Oh PHLEGM… the arch-nemesis to the professional singer: morning phlegm, phlegm from eating or drinking the wrong foods - just always seems to get in the way.
Phlegm can be caused by health conditions such as acid reflux, allergies, infections, ect (another blog post to come addressing these particular culprits). However excess phlegm or mucus can also be caused by life-style choices such as dry air, lack of water, over-consuming drying agents like coffee, some teas, and alcohol.
Some remedies for those of use who can’t cut back on the coffee and drinks:
1) I’m a huge fan of a COOL mist humidify all-day or just at night. It can be a great help in thinning out mucus and prevention of dry air during sleep (and all-day). One that you can use essential oils with are my favorite: such as eucalyptus oil (known for clearing mucus).
I use this one: Levoit Humidifer
*Although, I think there may be a newer model available now.
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2) Another home-remedy for when the mucus is thick is a tea concoction:
Ginger, Lemon, Honey and Cheyanne Pepper are known for cutting and thinning thick mucus build-up.
Ginger (fresh) is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant known for battling digestive issues and fighting cold and flu season. Lemon, as we know is high with Vitamin C and is a great detox and cleanser for the digestive tract. We love honey, but why? First using RAW honey is the way to go. Raw honey is full of vitamins, minerals and enzymes for a natural energy booster and antibacterial-antiviral and antioxidant properties. Cheyanne PEPPER?! Yes! Cheyanne pepper is great for blood flow and circulation. It is a medicinal herb lowering blood pressure, aids in digestive health, and clearing excess mucus.
INGREDIENTS:
- Half of lemon (juiced)
- 1 TBL honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (can use 1/2 tsp if you want heat)
- 1 TBL fresh ginger
- 1 Cup (or slightly more, if wanted) of water
DIRECTIONS:
- Boil water.
- Peel and chop ginger into fine pieces
- Add lemon juice, honey, cayenne pepper and ginger to mug
- Top with boiling water, steep for approx. 8-12mins; until ginger is strong/aromatic
- Stir well and enjoy.
NOTE: you can use a tea ball or small strainer to hold the pieces of ginger.