31 Dec 7 Ways to Detox Your Lungs Right Now

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 4.2 million deaths are recorded annually due to air pollution. Mix this with the global pandemic, and it can take a significant blow to your lungs. As can coughing for an extended time and cigarette smoking. Thereby causing difficulty breathing and leading to chest congestion. 

Is it Possible to Clean Your Lungs? 

Though the lung is a vital organ and has the miraculous ability to clean itself in the absence of pollutants, you can facilitate this process by helping the lungs clear irritants and mucus with simple techniques. Here are some tips to help you improve your breathing. Just as detoxification helps eliminate toxins from the body, it can work to cleanse the lungs from irritants and environmental toxins. 

The Benefits of Detoxification of Lungs 

Detoxifying your lungs can help elevate your lung capacity, lower inflammation, and swelling. It helps clear airways, mucus, and promotes circulation. If you are suffering from throat infections, chronic bronchitis, or asthma, detoxification can improve your symptoms and promote wellness. 

The Best Ways to Detoxify the Lungs 

Just a few minutes every day and a few lifestyle changes can help elevate your lung capacity for optimal functionality. Below are seven home remedies to detoxify your lungs; you can try right now. 

Is Licorice Tea Good for Lungs? 

The Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, also known as licorice, is rich in antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory attributes, making it excellent for relieving inflammation within the bronchial tubes. To alleviate lung problems, you can sip on Glycyrrhiza root tea. Here is what you need to make 1 cup of licorice tea: 

• 1 Cup of hot water 
• 1 Teaspoon licorice powder 

Instructions: 

1. Mix both ingredients and let it steep for 10 minutes.  
2. Pour into a mug and enjoy. 

Do not take Glycyrrhiza glabra root tea too often, as it can lead to hypokalemia and hypertension. This remedy is not suitable for infants, pregnant women, or individuals suffering from low potassium, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes. 

Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Lungs 

If you are a foodie, this is going to become your preferred way to boost lung capacity. Inflammation of the airways can lead to congestion, causing difficulty breathing and heaviness in the chest. Therefore, it can be subsided by eating anti-inflammatory foods that can help open up airways naturally. Some incredible foods for reducing inflammation include nuts, fatty fish, olive oil, beets, fruits, and tomatoes. 

Steam Inhalation at Home 

If you have a chronic lung disease, such as asthma, you will be well familiar with this technique. To make steam, all you need is a bowl of warm water, a towel, and an over the counter chest rub if you please. Mix the ointment in water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale deep breaths. This inhaling technique works almost immediately by loosening mucus trapped inside the lungs and airways, thereby increasing breathing capacity. 

Breathing Exercises to Strengthen Lungs 

Regular workouts can elevate your physical, mental, and lung health. We recommend doing two to three sets of deep breathing exercises, which involves inhaling and exhaling deeply. These exercises clear airways and strengthen your lung capacity over time. A bonus is, these exercises also elevate your stamina, lower anxiety, and stress.  

According to Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you can also elevate your breathing capacity with diaphragmatic breathing. It involves lying down, sitting, and relaxing your shoulders. Followed by placing one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Inhale through your nose for two seconds, during which your stomach should move more than your chest. Breathe out for two seconds while pressing on your abdomen. Repeat this as often as desired. 

Yet another one to try is the pursed-lips breathing exercise. It involves inhaling through the nostrils slowly, pursing your lips as if blowing on something. Then breathing out slowly through pursed lips. Be sure to take twice as long to breathe out than you do while breathing in. Repeat as desired. 

The following exercise can be done while sitting, standing, driving, or lying down. Take deep breaths through the nose; hold your breath for at least 2 seconds. Gradually increase the count to 5 seconds and above. 

Ginger for Chest Congestion 

Sipping on ginger tea is excellent for reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. This natural decongestant is rich in antibacterial and antiviral attributes that promote comfortable breathing by drying excess mucus and eliminating it. Moreover, it relieves indigestion and upset stomach. For best results, sip on ginger tea daily. Here’s how to make ginger tea at home: 

• 1 cup of water 
• 1 Inch fresh ginger chopped into ¼ inch slices 
• 1 Cinnamon stick (optional) 
• 1 Slice of lemon 
• 1 Teaspoon honey or maple syrup 

Instructions 

1. Heat water, ginger, and cinnamon stick on high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavors. 
2. Turn off the heat. Pour into a mug with a sieve and let it cool down a bit. 
3. Now stir in maple syrup or honey, lemon, and enjoy. 

Benefits of Gargling Salt Water 

This age-old remedy works wonders to relieve chest congestion and only takes a few minutes to do. All you need is some salt and warm water to clear phlegm in the back of your throat. Here is what you need, ½ teaspoon salt and a cup of warm water. Stir it together until salt dissolves. Sip a little mixture and swish it around, tilt your head back slightly and continue swishing. Swish for at least 30 to 60 seconds, then spits it out. Repeat as required. Do not drink the mixture. This remedy is not recommended for kids as they can accidentally swallow saltwater. 

Humidifier for Congestion 

Get your hands on a good quality humidifier; this nifty gadget helps loosen the mucus and enables you to cough it up with ease. It works by adding humidity to the air. Cool-mist humidifiers are best suited for little children, while warm-mist humidifiers are better suited for adults. The latter can be dangerous for kids as it poses a threat of burns and hot water spillage. Both humidifiers work equally well, since, by the time the water vapor travels to the lower airways, it converts into the same temperature regardless of whether it was from a cool or warm-mist. 

Though humidifiers work wonders, they can also collect bacteria and aggravate your condition. Therefore, we recommend you clean the humidifier reservoir and tank using a disinfectant after every three days. Replace filters often and change the water every day with fresh distilled water. 

Conclusion 

Your respiratory health depends on whether or not your body can secrete mucus effectively from the airways and lungs. Aid this process with lung cleansing techniques mentioned above. If your congestion does not improve or you have difficulty breathing, consult your doctor.