Mucus In Throat: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Mucus in the throat, also known as phlegm or postnasal drip, is a thick, protective fluid produced by the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract to trap dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles.

Excess mucus in the throat can be caused by allergies, colds, flu, sinus infections, or irritants like smoke and pollution. If left untreated, it can lead to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory problems. To alleviate mucus in the throat, try herbal remedies such as thyme, eucalyptus, and slippery elm, which can be consumed as teas, tinctures, or added to warm liquids.

However, consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have underlying health conditions or allergies, and follow recommended dosages to avoid interactions or adverse effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of mucus in throat, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of mucus in throat?

The main causes of mucus in throat are a combination of viral and bacterial infections, allergies, and environmental factors.

Respiratory viruses such as the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 can cause an overproduction of mucus in the throat. Bacterial infections like strep throat and sinusitis can also lead to mucus accumulation. Allergies, particularly those triggered by pollen, dust, and pet dander, can cause the body to produce excess mucus as a response to the perceived threat.

Furthermore, exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, pollution, and dry air can also contribute to mucus production in the throat.

• Upper Respiratory Infection: Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, cause inflammation in the airways, leading to the production of excess mucus in the throat as the body attempts to trap and eliminate pathogens.
• Allergies: Allergies trigger the release of histamine, which increases mucus production in the nasal passages and throat, causing excess mucus to accumulate in the throat due to the body's immune response.
• Postnasal Drip: Postnasal drip, also known as pharyngitis, occurs when mucus from the nasal passages flows down the back of the throat, causing irritation and excess mucus production in the throat as a result of the body's attempt to clear the mucus.
• Acid Reflux: Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), causes stomach acid to flow up into the throat, irritating the tissues and causing excess mucus production in the throat as a response to the acid irritation.
• Dry Air: Dry air, often associated with air conditioning or heating systems, dries out the mucous membranes in the throat, leading to irritation and excess mucus production as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of moisture.
• Irritants: Inhaled irritants, such as smoke or pollution, damage the mucous membranes in the throat, causing inflammation and excess mucus production as the body attempts to repair the damaged tissues.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can cause changes in the body's immune response, leading to increased mucus production in the throat as a result of the hormonal fluctuations.
• Anatomical Issues: Anatomical issues, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, can cause mucus to accumulate in the nasal passages and flow down into the throat, leading to excess mucus production in the throat due to the obstruction of normal mucus drainage.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Gastrointestinal issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, can cause inflammation in the body, leading to increased mucus production in the throat as a result of the systemic inflammation.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as sedatives or antihistamines, can cause dryness in the mucous membranes, leading to irritation and excess mucus production in the throat as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of moisture.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for mucus in throat?

The main medicinal herbs used for mucus in throat are Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Thymus vulgaris, Mentha x piperita, Sambucus nigra, Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis.

Eucalyptus globulus contains cineole which helps to break down and clear mucus through its expectorant properties and anti-inflammatory actions. Echinacea purpurea has immunomodulatory effects which enhance the body's natural defense against infections that cause mucus production. Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties that soothe the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation, while Zingiber officinale has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects that help to relieve coughs and congestion.

The essential oils of Thymus vulgaris, Mentha x piperita, Sambucus nigra, Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona officinalis, and Rosmarinus officinalis possess expectorant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help to thin and clear mucus from the respiratory tract.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with mucus in throat due to its expectorant properties, which are attributed to the presence of eucalyptol, a compound that thins and loosens mucus, making it easier to expel.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with mucus in throat by stimulating the immune system, which in turn reduces inflammation and promotes the clearance of mucus, thereby alleviating respiratory symptoms.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with mucus in throat due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling in the throat and alleviate congestion, making it easier to breathe and expel mucus.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with mucus in throat due to its anti-inflammatory properties and warming effects, which help to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to expel, and also alleviate congestion and reduce swelling in the throat.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris helps with mucus in throat due to its antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the severity of respiratory infections that contribute to mucus buildup in the throat.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with mucus in throat due to its expectorant properties, which are attributed to the presence of menthol, a compound that thins and loosens mucus, making it easier to expel.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra helps with mucus in throat by stimulating the immune system, which in turn reduces inflammation and promotes the clearance of mucus, thereby alleviating respiratory symptoms.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly help with mucus in throat, but its anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate congestion and reduce swelling in the throat.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis helps with mucus in throat due to its expectorant properties, which are attributed to the presence of quinine, a compound that thins and loosens mucus, making it easier to expel.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis helps with mucus in throat due to its expectorant properties, which are attributed to the presence of camphor, a compound that thins and loosens mucus, making it easier to expel.

What are the main herbal preparations used for mucus in throat?

The main herbal preparations used for mucus in throat are Decoction, Lozenges, Capsules, Tincture, Gargle, Salve, Tea, Poultice, Ointment, Elixir.

Decoction involves boiling roots or stems in water to release expectorant properties from herbs such as thyme, eucalyptus, and ginger, helping to loosen and clear mucus. Lozenges made from herbs like slippery elm and licorice root provide a soothing coating to the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort. Capsules or tinctures containing herbs like wild indigo and yarrow may be used to support immune function and reduce mucus production.

Herbal preparations like tea, poultice, salve, ointment, and elixir can also be used to treat mucus in the throat, with ingredients such as turmeric, cayenne pepper, and marshmallow root providing anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

• Decoction: A decoction of Echinacea purpurea helps with mucus in the throat by stimulating the immune system to fight off infections and reduce inflammation.
• Lozenges: Lozenges made from the resin of Commiphora molmol help with mucus in the throat by providing antibacterial properties to soothe and protect the mucous membranes.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra help with mucus in the throat by reducing inflammation and promoting the drainage of mucus due to its expectorant properties.
• Tincture: A tincture of Thymus vulgaris helps with mucus in the throat by releasing its antimicrobial compounds to combat bacterial and viral infections that can cause excessive mucus production.
• Gargle: Gargling with a solution of Eucalyptus globulus helps with mucus in the throat by releasing its decongestant properties to reduce congestion and promote the clearance of mucus.
• Salve: Applying a salve made from the extract of Plantago major to the throat helps with mucus by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of irritated tissues.
• Tea: Drinking a tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis helps with mucus in the throat by releasing its antiviral properties to fight off infections and reduce inflammation.
• Poultice: Applying a poultice made from the roots of Asarum europaeum to the throat helps with mucus by releasing its expectorant properties to promote the drainage of mucus and reduce congestion.
• Ointment: Applying an ointment made from the extract of Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) to the throat helps with mucus by providing antibacterial properties to soothe and protect the mucous membranes.
• Elixir: Drinking an elixir made from the extract of Gelsemium sempervirens helps with mucus in the throat by releasing its antiviral properties to fight off infections and reduce inflammation.