Mouth rinses may contain antimicrobial agents to prevent disease, fluoride that reduces tooth decay, and odor neutralizers to combat bad breath. Some mouth rinses are merely cosmetic, meaning they seek to eliminate bad breath temporarily but do not have the bacteria fighting powers of stronger brands. Make sure you purchase a mouth rinse that is therapeutic and designed to clean your mouth and throat in addition to eliminating bad breath. Mouth rinses will come with instructions on how to use them. Most of them require you to swish or gargle the liquid for a number of seconds before spitting it into the sink and rinsing out your mouth with water.
If you’re having trouble with tonsil stones, you may need to regularly irrigate your tonsils, using an irrigation system you can purchase at a drug store. Tonsil irrigation systems work somewhat like nasal or ear irrigation systems do, in that a rubber syringe is used to spray water and some kind of medication in the back of the throat to remove unwanted debris. Make sure you don’t use too much pressure or force, or you could irritate your tonsils or cause bleeding. [3] X Research source You can also buy tonsil sprays at most drug stores. These are medicated sprays you use on the back of your throat to clean out your tonsils and prevent decay. If you aren’t able to remove tonsil stones on your own, or they pose a serious problem for you, see your doctor.
OTC medications labeled as “expectorants” are designed to clear mucus and phlegm from the throat and chest. These include brand names like Mucinex or generic medications like guaifenesin. [5] X Research source Always check the side effects of any new medications you’re taking. Many expectorants cause drowsiness and sometimes medication labels might even advise you not operate a motor vehicle while taking the medication. [6] X Research source You should always consult your physician when taking any new medications, even over the counter meds, to make sure they’re safe for you given your medical history and any current medication you’re taking. [7] X Research source If over the counter medications do not help, see your physician. If she thinks it’s necessary, she may refer you to an Ears, Nose, and Throat Specialist to help find you a prescription medication to clear out your throat.
Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of distilled water at room temperature. If you have to use tap water, boil it first to sterilize it and then let it cool down. Dissolve the baking soda and salt into the water. You will need some kind of rubber syringe. You can use an ear syringe or a medical syringe with no needle. Squirt the solution into your nose and let it run into the back of your throat. Spit it out into the sink. Do not be concerned if you accidentally swallow some of the solution. It will not hurt you. This should help clear your nasal pathways, which will reduce the buildup of phlegm in your throat. Repeat as symptoms persist. Make sure to keep the syringe sterile by washing it with soap and water after using it. Replace your saline solution every few days.
Combine honey and lemon juice in equal properties and mix thoroughly. [9] X Research source You can take a spoonful of the mixture pure, but many people find the taste too sweet. If that’s the case, adding it to your tea, coffee, or even just to a cup of hot water can help it go down easier. [10] X Research source Don’t give honey to children under 1 year old. It can contain botulism spores that can cause a serious infection in infants. [11] X Research source
You can buy eucalyptus oil from most drug stores, supermarkets, and health food shops. Remember, it’s only for applying to the skin and should never be taken orally. Always dilute eucalyptus oil in a carrier oil first, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or canola oil. [12] X Research source You can gently massage eucalyptus oil into your chest to and neck and leave on for a few hours to relieve congestion. This may result in your throat clearing up. [13] X Research source
Ginger and garlic both have antibacterial properties that can help clear out infections that lead the phlegm and mucus in the throat. Phlegm itself contains a variety of bacteria that garlic can destroy. [14] X Research source You should consume ginger and garlic uncooked for the best results. If the idea of chewing whole bits of garlic or ginger puts you off, you can always mince both and take with water like a pill.
Herbal tea can melt away mucus in the throat, decongesting you and cleaning out your throat. [16] X Research source
Refined sugars and other artificial sweeteners can irritate the throat and make problems worse. They should be avoided while you’re trying to clean your throat. [18] X Research source Soy products, like tofu and soy milk, can also increase the production of phlegm. Therefore, you should not substitute milk and cheese with soy alternatives while trying to clean out your throat. [19] X Research source
Aim for about 8 glasses of water a day, although if you’re sick with a cold you may need to drink slightly more than this as you’ll be producing more mucus. [20] X Research source Water keeps your throat lubricated, which reduces phlegm production. Drink water with meals instead of other beverages and have a bottle of water nearby while you’re at work or relaxing at home and sip on it periodically. [21] X Research source
Carbonated beverages, even carbonated waters, can irritate the throat and create unnecessary phlegm. [23] X Research source Alcohol not only irritates existing phlegm, it lowers the immune system which can prolong your cold or flu, meaning your throat will take longer to clear out. [24] X Research source
