Mucus plays a vital role in the body. But excess of it can make a person feel uncomfortable and might even disrupt their daily routine. A buildup of mucus results in coughing up phlegm quite often, which can be quite annoying. Its accumulation in the throat can lead to difficulty in swallowing. There are many simple tips to ease these issues. One can incorporate the following home remedies to get rid of excess mucus.

Saltwater gargle
Gargling with salt water is a popular and effective remedy to clear the excess mucus from your throat. To make the solution, add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water. Mix well and suspend the solution in the throat for a few seconds. You can follow this method every two to three hours during the day as necessary.

Use eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that helps loosen the mucus from the chest. You can inhale steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a few minutes to slacken the mucus and cough it out later.

Humidify the air
Dry air can worsen the buildup of mucus. Placing a cool mist humidifier in the room where you mostly spend your time can be beneficial. This will moisten the surrounding air and will help loosen the mucus, making the nose clear and preventing a sore throat.

Drink plenty of water
An easy home remedy to get rid of excess mucus and soothe your respiratory system is to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause the buildup of phlegm in your airways. Hydrating your body with fluids can help thin the mucus and clear your throat.

Have ginger and honey
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can loosen up stubborn mucus. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of honey allow the mucus membranes to heal. Mix a teaspoon of ginger juice with a tablespoon of honey and swallow it slowly. This remedy will open the inflamed airways and expel the excess mucus through cough.

Drink turmeric milk
Turmeric contains curcumin and can be used to get rid of excess mucus in the throat. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm milk and drink it at night to reduce mucus production.

Eat spicy foods
An easy cure for mucus is eating spicy foods. Foods with chili peppers contain capsaicin, which can help loosen the thickened mucus and later expel it through cough.

Drink peppermint tea
This is another easy remedy to reduce throat irritation. The presence of menthol in peppermint can thin the mucus to soothe the throat. Add fresh leaves to boiling water and allow it to steep for five minutes. Strain the tea before drinking and consume it twice daily for better results.

Licorice root
Tea prepared with licorice root is also good for getting rid of phlegm from the throat and reducing throat irritation. It soothes the airways while thinning the mucus, thereby easing congestion from the chest. In a mug put two tablespoons of licorice root and pour boiling water. Let it steep for ten minutes and then drink. You can also make a gargle solution with licorice root.

Have chicken soup
Another helpful remedy for clearing mucus from the throat is chicken soup. It is a comfort food that contains the amino acid cysteine. Hot chicken soup can help thin and expel mucus, providing relief to your throat.

If, however, one continues to experience difficulty in eliminating excess mucus, they should consult with their healthcare provider for appropriate treatment. This issue can sometimes be a result of a serious underlying condition.