rid of.
Sneezing and coughing are the body’s mechanisms for getting rid of mucus, but they can interrupt your day. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make the process a little easier.
Let’s Look at the Natural Alternatives
Herbs are part of Nature’s pharmacy. There are many different plants all over the world, and we can choose which one is best for us. Just like the stuff from the drugstore, some herbs can have bad effects on people or be dangerous in high doses. But unlike pharmaceuticals, plants have a lot of vitamins and minerals that our bodies can easily use.
Benefits of Mullein.
Mullein is an amazing plant (weed) with many incredible benefits! Not only does it have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial properties, but it can also be used to clean and strengthen the lungs.
It grows in sunny, unkempt places and has fuzzy leaves and yellow flowers. The roots, leaves, and flowers can all be taken as a tea to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Mullein is also effective in treating ear aches and infections when applied topically infused in olive oil.
Mullein has been found to be effective against streptococci (a bacteria that causes strep throat), respiratory infections, and trichomoniasis. The weed contains saponins, which help to expel mucus. Mullein’s iridoid, flavonoid, vitamin and mineral content are responsible for the weed’s efficacy and versatility.
Excess Mucus? Try Drinking Hot Tea!
If you’re experiencing an excess of mucus, hot tea can help to loosen and expel it from your respiratory tract.
Mullein tea is especially effective at doing this, so drink it with a bit of honey to fight inflammation and soothe a sore throat. Not only will you feel better quickly, but you’ll also be killing off any bacteria or viruses that may be causing your symptoms.
To make this excellent mullein tea, you’ll need these ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups – water
- 2 teaspoons – mullein leaves
- 1-2 teaspoons – raw, local honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon – dried spearmint (optional)
Follow these instructions:
Boil the water.
Put the mullein leaves in a strainer or tea ball, then steep them in boiling water. (Alternatively, you can put the leaves directly into the pot with the water and strain after steeping.)
Steep spearmint leaves separately from mullein leaves, and then combine the teas just before drinking.
Steep mullein leaves in a covered teapot or saucepan for 15 minutes.
Add honey to taste, then drink while hot.
What About Cough Medicine?
Cough medicine often come with accompanying problems. For one, synthetic medications may provide temporary relief from symptoms, but they never cure the underlying cause. Additionally, these medications often come with adverse side effects, such as allergic reactions, dizziness, drowsiness, and itching.
Labels on these products also warn of interactions with other drugs used for conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, and steroids. So before you head to the store to buy any over-the-counter medication, be sure to speak with your doctor about any potential risks and interactions.
What About Asthma Medication?
Asthma medications are an important part of managing the disease. There are a variety of medications available, both inhalers and oral tablets, that contain corticosteroids. These medications help to reduce inflammation in the lungs and make it easier to breathe. While their use is safe and widespread, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects.
When taken for long periods of time, steroid tablets can cause a variety of harmful side effects. These can include mood changes, forgetfulness, hair loss, easy bruising, high blood pressure and diabetes, thinning bones, suppression of the adrenal glands, muscle weakness, weight gain, cataracts, and glaucoma. When they are swallowed, these tablets are absorbed throughout the body and have far-reaching effects.
Corticosteroids can cause some serious side effects, including eye disease, blood sugar irregularities, headache, and ulcers. It’s often hard to tell if the remedy is worse than the illness.
Summary:
•Millions of people suffer from chronic respiratory conditions that cause extra mucus to collect in their noses and lungs.
• Herbs are part of Nature’s pharmacy and can be used to clean and strengthen the lungs. Mullein is an effective herb against streptococci, respiratory infections, and trichomoniasis.
• Hot tea loosens mucus from the respiratory tract. Mullein tea is especially effective at doing this.
• Cough medicine often come with accompanying problems like adverse side effects and interactions with other drugs.
• While asthma medications containing corticosteroids are safe and effective, they can cause a variety of side effects if taken for long periods of time.
