Health Guides
The fastest way to get rid of phlegm is to thin it so your body can clear it naturally. Drink warm fluids, inhale steam, gargle salt water, and - for stubborn or chesty mucus - use an expectorant like ivy leaf extract. Most phlegm clears within 7–10 days. See a doctor if it lasts more than 3 weeks, contains blood, or comes with high fever.
Cough syrup helps relieve cough symptoms by either loosening mucus (expectorants) or quieting the cough reflex (suppressants). For a wet or chesty cough with phlegm, you want an expectorant — natural ivy leaf extract has clinical evidence behind it and is found in Hedervy syrups. For a dry cough, a suppressant or demulcent works better. Most coughs clear within 1–2 weeks with the right syrup, hydration, and rest.