excess phlegmMany people experience excess phlegm during the fall season because the energy is peaking in the lung meridian during the fall according to TCM. Did you know that excess phlegm is linked to a weak spleen meridian? This means the energy in the spleen meridian is not sufficient enough to eliminate waste effectively in the body. This in turn affects your digestion and lung function because the lung meridian is associated with the large intestine meridian and the spleen meridian is part of your digestive system.

There are different types of phlegm

White Phlegm

The most common conditions that lead to the formation of white phlegm include viral bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and congestive heart failure.

Brown Phlegm

Brown phlegm is usually caused by pneumonia and bronchitis.

Red or Pink Phlegm
The pink or red phlegm is due to the blood in it, the main cause is infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and even lung cancer.

Black Phlegm

Black phlegm is commonly caused by smoking or fungal infection caused by a black yeast called Exophialadermatitidis.

licorice rootHow to get rid of excess phlegm easily and boost your digestive system at the same time?

First, let’s talk about licorice root, it is an ancient herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been used in many herbal blends to treat various health issues in TCM. Licorice root has anti-viral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. The active ingredient glycyrrhizic acid in licorice root helps treat a cough, sore throat, asthma, etc. Licorice root is also a great herbal remedy to treat digestive disorders, such as stomach ulcers, gastritis, and other digestive-related issues due to its anti-inflammatory properties. One of the great aspects of licorice root that most people are not aware of is its detoxification power, it helps detoxify the liver and other organs and protects the liver from toxins and viruses overload. It helps reduce excessive phlegm, soothes coughs, and keeps your lung back on track fast. It also enhances your digestive function.

There is a magical spot on your leg that can help get rid of phlegm. It is called Fenglong acupoint. Where is it located? It is on the anterior of the leg midway between the crease of the knee and the tip of the lateral malleolus, 2 Cun lateral of the tibia.

get rid of phlegmHow does it work? Grind some licorice root and apply 1 tsp. to the Fenglongacupoint, use a bandage to hold the licorice root in place, after 12 hours, take it off and rest for 12 hours, then apply it again. One treatment cycle is 5-7 days. Licorice root helps reduce phlegm.

Fenglongacupoint is in the stomach meridian and it is known to get rid of phlegm. This combination works wonders.

Here are more remedies to get rid of excess phlegm.

honey and lemon

Raw Honey and Lemon

This powerful combination is very effective in the treatment of respiratory problems due to its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of raw honey
2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Direction:
Mix two ingredients in a bowl and consume it three times a day.

Cayenne and honeyCayenne Pepper and Raw Honey

Cayenne pepper provides immediate relief from the congestion caused by phlegm buildup due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne pepper also helps enhance your digestion.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of water

Instruction:
Mix cayenne pepper powder with water and add honey to this. Consume this solution twice daily.

Inhalation

Inhalation infused with eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil is a great way to reduce phlegm. Eucalyptus contains expectorant and antiseptic properties, which help relieve nasal congestion.One of peppermint oil’s main components is menthol, a natural expectorant with antispasmodic properties. Some people may be sensitive to these essential oils. If you notice your symptoms worsening with this inhalation, try other solutions. You could mix 5 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil with 1 liter (about 4 cups) of boiling water and inhale the vapor as deeply as possible for 10 minutes. You can repeat this 2 to 3 times per day.

Gargling
Gargling with sea salt water helps to clear your throat and reduce phlegm.It is a common remedy to relieve upper respiratory infections including a cold and flu, which can lead to phlegm buildup. Add 2-3 teaspoons of sea salt to a warm glass of water. Take a sip of salt water and gargle for a few seconds. Spit out the water afterward, and repeat a few times a day. This also helps relieve sore throat.

How to prevent excess phlegm buildup?

Prevention is the key. The body needs to keep hydrated to keep the mucus thin; warm water can help the mucus flow. Avoid intake of dairy products, meat, and fried foods, all of which are known to increase mucus production. It is also important to limit your exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, paint, or other chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction and increase the phlegm in your body.

You also need to strengthen your spleen meridian to eliminate excess phlegm in the first place. Here are some tips to boost the energy flow in your spleen meridian.

spicy foodFrom a dietary perspective, to get rid of excess phlegm, add turmeric, ginger, garlic, pepper, onion, honey, and pineapple to your diet. Ginger is rich in various polyphenols and flavonoids that are antibacterial, antiviral, and antispasmodic. These can help fight infections and prevent congestion. Regular intake of ginger also helps thelung muscles and enhances your digestion. Garlic contains a compound called allicin as a natural expectorant to help break down phlegm buildup, garlic also possesses microbial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties to fight against infections that may cause your respiratory glands to produce more phlegm.Curcumin in turmeric is a natural antiseptic and exhibits antimicrobial properties against various fungi, bacteria, and viruses. It helps clear the congested airways by loosening the phlegm accumulation in your chest and throat. Honey is another natural remedy that can help reduce excessive phlegm buildup due to its expectorant properties. Onions contain quercetin,which relieves allergies and fights against respiratory infections. Quercetin can help prevent the accumulation of phlegm and mucus in your respiratory tract. Pineapples are packed with vitamins A and C. Vitamin C can relieve symptoms of cold and cough, which helps clear congestion caused by excessive phlegm production. Pineapples are also a rich source of an enzyme called bromelain that possesses anti-inflammatory properties and strengthens digestion. Spicy foods function as natural decongestants, which can thin the mucus and make it easier to remove phlegm. A healthy diet is a must to strengthen your immunity.

Here are more natural remedies to relieve a cough.

What do you think? Please share your favorite healing tips with us.

I hope you enjoy the information, I offer a variety of healing modalities to improve your health holistically and naturally, please check my services here.

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About the author: Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu

As a Holistic Health Practitioner, Registered Dietitian, TCM Practitioner, Energy Healer, Master Hypnotist, Reiki Master, Advanced Theta Healing Practitioner, Author and Speaker, Lucy Liu, the founder of optimalhealthsolutions.ca, has gained a good reputation in holistic health after many years of serving patients and clients as a holistic health practitioner. Lucy has developed a unique and comprehensive approach, which combines Western Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Energy Medicine, and Alternative Medicine together, to help others achieve optimal health by creating harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, and maintain long-term success for healthy lifestyle changes.
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