Although claims that ginger directly “removes mucus from the lungs” go beyond what current evidence can establish, a warm ginger drink can provide fluids and may feel soothing on an irritated throat.
Easy Ginger Tea
You’ll need:
Several thin slices of fresh ginger
1–2 cups of water
Honey, if desired
A little lemon, if desired
Simmer the ginger in water for several minutes, allow it to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature, and add honey or lemon if you like.
Think of ginger tea as a comforting warm drink, not a treatment for the underlying cause of chest congestion.
- Gargle With Warm Salt Water
If mucus and irritation are concentrated around your throat, a salt-water gargle may provide temporary relief.
Mayo Clinic recommends dissolving approximately ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass
- of warm water to soothea sore throat.
Gargle the solution and spit it out rather than swallowing it.
