Mucus and cough are two of the most common symptoms of colds and flu, quite frequent at this time of the year. To stop them, we can seek the natural help of medicinal plants with expectorant and mucolytic properties.
Mucus is a viscous fluid generated by the epithelial cells of our respiratory
system. They are made up of 96% water and 4% proteins, such as mucin, which gives
it consistency, and others with a defensive function (lactoferrin, lysozyme or immunoglobulins
A and G, among others) and minerals (sodium, potassium, etc.).
Generally, mucus is not an alarm signal. They are a mere indication that our
immune system is working.
It has several important functions:
- Mucus is our ally. Its mission is to act as
a defensive barrier for our bodies.
- Thanks to its sticky consistency, it traps strange
elements (viruses, bacteria and particles) that get into the nose and helps
them get out.
- Mucus keeps the mucous membranes moist.
The adult population produces an average of 1 liter of mucus a day, which is
usually expelled by blowing our noses and sneezing. As our nasal cavities are
connected with the throat, mucus is also blended with saliva and swallowed,
being destroyed in our stomach. Another part is not expelled and is retained in
the nose, where it is dried.
To face an external attack (bacteria, virus or other infectious agents, some
medicines or diseases), our body reacts by producing more mucus in order to
protect itself. When mucus production increases, it causes nasal congestion and
sometimes a sore throat. In addition, the increased viscosity of mucus makes it harder
for our body to eliminate it and it tries to do so with coughing and expectoration.
Mucus itself is not damaging if we keep our airways clear. However, we have
to be careful if they are simultaneous with other symptoms: difficulty breathing,
fever, or if mucus lasts more than 10 days without any sign of improvement.
TIPS TO ELIMINATE MUCOUS EXCESS
- KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED The abundant liquid intake (water and natural juices)
keeps the respiratory mucous hydrated, protects it against infections,
and helps to dissolve mucus. Infusions made of medicinal plants with chest
action, such as thyme, marjoram, poppy and mallow, are a good way to
provide these liquids. If they are sweetened with honey, we also add the balsamic,
soothing and antitussive effects of this product.
- CONTROL THE HUMIDITY OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT Excessive heating dries up the environment
and, consequently, respiratory mucous. This is why it is important to place
a container with water in our bedroom to maintain suitable humidity. We
can also add plants with respiratory balsamic antiseptic action, such as
eucalyptus or thyme.
- A HEALTHY AND WELL-BALANCED DIET, rich in vitamins and minerals, is truly
important in the maintenance of the respiratory and immune systems in good
conditions.
- AVOID ABRUPT TEMPERATURE CHANGES, as well as places with scarce air circulation, dust,
etc.
- DO NASAL IRRIGATIONS Bend your body to the front and your head slightly
to one side. Breathe slowly with your mouth and pour physiological saline
solution or sea water in one nasal cavity, so that the saline solution can
get out of the other one. Repeat this process for the other side. After
that, blow your nose soothingly.
NATURAL AIDS FOR YOUR RESPIRATORY HEALTH
For respiratory system disorders, you can use multiple medicinal plants and
natural aids that stand out for their antitussive, expectorant, antiseptic and
bronchodilator actions. Among those that help in cases of mucous, you can find:
- Mullein (Verbascum
thapsus L.): The chest virtues of this plant were already known
in ancient Greece by Hippocrates and Dioscorides. It contains mucilages,
which provide it with an emollient action (it softens the tissues),
saponins that enhance expectoration, and flavonoids that give it an
anti-inflammatory effect.
- Thyme (Thymus
vulgaris L): This aromatic plant contains essential oil, which is
responsible for the majority of its effects: relaxing on the airway musculature,
respiratory antiseptic and cough calming.
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus
globulus L.): It is one of the most effective plants known to
treat respiratory disorders. It has respiratory antiseptic, balsamic and
expectorant properties, facilitating the ejection of mucus and soothing coughs.
- Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata): Due to its outstanding
emollient and soothing action, it has a calming effect on the respiratory
mucous, relieving throat inflammation. It also has anti-allergic action.
- Propolis: This
substance, made by bees, has multiple preventive and therapeutic
properties. It is an antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic, healing, anti-inflammatory,
immunostimulant, slightly analgesic, antioxidant and revitalizing.
