How to Clean Your Throat

This article provides several methods to alleviate throat discomfort caused by blockages from mucus and phlegm. It offers guidance on the proper use of medications, household ingredients, and certain foods and beverages to help you breathe and eat more easily.

Use Mouthwash. Regularly rinsing with mouthwash helps to clean the back of the throat, prevent bad breath, and reduce the risk of various oral health issues.

• Mouthwash contains antibacterial agents that can help prevent oral diseases. Fluoride helps reduce tooth decay, while the flavoring in mouthwash can freshen breath.
• There are some mouthwashes on the market that are more like a cosmetic product, meaning they only temporarily mask bad breath rather than eliminating harmful bacteria. Make sure the mouthwash you buy has actual cleaning and therapeutic properties for your mouth and throat, not just a breath-freshening effect.
• Be sure to follow the usage instructions on the packaging. Most mouthwashes recommend swishing and gargling for a few seconds before spitting and then rinsing your mouth with clean water.

Taking Care of Your Tonsils. The tonsils are a small system of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the throat, often responsible for infections and bad breath. Some people have had their tonsils removed through a minor surgery, while others keep them as they help prevent the buildup of bacteria. Occasionally, tonsil stones form from leftover food and mucus accumulating in the folds of the tonsil tissue, causing bad breath. They can make you feel nauseous and the urge to constantly clear your throat.

• If you're struggling with tonsil stones, you can use a water jet device (available at pharmacies) to flush the stones out. These devices are similar in design to those used for ear and nose treatments. They consist of a rubber syringe that releases water and medication to the back of the throat to remove harmful stones. Be sure not to apply too much pressure, as it could irritate the area and cause bleeding.
• You can also buy tonsil sprays at most pharmacies. These sprays contain medication for treating tonsil issues and help eliminate stones while also preventing tooth decay.
• If your tonsil stones are growing and causing discomfort, consider taking probiotics to inhibit their growth. However, always consult with a doctor before starting any new medication.
• If you are unable to remove the tonsil stones on your own and they are causing severe issues, make an appointment with a doctor.

Brush Your Tongue. Spend a few extra minutes brushing your tongue with your toothbrush after your regular daily brushing routine. This not only cleans your teeth but also helps clean the throat and mouth while preventing bad breath caused by bacteria.

Try Medications for Immediate Relief. To clear phlegm and mucus from your throat quickly, over-the-counter medications can be a helpful solution.

• OTC (over-the-counter) medications labeled as ‘expectorants’ can help clear mucus and phlegm from the throat and chest. Some popular expectorant brands include Mucinex, which often contains Guaifenesin.
• Always check the side effects of any new medication. Many expectorants can cause drowsiness, and some carry warnings advising against driving after use.
• Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using a new medication to ensure it is safe for you and won't interact with any other medications you are currently taking.
• If OTC medications do not resolve the problem, see your doctor. If necessary, you may be referred to an ENT specialist for a proper diagnosis and prescription treatments that can help eliminate excessive mucus and phlegm in your throat.

Use Saline Solution to Cleanse Nasal Mucus. Use diluted saline or saline solution in your nose to help clear your throat, relieve nasal congestion, and remove mucus within a short period. You can buy saline solution at the pharmacy or make it at home.

• Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of distilled water at room temperature. If you’re using tap water, boil it first to sterilize and then let it cool.
• Dissolve the baking soda and salt in the water.
• Use a rubber syringe, which can be found at some pharmacies. You may need to use one designed for ear or medical syringes without needles to squirt the saline solution into your nose, allowing it to reach the back of your throat. Once the solution enters your throat, spit it out into a sink.
• Don't worry if you accidentally swallow the solution; it is harmless to your body.
• This method not only helps clear the nasal passages but also reduces the buildup of phlegm in the throat. Repeat if the condition does not improve.
• Make sure to sterilize the syringe after each use by washing it with soap and water. Replace the saline solution after a few days.

Try using a mixture of honey and lemon. Both honey and lemon have antibacterial properties, helping to soothe the throat and eliminate mucus, phlegm, and other bacteria.

• Mix equal parts honey and lemon juice (1:1 ratio).
• Take a teaspoon of this mixture directly. If it's too sweet for some people, you can add it to tea, coffee, or even a cup of hot water for easier consumption.
• Do not give honey to children under one year old, as it may contain bacteria that can cause severe infections in infants.

Use eucalyptus essential oil. You can massage eucalyptus oil on your body to help relieve congestion and clear your throat.

• Eucalyptus oil is readily available at most drugstores, supermarkets, and health food stores. Note that it should only be applied externally and should not be ingested. Always dilute it in a carrier oil before use. Some common carrier oils include coconut oil, olive oil, or canola oil.
• Gently massage the eucalyptus oil into your chest and throat, leaving it for a few hours to help loosen phlegm and improve airflow.

Ginger and garlic. Fresh ginger and garlic are highly effective in clearing the throat and improving circulation.

• Both ginger and garlic have antibacterial properties, making them excellent for treating infections that cause phlegm and mucus. Garlic can destroy various types of bacteria found in phlegm.
• To get the best results, consume raw ginger and garlic. If it's too difficult to eat them raw, finely chop them and consume like a medicine.

Drink herbal teas. Herbal teas are excellent for relieving throat discomfort caused by phlegm. The best herbal teas include green tea, ginger tea, chamomile tea, and green tea. It's recommended to choose caffeine-free teas for optimal results.

• Herbal teas help dissolve mucus stuck in the throat, clear nasal passages, and clean the throat.

Consuming Spicy Foods. This method should be used with caution, as spicy foods can irritate an already problematic throat. The idea behind this approach is to use spicy foods to loosen mucus from the throat, allowing it to be easily expelled through coughing or nose blowing. Hot sauce, pepper, mustard, and horseradish are typical spices used in this method. However, it’s advisable to avoid this approach if you've experienced issues like acid reflux in the past.

Avoid Certain Foods. It's important to refrain from consuming specific foods when dealing with a blocked throat, as they could worsen the situation.

• Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk can cause your body to produce more mucus. Foods that are high in salt and fat should also be avoided.
• Refined sugar and artificial sweeteners can irritate the throat, worsening the issue. It's best to avoid these while trying to clear your throat.
• Soy-based products like tofu and soy milk may also contribute to mucus buildup. Therefore, it's not recommended to substitute soy products for milk and cheese during throat cleansing.

Drink Plenty of Water. Staying hydrated can help loosen mucus, making it easier to clear out.

• Try to drink around 8 cups of water each day. You’ll need more when you have a cold, as your body will produce extra mucus during this time.
• Water keeps your throat lubricated, reducing the production of mucus. Instead of other drinks, prioritize water during meals and always keep a water bottle nearby to sip regularly while at work or relaxing at home.

Avoid Smoking. Smoking not only leads to other health issues but is particularly harmful to the throat. The consequences of smoking extend beyond irritating the vocal cords, as it also increases the risk of infections, leading to colds and flu, and a higher production of mucus. Quitting smoking is essential if you want to cleanse your throat and plan for long-term health improvements.

Consume Alcohol and Carbonated Beverages in Moderation. It's best to limit alcoholic and carbonated drinks when your throat is congested with mucus.

• Carbonated beverages, including sparkling water, can irritate the throat and lead to increased mucus production.
• Alcohol not only stimulates the body to produce more mucus but also weakens the immune system, prolonging the duration of colds or flu, which means it will take longer for your throat to heal.