How To Remove Mucus From Lungs Naturally: 5 Top Remedies

Feeling like you can’t take a deep breath without coughing something up?

That sticky, uncomfortable mucus in your chest can make breathing feel like work—and constant coughing isn’t just exhausting, it’s the kind of thing that makes people give you a side-eye.

The good news: you can learn how to remove mucus from lungs naturally using simple, proven remedies that help your body heal.

In this guide, we’re breaking down what causes mucus buildup, how to clear mucus from lungs effectively, and the best natural ways to keep your chest area clear (hint: healthy foods and exercise).

No prescriptions required.

What Causes Mucus in the Lungs?

Your lungs naturally produce mucus to trap things like dust and bacteria. But when your body’s defense system kicks into high gear, that mucus can thicken and build up—making you cough, wheeze, and feel congested.

Common causes include:

Respiratory infections: Colds, flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia can trigger excess mucus as your body fights infection.
Allergies or asthma: These are conditions that inflame your airways, then cause mucus to build up.
Smoking or exposure to pollutants: Cigarette smoke, car exhaust, or household chemicals irritate lung tissue and produce more mucus.
Chronic conditions: COPD and chronic bronchitis can make mucus a daily issue.
Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids thickens mucus, making it harder to clear.

When mucus lingers in your lungs, it can trap bacteria and make breathing harder. That’s why knowing how to get rid of mucus naturally and consistently is key.

How to Remove Mucus from Lungs Naturally

That heavy, sticky feeling in your chest? It’s your lungs trying to get rid of extra mucus, but sometimes they need a little backup. Instead of running straight to the drug store for meds, you can use everyday, natural methods to loosen things up and breathe easier. Here’s how to remove mucus from lungs naturally.

1. Sip Hot Liquids Throughout the Day

There’s nothing like a hot drink or soup to provide you with some comfort. Hot drinks are also a classic remedy for breaking up chest congestion. The warmth helps thin out mucus, while the steam opens your sinuses and soothes your throat.

Try these combos:

Hot lemon water with cayenne and honey: Vitamin C + natural heat + antimicrobial honey = a big win for your chest area.
Ginger tea: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps calm irritated lungs.
Broth-based soups: Chicken or vegetable broth hydrates AND delivers electrolytes.

Tip: Even plain hot water with a pinch of sea salt can help loosen mucus so it’s easier to expel.

2. Use Steam to Loosen and Clear Mucus

This method is one of the fastest if you’re wondering how to remove mucus from lungs naturally. According to MedlinePlus, steam and hydration are simple home remedies that can ease mucus buildup and help you recover faster.

It also helps reduce any irritation or inflammation in your airways. Steam helps humidify the air, which can further help to ease your coughing and help clear the mucus.

How to do it:

Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and remove from the heat.
Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil (optional).
Lean over the pot, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5–10 minutes to get the full benefits.

You can also:

Take a steamy shower and breathe deeply.
Visit a sauna to open up your chest and promote circulation.

Steam flowing through your body helps reduce inflammation, improve breathing, and relax your muscles—all of which make it easier for your lungs to do their job.

These are also great ways to relax and unwind!

3. Stay Hydrated to Thin Mucus

You know that feeling when mucus feels thick in your chest? That’s usually the result of being dehydrated while irritants are trapped in your lungs.

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining overall health, but it’s especially important when it comes to clearing lung mucus. Drinking plenty of water will help thin out the mucus and make it easier to clear from your lungs.

Aim for:

8–10 glasses of water daily.
Add electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water or herbal teas.
Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol—they dry you out.

Pro tip: As we noted above, warm water works better than cold for clearing mucus. It keeps airways relaxed and makes coughing more productive.

4. Eat Foods That Support Lung Health

Eating a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbs can help boost your immune system and fight off any potential infections that may be causing chest congestion in the first place.

Best foods to eat:

Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit) for vitamin C and antioxidants.
Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies (kale, spinach, broccoli) for detox support.
Spices like turmeric and ginger to reduce airway inflammation.
Probiotic foods (kefir, sauerkraut) to balance gut bacteria and reduce mucus-producing inflammation.

Foods to avoid? Ones that trigger mucus, such as dairy, fried foods, and processed sugars.

5. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help keep your lungs in tip-top shape and make it easier for you to cough up any lung mucus. However, don’t overdo it – too much exertion can actually cause more chest irritation.

Best exercises to clear mucus:

Walking or gentle jogging: Improves lung circulation and loosens chest congestion.
Yoga or stretching: Expands your chest and opens airways.
Deep breathing exercises:
- Sit upright, inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds, hold for two, then exhale slowly through your mouth for six.
- Repeat 10 times to help mobilize mucus and improve oxygen flow.

If you’re recovering from an illness, St. Luke’s Health System suggests trying “postural drainage”—lying in specific positions (like on your side or stomach) to help drain mucus from your lungs.

Bonus Tip: Keep the Air Around You Clean

If your air quality is poor, your body will keep producing mucus as protection. Use a humidifier or air purifier in your home, especially during dry or polluted seasons.

And if you’re a smoker, you know what we’re going to say: quitting is one of the best gifts you can give your lungs.

FAQs About Clearing Mucus Naturally

How long does it take to clear mucus from the lungs?

If you’re looking for a timeline on how to remove mucus from lungs naturally, it depends on the cause of the mucus in the first place. Cold- or flu-related mucus can clear in a few days with hydration and rest. Chronic conditions like bronchitis may take longer and require consistent management.

Is coughing up mucus a good sign?

Yes—coughing up mucus means your lungs are clearing irritants and excess buildup. Suppressing your cough too much can actually make things worse.

Can you have mucus without being sick?

Yes. Allergies, smoking, pollution, or even cold weather can cause mucus production without infection.

When should I see a doctor?

If mucus is green, brown, or bloody, lasts longer than three weeks, or comes with fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor right away.

The Bottom Line on How to Clear Mucus From Lungs

Now that you know how to remove mucus from lungs naturally, think of it as giving your lungs a deep clean. You don’t have to rely on medication to clear your chest and breathe easily.

With simple daily habits like sipping warm liquids, inhaling steam, staying hydrated, eating clean, and moving your body, you naturally support your lungs and reduce mucus buildup.

For additional expert-backed tips on how to remove mucus from lungs naturally, visit MedlinePlus.

The more consistently you care for them, the less congestion you’ll deal with, and the better you’ll feel every day.

By Chauncey Simmons | Published October 16, 2025