7 Natural Ways to Cleanse Your Lungs

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to air pollution results in 4.2 million deaths worldwide each year. Cigarette smoking is the cause of death for 1 in every 5 people   in the United States.

As the lungs are self-cleaning organs, they can begin to heal themselves once exposure to pollutants stops.

Here are a few ways that may help remove excess mucus from the lungs and improve breathing.

Steam therapy

Steam therapy, or steam inhalation, involves inhaling water vapor to open the airways and help loosen mucus.

People with lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may notice their symptoms worsening in cold or dry air. This climate can dry out the mucous membranes in the airways and restrict blood flow.  Steam adds warmth and moisture to the air, which may improve breathing and help loosen mucus inside the airways and lungs. Inhaling water vapor can provide immediate relief and help people breathe more easily.

It may also help people with a sore or dry throat, or who have been exposed to environmental irritants.

Controlled coughing

Coughing is the body’s way of naturally expelling toxins that it has trapped in mucus.

Controlled coughing loosens excess mucus in the lungs, sending it up through the airways. People can cleanse their lungs of excess mucus by:

1. Sitting down on a chair with the shoulders relaxed, keeping both feet flat on the floor.
2. Folding the arms over the stomach.
3. Slowly inhaling through the nose.
4. Slowly exhaling while leaning forward, pushing the arms against the stomach.
5. Coughing two or three times while exhaling, keeping the mouth slightly open.
6. Slowly inhaling through the nose.
7. Resting and repeating as necessary.