Mucus is something all of us should have in our body, but what exactly is mucus? Technically, mucus is a gelatinous substance that lines the sinuses, mouth, throat, and lungs. It is sometimes called “snot.”
A little mucus lining these membranes is a good thing because its function is to ensure the linings of these membranes don’t get dried out and it even contains antibodies that help eliminate bacteria that can lead to trouble.
When we have the right amount of mucus in our body, it can be our first line of defense against invaders. The downside to mucus is when we have too much. Too much mucus isn’t just uncomfortable, it can lead to a thicker substance called phlegm.
This clogs the airways and can result in serious respiratory issues and nasal congestion. When this congestion is allowed to persist in the body, it can result in infections of the sinuses, lungs, and airways.
There are several reasons why one may experience excess mucus in the airways, but some of the most common include allergies and viral illness. Allergies occur when the airways encounter foreign invaders like pollen.
In an attempt to combat these invaders, the body sends histamines and other substances to the airways to attack. This results in excess mucus and inflammation.
Compromised body immunity such as those with viral illnesses, especially upper respiratory viruses, causes excess mucus, as the immune system attempts to fight off the virus in this area of the body.
Sea moss has long been used to help rid the body of mucus, dissolve phlegm, and lower inflammation in the body. Sea moss also possesses immune-supporting properties, so it is doubly useful for ridding the body of mucus and boosting immunity.
Due to these abilities, sea moss is a formidable adversary against numerous respiratory issues ranging from excess mucus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to asthma and severe congestion.
In this article, you will learn more about the benefits of sea moss as it pertains to excess mucous and respiratory health, as well as how to use sea moss to help with various respiratory issues ranging from congestion to lung problems.
Does Sea Moss dissolve mucus?
Sea moss is a natural mucus expectorant, that expels mucus, detoxifies and cleanses the body.
Sea moss can help dissolve mucus. This is because sea moss contains potassium iodide. Potassium iodide has been shown to help dissolve stubborn phlegm and catarrh as well as relieve the discomfort that excess mucus brings.
Potassium iodide also helps unblock airways and prevent phlegm buildup in the airways. In addition, it has been shown to reduce the severity of viral diseases in the airways. As a result, sea moss can help dissolve and expel mucus as well as kill microbes and viruses.
Sea moss also has mucilage properties which help soothe irritated tissues and mucus membranes to provide relief from pain and inflammation in the throat and airways.
Sea moss is also a good source of necessary nutrients, including 92 minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit immune health to keep excess mucus at bay. Sea moss also contains vitamins like vitamin D, B6, and Vitamin C are a few vitamins found in sea moss that benefit immune and lung health.
Minerals in sea moss like magnesium are great for removing excess mucus as well. These are some of the top reasons sea moss has been used historically as a natural decongestant, respiratory, and immune system aid.
Related: Sea Moss for Detox: How Does it Work? [The Dr. Sebi Detox]
Can Sea moss make you cough up mucus?
Sea moss may not “make” you cough, but it can certainly help loosen up thick mucus and phlegm so you can get it out easier. Getting that mucus out of your body can be done by coughing it up, blowing your nose or using a device like a neti pot to encourage more mucus elimination.
However, be careful not to cough or blow too much or too hard because you can cause more irritation.
When the body produces too much mucus, an unfortunate result is a thicker, more stubborn mucus called phlegm. This thick substance is extremely hard to get out of the body and tends to get stuck in the respiratory tract.
This is where sea moss comes in. When taking sea moss, you may notice that the mucus seems to come up easier because it is now thinner and loosened up. In addition to taking sea moss when you are really congested, it may also be a good idea to inhale hot steam to further encourage the loosening of mucus.
Another helpful idea is to use a neti pot to move stubborn mucus out of the nasal and sinus passages. Tackling excess mucus on more than one front like this is a really effective way to feel better faster.
Related: Does Sea Moss Kill Microbes?
How do you use sea moss for mucus?
For centuries, sea moss has been used as a food and medicine, and recent studies have shown that it may also be effective in treating mucus buildup in the lungs.
The easiest way to use sea moss for mucus is to take sea moss gel daily. Sea moss gel is already in a gelatinous state, so it works to soothe inflammation and irritated membranes fast.
To use sea moss for mucus, simply add a few tablespoons of sea moss gel to a cup of warm water. Add one teaspoon of key lime juice. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes, then drink. You can also add sea moss gel to smoothies or soups for an extra boost of nutrients.
If you don’t have access to sea moss gel, you can also use sea moss powder or capsules. Both of these have similar effects on the body and can help to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.
However, sea moss gel is not overly processed or dried, so it is easier to work into most recipes and is absorbed by the body better and more efficiently. It is full of healing antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals that may otherwise be destroyed by too much processing.
Sea moss gel can be purchased or you can make your own by washing sea moss, soaking it overnight, and blending it with a little distilled water until a gel-like consistency is reached. The recommended dose for sea moss gel is two tablespoons daily.
Related: What is the Best Way to Consume Sea Moss? [Gel, Powder and Pills]
How To Use Sea Moss for mucus
Follow the steps below to make and use sea moss for mucus. Note that steps 1 and 2 aren’t necessary if you already have sea moss gel, just proceed to step 3.
So, here you go:
1. Soak the sea moss in water
It is generally recommended to soak sea moss in water for at least 4 hours, could be more. Some sea moss appears to be drier than others so, it’s important to find the right soak.
That said, there is a bit of an art to getting the timing right. If you soak it for too long, the sea moss will become slimy and difficult to work with.
On the other hand, if you don’t soak it long enough, it won’t be fully hydrated and may be tougher to blend. The sweet spot is somewhere between 4 and 6 hours. So set a timer and let the sea moss do its thing.
Related: How to Make Sea Moss Gel Without Blender – 3 Ways!
2. Blend the soaked sea moss
Once the sea moss has been soaked, add it to a blender with some water and blend until smooth. This is the gel mixture. Store in the refrigerator to gelatinize.
This finished product can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, so feel free to make a batch ahead of time.
Related: How to Make Really Good Sea Moss Gel For 8oz and 16oz Jar
3. Add Sea moss gel into one cup of warm spring water
Add one to two tablespoons of the sea moss gel into one cup of warm spring water and drink up. Let the water be a little more on the high warm side. Your overall health will improve.
Oh, and don’t forget to add a little something extra for taste. A squeeze of key lime juice is my preferred one. But you can add a dash of agave or date syrup.
You can also add a pinch of sea salt for a little salty taste. Key lime juice and sea salt also have the added benefit of loosening mucus, so it’s a win-win.
Related: What is the Best Way to Consume Sea Moss? [Gel, Powder and Pills]
4. Drink 1-2 cups of the sea moss daily
Drink 1-2 cups of the sea moss drink daily, or as needed to help reduce mucus production. Drink one cup each preferably morning and night. The minerals in sea moss help to reduce mucus production, making it an effective natural remedy for congestion.
Drinking 1-2 cups of sea moss daily can help to thin out mucus and make it easier to expel from the body. In addition, sea moss is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to boost immune system function.
Related: What Happens When You Take Sea Moss Daily?
5. Cough it up
Getting that mucus out of your body can be done by coughing it up, and blowing your nose (don’t do this too much or too hard because you can cause more irritation).
Most of us have had the displeasure of dealing with mucus at some point or another. Whether it’s a cold, the flu, allergies, or just a general case of the sniffles, that pesky mucus can seem impossible to get rid of.
However, sea moss thins the mucus and makes it easier to cough up. Another option is blowing your nose, but don’t do this too much as it may over-irritate your nasal mucus lining.
Related: How to Eat Sea Moss Right: 10 Creative Ideas [+Recipes]
6. Gargle sea moss drink to remove thick mucus
If you’re dealing with a cold or allergies, you know that dealing with the mucus can be just as much of a pain as sneezing and congestion. Thankfully, there are a few tricks you can use to make the process a little bit easier.
One popular method is to gargle hot sea moss water in your mouth to help break up the mucus. Simply heat up some spring water, add one tablespoon of sea moss gel, allow it to melt and cool down a bit, and then gargle for a minute or two.
The heat will help to loosen the mucus so that it’s easier to expel. You can also try adding one teaspoon of key lime juice or a little sea salt to the water to help speed up the process.
Be careful not to gargle for too long, as this can irritate your throat. With a little patience and perseverance, you’ll be able to get rid of that pesky mucus in no time.
Related: When is the Best Time to Consume Sea Moss?
7. Loosen mucus with Sea moss steam inhalation
One way to thin out mucus is to use steam inhalation. Add two tablespoons of sea moss gel into a very hot bowl of water. Overlay a towel on your head over and over the bowl to trap the steam.
You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to help loosen the mucus. Steam inhalation can help to break up mucus so that it’s easier to expel. And, it’s also a great way to relax during cold and flu season.
Related: 5 Things That Happen When You Take Too Much Sea Moss
8. Expel Mucus with Neti Pot
The neti pot is a small teapot-like vessel used to irrigate the sinuses. It is traditionally made of ceramic, but can also be made of plastic.
The pot is filled with sterile saline solution, which is poured into the nostril and allowed to drain out through the other nostril. The process is repeated several times until the sinuses are clear. The solution helps to flush out any irritants or allergens that may be causing congestion.
Neti pots can be bought at most drugstores, but it’s also easy to make your own saline solution at home. To make your own saline solution, simply mix one cup of warm spring or sterile water with half a teaspoon of sea salt.
You can also add a pinch of baking soda to help reduce inflammation. I also like to add one teaspoon of sea moss gel to the solution. Once the ingredients are combined, pour the solution into your neti pot and use it as directed.
Neti pots are often used to treat colds, allergies, and sinus infections. While they are generally safe when used as directed, there have been some reports of complications, such as brain infections.
As a result, it is important to use a sterile saline solution and to follow the instructions carefully. For those who are looking for a less invasive way to clear mucus from their sinuses, there are several other options available. These include nasal sprays and steam inhalation.
Related: 10 Categories of People That Should Never Take Sea Moss
9. Drink lots of water
Last but not least is drinking lots of spring water. This will augment the detoxification process. It is recommended to drink 1 gallon or 4 liters of clean spring water daily.
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water has many added health benefits. In addition, drinking lots of juice (homemade), and herbal tea helps to thin out mucus and make it easier to expel.
Related: What is Sea Moss Water? [Benefits + How to Make]
How long does it take for sea moss to start working in your body?
The length of time sea moss takes to begin working for each person will be different due to different factors. But it usually varies from 3 days to 2 weeks. However, each person is different and deals with their own unique issues so they may respond to sea moss differently.
For some, a distinct reduction in mucus will be noticed after a few days of taking sea moss, but for others, it may take a few days or weeks to notice a reduction in mucus and inflammation.
Keep in mind that there is no magic cure and very few medicinal plants cure a disease overnight. However, keep taking the recommended amount of sea moss daily to feel better faster.
For a comprehensive guide on how long sea moss takes to start working in the body, check out our full guide: How Long For Sea Moss to Start Working in Your Body?
What does sea moss do for your lungs?
Sea moss is used by many for lung health due to its ability to open up the airways and soothe irritated lung tissue. One reason many people have lung issues is that they have too much mucus and phlegm in the lungs.
This can cause coughing sputum, irritation, inflammation, and impaired breathing. Sea moss can make it much easier for the body to get this mucus out of the lungs and airways so one can experience superior lung function.
Sea moss has long been utilized by those with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because it can eliminate the mucus and soothe irritated tissues. Sea moss is an effective demulcent plant, meaning it can soothe irritated tissues and membranes in the body to help them heal faster.
It also contains mucilage properties to coat these irritated membranes and lessen inflammation gently. The ability of sea moss to lower inflammation is well-documented.
Inflammation in the lungs and airways is a serious concern for those with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, so sea moss can really help heal the lungs on two different fronts by both lowering inflammation and relieving congestion/excess mucus.
Related: Can You Take Sea Moss with Medications?
Benefits of Using Sea Moss For Mucus
There are many compelling reasons to consider using sea moss to expel mucus from the body. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of mucus, look no further than sea moss. But in case you’re still on the fence, here are 10 reasons why you should give it a try:
- Sea Moss is a great way to get rid of mucus. It is also packed with nutrients that are essential for the body, including iodine, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Sea Moss is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Drinking a cup of hot water with sea moss can also help to break up congestion and help clear the sinuses.
- Sea Moss is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the respiratory system from damage caused by free radicals.
- Additionally, sea moss can help to boost the immune system, making it more resistant to colds and other infections.
- Sea Moss is also a natural expectorant, which means it can help to loosen phlegm and mucus so that they can be expelled from the body more easily
- Sea moss is an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, and E, which are all important for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes.
- Sea moss is packed with nutrients that are essential for overall health and well-being. It helps to thin and break down mucus so that it can be expelled more easily.
- Sea moss aids in digestion and prevents constipation.
- Sea moss is a natural detoxifier, helping to remove toxins from the body.
- Sea moss helps to improve circulation and increase energy levels.
- It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for those with conditions like arthritis or joint pain.
- Sea moss is said to have a positive effect on the thyroid gland, helping to regulate hormone levels and improve overall thyroid function.
Final Notes
Sea moss is a great way to clear mucus from the body. It helps break up and expel phlegm, making it an ideal remedy for respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.
Sea moss is high in minerals and helps to thin mucus. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce swelling and congestion.
Sea moss also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E, K, and minerals including potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron which all help support good health.
If you’re wondering how sea moss helps detoxify the body, please check out the article: Sea Moss for Detox: How Does it Work? [The Dr. Sebi Detox], Or if you want to learn more and how to use sea moss, this article: How To Use Sea Moss For Weight Loss [Step-By-Step Guide] is a must-read.
Have you ever used sea moss to expel mucus? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments.
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