Phlegm: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Phlegm, a thick, yellowish or greenish fluid produced by the mucous membranes, is a natural defense mechanism that traps dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles to protect the respiratory system.

However, excessive phlegm production can be a sign of underlying health issues, such as respiratory infections, allergies, or sinusitis, which can lead to coughing, congestion, and difficulty breathing. To alleviate phlegm, herbal remedies like thyme, eucalyptus, and ginger can be used to create teas, tonics, or inhalants. Additionally, expectorants like mullein and elecampane can help loosen and clear phlegm.

When using medicinal herbs, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional and follow proper dosages to avoid interactions or adverse effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of phlegm, 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 phlegm?

The main causes of phlegm are typically related to the body's natural response to infection or irritation in the respiratory tract, which can be triggered by viral or bacterial infections such as the common cold or flu, allergies, asthma, or chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis.

The body's immune system produces excess mucus in an attempt to trap and remove pathogens, which can result in the formation of phlegm. Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollution, smoking, or secondhand smoke, can also contribute to phlegm production by irritating the mucous membranes. Additionally, anatomical abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, can cause chronic nasal congestion and lead to an overproduction of phlegm.

In some cases, hormonal changes or medications, such as those used to treat depression or asthma, can also stimulate the production of excess phlegm.

• Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, can cause phlegm production due to the body's immune response to invading pathogens, which leads to increased mucus secretion as a mechanism to trap and eliminate the infectious agents.
• Allergies: Allergies, particularly those triggered by airborne substances like pollen, dust, and pet dander, can cause phlegm production as the body responds to the perceived threat by increasing mucus secretion to trap and remove the allergen.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause phlegm production due to the irritation of the airways and lungs, leading to chronic inflammation and increased mucus secretion as the body attempts to protect itself from the damage caused by tobacco smoke.
• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and airway constriction, which can cause phlegm production due to the body's attempt to clear excess mucus and debris from the airways.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause phlegm production due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, which can irritate the throat and trigger an increase in mucus secretion.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, particularly those experienced during pregnancy or menstruation, can cause phlegm production due to increased levels of estrogen, which can stimulate mucus glands and lead to increased mucus secretion.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis, an inflammation or infection of the sinuses, can cause phlegm production due to the blockage of the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to increased mucus secretion as the body attempts to clear the blockage.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease, can cause phlegm production due to the chronic inflammation and damage to the airways, leading to increased mucus secretion as the body attempts to protect itself from further damage.
• Cystic Fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder, can cause phlegm production due to the thickening of mucus, leading to a buildup of mucus in the airways and lungs, and increased mucus secretion as the body attempts to clear the blockage.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for phlegm?

The main medicinal herbs used for phlegm are Ephedra sinica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, Echinacea purpurea, Ginkgo biloba, Pulmonaria officinalis, Cinnamomum verum, Pinellia ternata, Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Ephedra sinica's ephedrine increases bronchodilation and reduces mucus production. Glycyrrhiza glabra's glycyrrhizin reduces inflammation and increases the clearance of mucus. Zingiber officinale's gingerols and shogaols have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, promoting the removal of phlegm.

Pinellia ternata's alkaloids, including pinellin and pineline, have anti-spasmodic and expectorant effects, helping to relieve coughs and congestion caused by phlegm.

• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica helps with phlegm by stimulating the body's natural ability to expel mucus through its ephedrine content, which acts as a bronchodilator and helps to ease respiratory congestion.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with phlegm by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and promoting the clearance of mucus through its anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with phlegm by reducing inflammation and congestion through its gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum helps with phlegm by stimulating the expulsion of mucus through its piperine content, which acts as a bronchodilator and helps to ease respiratory congestion.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with phlegm by reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus through its alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, which have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with phlegm by improving respiratory function and reducing inflammation through its flavone glycosides and bilobalide, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Pulmonaria officinalis: Pulmonaria officinalis helps with phlegm by reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus through its glycosides and alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum helps with phlegm by reducing inflammation and congestion through its cinnamaldehyde content, which has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
• Pinellia ternata: Pinellia ternata helps with phlegm by stimulating the expulsion of mucus through its pinellin content, which acts as a bronchodilator and helps to ease respiratory congestion.
• Trigonella foenum-graecum: Trigonella foenum-graecum helps with phlegm by reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus through its flavonoids and saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

What are the main herbal preparations used for phlegm?

The main herbal preparations used for phlegm are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Capsule, Poultice, Elixir, Suppository, Ointment, Lozenge, Gargle.

Decoction involves boiling herbs in water to release active compounds that help dissolve and expel phlegm, making it effective for respiratory issues. Tincture, an alcohol-based extract, is often used to relieve phlegm-related congestion, while Salve, a topical ointment, can be applied to the chest or back to loosen phlegm. Capsules containing powdered herbs like thyme and eucalyptus can be ingested to help reduce phlegm production, while Poultice, a paste applied to the skin, can be used to loosen and bring up phlegm.

Other preparations like Elixir, Suppository, Ointment, Lozenge, and Gargle may also be used to manage phlegm, though their effectiveness is largely anecdotal and requires further study.

• Decoction: A decoction of Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with phlegm by releasing its bioactive compounds, such as glycyrrhizin, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce congestion and alleviate phlegm production.
• Tincture: A tincture of Echinacea purpurea helps with phlegm by delivering its active constituents, including alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, which may stimulate the immune system and reduce the production of mucus and phlegm.
• Salve: A salve of Plantago major helps with phlegm by providing a topical application of its bioactive compounds, including aucubin and allantoin, which may help soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and phlegm production.
• Capsule: A capsule of Althaea officinalis helps with phlegm by delivering its mucilaginous compounds, including polysaccharides and flavonoids, which may help soothe and protect the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and phlegm production.
• Poultice: A poultice of Ipecacuanha (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) helps with phlegm by applying its emetic properties topically, which may help stimulate the body to expel phlegm and other respiratory secretions through coughing and expectoration.
• Elixir: An elixir of Zingiber officinale helps with phlegm by delivering its bioactive compounds, including gingerols and shogaols, which may help reduce inflammation and alleviate congestion, making it easier to expel phlegm and other respiratory secretions.
• Suppository: A suppository of Boswellia serrata helps with phlegm by providing a direct application of its bioactive compounds, including boswellic acids, which may help reduce inflammation and alleviate congestion, making it easier to expel phlegm and other respiratory secretions.
• Ointment: An ointment of Calendula officinalis helps with phlegm by providing a topical application of its bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids and flavonoids, which may help soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and phlegm production.
• Lozenge: A lozenge of Thymus serpyllum helps with phlegm by providing a direct application of its bioactive compounds, including thymol and carvacrol, which may help soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and phlegm production.
• Gargle: A gargle of Alum (Alumen) helps with phlegm by providing a direct application of its astringent properties, which may help reduce inflammation and alleviate congestion, making it easier to expel phlegm and other respiratory secretions from the throat and respiratory tract.