What about apple cider vinegar for phlegm in the throat? Can cider vinegar be used against mucus? Is it effective in regulating the amount of mucus in different parts of the body? What are its different methods of use? And finally, what are the other natural remedies to get rid of excess mucus and phlegm in the body?
I -Why Phlegm Stuck in the Throat and Lungs
Mucus and phlegm are naturally produced by the body. The function of mucus is to protect and lubricate the mucous membranes.
By providing lubrication to organs such as the nose, lungs, and stomach, the mucus prevents them from becoming dehydrated.
Nevertheless, it can become cumbersome, piling up in the lungs and impeding breathing.
Too much mucus is a sign of a disease, such as the common cold, cystic fibrosis, or bronchitis. It is to defend itself that the body increases its mucus secretion.
It is also by reflex that the body coughs to get rid of the cumbersome mucus. This is called a wet cough, which allows the excess mucus to be expelled from the body.
If this is not enough, several natural remedies can help you in these cases.
II- What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a compound resulting from the fermentation of apples. To obtain apple cider vinegar, a double fermentation is necessary.
First, there is an alcoholic fermentation, obtained by adding bacteria and a ferment to apple juice. The sugar is thus transformed into alcohol.
This alcohol is transformed into vinegar due to bacteria producing acetic acid.
III- Apple Cider Vinegar for Phlegm in the Throat
#1. How Does Cider Vinegar Work to Regulate Mucus in the Throat
Cider vinegar contains acetic acid, amino acids, and antioxidants. It relieves coughs due to its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal virtues.
Cider vinegar also soothes irritated throats.
Its absorption helps the body to better fight against bacteria, and to disinfect itself effectively.
By its action on the whole body and particularly on the various mucus-producing glands, cider vinegar manages to regulate the production of excess mucus while acting on the cause of infections by cleaning the body and the various organs!
#2. How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Phlegm in your Throat
a) Gargle
In a 1/3 cup of warm water, add two teaspoons of cider vinegar. Gargle for a long time with it, before spitting.
b) Inhalation
In a container of warm water, mix between 2 and 3 tablespoons of cider vinegar. With your head under a towel, inhale the steam.
This will help you expel the mucus.
c) Syrup
You can make your syrup by mixing ½ cup of cider vinegar with ½ cup of warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 3 teaspoons of honey.
Consume some of this syrup when you feel your chest is congested. It will help you get rid of your excess mucus.
d) Recipes to Reduce Phlegm
Cider vinegar can be used internally as well as externally for mucus.
Internal:
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar
- 4 cups of water
- 2 pieces of fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Preparation:
- Once your ginger is cut into small pieces, put it in water. Boil it over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Let it cool down and keep it in a cool place.
- As soon as you develop a problem with your lungs, all you have to do is add coconut oil, honey, and cider vinegar to this water.
- All you have to do is drink this mixture. After two hours, you will notice a clear improvement.
External:
Equipment:
- Clean towel
- Bowl or container
- Cider vinegar
- Water
- Hot water bottle
Directions for use:
- In your bowl, mix the same amount of cider vinegar and water.
- Soak the towel with this mixture by dipping it in.
- Squeeze it out to remove the excess water.
- Place the towel on your chest.
- Put a hot water bottle on top.
- Stay like this for about 30 minutes.
This tip is sometimes very effective in stopping certain types of coughs.
#3. Can Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Viruses?
Apple cider vinegar is a natural solution capable of destroying bacteria and certain viruses. It has recognized antibacterial properties that make it a natural antibiotic.
#4. Apple Cider Vinegar for Throat Rub
You can use apple cider vinegar to treat your irritated throat. In case of irritation and itching in the throat, cider vinegar can provide relief. For this kind of problem, one tip is to use it to make gargles.
In a glass, fill half of it with water and the other half with cider vinegar. Gargle with this mixture several times a day, at least 4 times a day. A minimum of one hour should elapse between each session.
#5. Apple Cider Vinegar for Chest Congestion
To decongest a congested chest, especially with mucus, you can use apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is ideal for relieving the symptoms of sinusitis.
For this preparation, you will need cider vinegar, but also cayenne pepper, honey, ginger, and lemon juice.
This drink will clear your bronchi and improve your breathing.
#6. Can Apple Cider Vinegar Burn the Throat?
An irritated throat benefits greatly from drinking apple cider vinegar. Nevertheless, it is important to always consume it diluted. Cider vinegar has many advantages and benefits, but it should only be used purely in very few cases.
However, if used properly, cider vinegar is not known to be dangerous for the throat.
III- Other Natural Remedies Against Mucus and Phlegm in the Throat
# Onion and Lemon
In a juicer, squeeze a previously peeled onion. Put in the juice of a lemon. Boil the whole with a cup of water for 2 to 3 minutes. Once the mixture has cooled, add a teaspoon of honey.
Drink this mixture three times a day. You will feel better afterward. Onion is a natural antibiotic and an excellent regulator of mucus in different parts of the body.
# Honey and Ginger
The recipe consists of heating two tablespoons of honey. The temperature should not exceed 40° so that the honey keeps its properties.
Once your honey is hot, add a teaspoon of grated ginger.
Every day, take two tablespoons of this mixture for three days.
Ginger is very effective for colds, and honey is an antifungal and antibacterial agent. Their joint action is very useful against mucus.
# Turmeric
In a glass of warm plant milk, add half a teaspoon of black pepper and turmeric. Avoid regular milk, which can increase the mucus in your throat and lungs.
Also, add a teaspoon of honey, and drink this mixture daily.
Turmeric is a product that purifies the body and strengthens the immune system that regulates the production of mucus in the body.
# Dried Thyme Syrup
Brew four sprigs of thyme in a cup of boiling water for an hour. Then strain the mixture and add the same amount of sugar.
Cook in a saucepan over low heat for one hour.
Consume two tablespoons of this syrup every day.
Dried thyme syrup is an ideal product in cases of bronchitis.
IV- Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used as a Remedy Against Coughs?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can indeed be used to fight coughs. It is important to know that a cough can be caused by bacteria or a virus. By acting against them, cider vinegar can relieve you of your cough. Moreover, its consumption has an anti-inflammatory effect.
#1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Ginger for Cough:
Against cough, ginger is among the most famous natural products. In association with apple cider vinegar, ginger brings real relief.
The recipe for using apple cider vinegar and ginger against cough is simple.
In a large glass of water, mix two tablespoons of cider vinegar and a teaspoon of ginger powder.
Drink this twice a day until you feel soothed.
#2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Cayenne Pepper for Cough:
To relieve your cough with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper, the method is simple.
Take a large glass of water. In it, add two tablespoons of pure cider vinegar along with ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
You can add a little bit of honey to it to bring sweetness. Drink from this mixture twice a day.
#3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey for Cough:
The properties of honey to relieve coughs are no longer in question. In a large glass of water, add one tablespoon of raw honey and two apple cider vinegar.
As for the previous mixtures, consume twice a day.
V- Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used as a Cold Remedy?
Apple cider vinegar can also be used to relieve colds. For this, you can use it as an inhalation.
Use a large bowl of boiling water into which you will have poured between two and three spoons of apple cider vinegar.
With your face tilted up, breathe in the vapors until you feel better.
IV- Side Effects and Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar
Cider vinegar is a natural product rich in therapeutic properties. But its consumption must be careful and well regulated in order not to cause undesirable effects.
Taken in too large quantities, the acids it contains can attack the teeth. In the long run, this can cause dental sensitivity, due to the reduction of the enamel.
On the skin and in the digestive tract, cider vinegar can also be harmful. It can cause skin burns, especially on sensitive skin.
In the digestive tract, the ingestion of cider vinegar increases the risks of hypoglycemia.
Nausea is also a possible side effect of excessive consumption of cider vinegar.
And as the last warning, it is imperative to avoid taking pure cider vinegar without being diluted in water or another liquid.
Useful Links:
Airway Mucus Function and Dysfunction
All About That Mucus: How it keeps us healthy
Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice in the morning for weight loss
Benefits of an apple cider vinegar detox for the liver
Recipe of apple cider vinegar, lemon, and baking soda to lose weight?
Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Dermatitis [Benefits & Uses]