It is common to experience a heightened production of mucous during a cold or flu. Unfortunately it’s also common to immediately reach for some type of over-the-counter medicine to deal with this “problem”. However, mucous is actually an important part of the immune system response. 

Paul Bergner relates that: 

“Because it contains antibodies to each organism that has ever attacked the body, mucous is a personally tailored, genetically engineered antibiotic paste that will wash away or kill infectious organisms.”

Healthy mucous production includes clear thin liquid that flows freely. In the beginning stages of the cold or flu it’s best to support this flow by drinking liquids and supporting the body with expectorant herbs. 

When mucous becomes thick and congested it is no longer health promoting and we can then use a variety of herbs and administrations for loosening this thick material and help to rid it from the body. 

Bergner gives three stages of mucous production: 

Acute: In the acute stage, the immune system produces an abundance of clear flowing liquid that is full of antibodies that will help protect mucous membranes from pathogens. 

Remedy: During this stage expectorant herbs can be useful as well as staying hydrated. It’s important to avoid astringent herbs and over-the-counter decongestants during this phase. 

Subacute: The mucous is no longer free flowing in this stage but instead becomes congested and thick. 

Remedy: The continued use of expectorants and hydration is important. Avoiding astringents.  

Chronic: Chronic congestion is the case with chronic sinus infections. These chronic issues can lead to ulceration and scarring as well as secondary infections. 

Remedy: Continue to support the flow of mucous by using expectorants and hydration: tonify the mucous membranes.  

STIMULATING EXPECTORANT HERBS 

These herbs should be used only when mucous is present. They are considered to be highly drying and can exacerbate an already dry environment.  

Garlic (Allium sativum) 

 

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) 

DEMULCENT HERBS

These herbs help to moisten the mucous membranes and are typically prepared as a cold infusion. 

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Elm (Ulmus spp.) 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 

Peppermint

Strong peppermint tea can open nasal passages. Use a ¼ cup of herb to one pint of just boiled water and let sit for at least half an hour. 

Chamomile Steam

I think this is the first remedy I ever learned from the Gallagher family at www.learningherbs.com and it’s one that I use often. Besides being useful for congestion it can also be used to clear the complexion. 

To make the steam, boil some water in a pan, remove from heat and place on a table. Put a handful (several tea bags) in the water and lean over the pan with a towel over your head. Be careful as the steam is very hot. Inhale deeply. Continue for five to ten minutes taking breaks if necessary. You can also add aromatic essential oils to this mix like eucalyptus and pine. 

Fire Cider

This is a great herbal kick for keeping bugs at bay or for lessening symptoms once ill. I especially like fire cider for nasal congestion. You’ve probably heard the saying that wood can warm you twice, once when you gather and chop it and then again when you burn it. Well, the same stands true for fire cider. It’ll clear congestion once when you chop it and again when you drink it. You may find that you want to make this potent sinus clearing vinegar outdoors or where there is good ventilation  – the horseradish can be especially powerful. 

Fill a mason jar with 

1 part minced garlic

1 part grated horseradish (let it sit for three minutes in a bowl before  adding it to the mix.) 

1 part grated ginger (no need to peel)

1 part minced onion 

1 dried cayenne pepper

Cover with organic apple cider vinegar and let sit for 4-6 weeks. Strain off and take by the tablespoon full as a daily tonic or when you feel a cold coming on. Some people take more of this at one time but take it slowly, as it can be quite potent. 

Garlic Oil

A quick and effective remedy using ingredients you probably always have on hand. To make garlic oil mince up five cloves of garlic and add just enough olive oil to cover. Let this sit for several hours before using or, if in a hurry, heat very gently for at least a half hour. Just before bedtime strain off the garlic (it can be irritating) and slather the remaining oil on the bottoms of the feet and place old socks on the feet. The congestion and sickness should be remarkably better by morning. This can also be used as a chest poultice. 

Sinusitis: 

For an in-depth look at sinusitis I highly recommend Jim Mcdonald’s article on the subject. It can be found at: http://www.herbcraft.org/survivingsinusitis.html 

Chest Poultices

Chest poultices are an old time remedy that deserves a comeback. A variety of herbs can be used in this method to loosen phlegm in the lungs and relieve congestion. A generic description is to cover half the length of a cheesecloth (or an old t-shirt cut to the appropriate size depending on the chest) with the warmed herbal concoction, fold the other half over to cover the mixture, and then place the poultice on the chest. To help maintain the warmth of the poultice you can place a hot water bottle and then a towel over the poultice. 

Garlic Poultice
Gently warm minced garlic and olive oil as described above. You can add flour to thicken up the mixture if desired. Garlic can burn sensitive skin so be sure to add a barrier between the mixture and skin and check under the poultice often. Remove if the patient has any burning sensations or other discomfort. 

Onion Poultice

Cut up an onion and sauté on medium heat with a generous amount of olive oil. Once the onion has become translucent add a cup of apple cider vinegar, simmer for two minutes and then add flour to thicken the mixture.