How To Clear Your Lungs In 5 Easy Steps

Sometimes it’s best just to get it all out.

When dealing with a progressive lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis or emphysema, the buildup of phlegm can be a constant source of frustration.

Not only can this buildup cause difficulty in regular breathing, but the obstruction of the airways can be a source of aggravation, in the end causing more coughing.

To avoid this, it’s important to clear the lungs as often as they become obstructed.

With your health in mind, here’s How to Clear the Lungs in 5 Easy Steps.

5. Drink Water

It may seem simple, but for 75% of Americans, chronic dehydration may be a constant issue. Your body needs water to function, but your throat needs water to help clear mucus.

Drinking two quarts of water a day can actively mitigate mucus build-up, allowing you to breathe better for longer periods. Aside from clearing out mucus, a glass of water a day has been found to improve moods, reduce headaches and improve energy levels.

So for a healthier, you start your day with a glass of water.

4. Take an Expectorant or Mucolytic

An expectorant is a cough medication that works to loosen existing mucus within your lungs, allowing your cough to be more productive.

On the other hand, a mucolytic is a medicine that works to thin out the mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up.

Although this can be ordered by your doctor, you may be able to find a generic of this drug (such as Robitussin) over the counter.

However, before trying any new medication, always consult your doctor.

3. Cough correctly

Although the idea of a correct way of coughing may seem strange, it’s important to remember that proper breathing can often come down to the effect of posture on the diaphragm.

When coughing, it is best to sit up straight, bend forward slightly and avoid sitting and laying down whenever coughing whenever possible.

As an added tip, it is best to use the “Huff Cough” technique, which entails doing several mini-coughs rather than one big cough.

2. Use Natural Remedies

Traditional medicine may not be everyone’s preference. It can come with specific side effects or simply feel unnatural.

For those who like to avoid traditional medication whenever possible, a variety of natural roots and herbs can be used to promote airway clearance and mucus reduction.

These roots include:

  • Oregano
  • Orange peel
  • Elecampane
  • Eucalyptus peppermint
  • Lungwort
  • Osha Root
  • Chaparral and
  • Lobelia

So feel free to add these natural remedies to your diet after first consulting with your primary doctor or physician.

1. Use a Castor Oil Pack

Castor oil is a vegetable oil made from pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant.

Available over the counter, castor oil is safe for consumption by the FDA and is known to help in various health conditions.

castor oil pack—which can be made easily at home—works wonderfully in drawing toxins out of the body and has been appreciated as a general health tonic for centuries.

When placed on the chest, similar to a vapor rub, castor oil is thought to break up congestion and toxins.

Although the habitual cleaning of one’s lungs is important to daily health and quality of life, if you’re looking to take a more proactive approach to your health, it may be time to consider speaking with your doctor about traditional or alternative treatments.