Nasal mucus is a thin, colorless fluid that is produced by the tissues of the respiratory tract. Under normal circumstances, it plays a protective role by trapping airborne foreign material, including pollutants, dust, and bacteria. This prevents them from reaching the more sensitive tissues inside the lungs. The mucus also helps to moisturize the air that is inhaled, and prevents the lung airways from drying up. The body produces mucus continuously, and most of it is swallowed without a person realizing it. However, an over-production of mucus is usually a symptom of a respiratory condition, such as common cold, flu, or bronchitis. In these cases, the mucus is usually tinged with some color, which can range from yellowish-brown to greenish-black. For example, smoker’s mucus is generally darker due to tar and other pollutants inhaled in tobacco smoke. If any blood is observed in the mucus, a doctor should be consulted immediately, since this could signal a serious lung infection or even cancer.
The body itself tries to expel excess mucous by coughing it up. Any home treatment should focus on keeping the mucous loose and thin, which makes it easy to expel. It is better to avoid strong over-the-counter cough medications, since they can dry out the mucus, making it thick and immobile. Dehydrating liquids such as alcohol and caffeine should be avoided. It is recommended that at least 6-10 glasses of water be drunk daily, to help thin out the mucus. Inhaling steam can also help to moisturize dried mucus deep inside the lung airways. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water, bend over it and cover your head with a towel. Using a humidifier also helps in keeping the air moist, especially during the night when most people tend to breathe through their mouths. Sleeping with the head elevated may also help the mucus to flow out easily.
The addition of hot chili peppers to your diet can help, since they stimulate the production of fluids that thin out the mucus. Ginger tea is very effective in clearing excess mucus. It is prepared by boiling crushed pieces of ginger in water for at least fifteen minutes, before cooling and sweetening the liquid with natural honey. Adding ginger to food also helps, but it is less effective. Adding turmeric in the food can help, since it has antimicrobial properties that can fight any respiratory infections responsible for the excess mucus.