Phlegm Remedies:

Phlegm is a term used to describe the mucus secretions of the throat. Sputum is the other type of mucus that is describes the mucus coming from the lungs. Mucus is a serous, sticky liquid that is secreted by the mucus membranes. This is a membrane that covers nearly all parts of the body, forming a protective, lubricating and antiseptic film. From the perspective of the immune system, mucus plays a very important role in dealing with infections as well. The body’s white blood cells, which are the main fighting force against infections, occur in the blood naturally. However, these cells cannot function outside the medium of the blood making fighting respiratory infections very tricky.

Respiratory infections start when a pathogen is inhaled and it is trapped in the airways. Mucus forms the bridging medium between the outside world and the interior of the body. When a respiratory infection occurs, the white blood cells of the body require this interstitial medium to work in. Mucus also helps to trap and localize the pathogenic bacteria and virus, which further makes it easier for the white blood cells to fight against the infection. This is also the reason why mucus tends to change color from a clear fluid to a thicker white and yellow – because of the presence of white blood cells and pathogen in it. Mucus production in the upper respiratory tract is increased when the body senses the presence of pathogenic organism in a process that is called inflammation. The other aspects of inflammation include swelling and increased blood flow – all that are required to allow white blood cells into the area of infection. There are some problems with this inflammatory response as well. It can be extremely uncomfortable and block airway passages. In the case of lung infections, as is the case in pneumonia, the build up of mucus can be so great that it even hampers breathing. It is for this reason that doctors will usually prescribe a decongestant to clear the mucus as well.

Dealing with mucus production that has gone haywire is a simple act of administering a drug to reduce inflammation. This is best coupled with an antibiotic or antimicrobial drug to avoid the balance of power shifting to the pathogenic organism’s favor. Herbal anti-inflammatory medicine includes ginger, feverfew, turmeric and chili. For good absorptive measure, it makes sense to also increase pepper intake as this prevents immediate breakdown of the other herbs and lets it act in the body for longer. It also helps to loosen mucus so that it can be easily expelled.