If you’re dealing with a stubborn cough, a heavy chest, or that annoying feeling of something stuck in your throat—mucus and phlegm are likely the culprits. While they’re part of your body’s natural defense system, too much of them—especially when thick or sticky—can make you feel congested and uncomfortable.

But don’t worry, certain natural drinks can help thin mucus, clear it out, and soothe your airways. So, without further ado, let’s count down eight amazing drinks that can help you breathe easier—fast!

8. Warm Lemon Water with Honey

Let’s kick things off with a good old classic—warm lemon water with honey. Simple, right? But don’t let that fool you—it’s actually one of the best natural ways to loosen up mucus and soothe your throat.

Here’s why it works: Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and supports your body while it’s fighting off whatever’s causing all that gunk in your throat. Plus, the natural acidity in lemon helps thin out sticky mucus, making it easier to clear from your chest and sinuses.

Now add in honey, and you’ve got a powerful combo. Not only does honey coat your throat and make it feel less irritated, but it also has natural antibacterial properties. Studies—even those big reviews like the ones in The Cochrane Library—have shown that honey can actually be better than some cough medicines at calming a nagging cough.

Warm lemon water with honey is especially helpful first thing in the morning when mucus tends to build up overnight—or at bedtime to help you sleep better without all that coughing.

Just squeeze half a lemon into a mug of warm (not boiling!) water, stir in a teaspoon of raw or manuka honey, and sip it slowly. You’ll feel it work almost immediately.

Next up is a spicy root that not only warms you up but helps clear your airways from the inside out.

7. Ginger Tea

At number 7 is ginger tea—a cozy, spicy drink that does a whole lot more than just warm you up. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and expectorant, which means it helps loosen up thick mucus and makes it easier for your body to get rid of it. So if you’re feeling all clogged up in your chest or throat, this one’s a winner.

Drinking warm ginger tea can help calm down that constant throat irritation, open up your airways, and ease that annoying cough. It’s especially helpful when you’re battling a cold or dealing with leftover chest congestion.

The best way to make it is to just slice up some fresh ginger—about a thumb-sized piece—and steep it in hot water for 10 minutes. You can add a little honey if you like for extra throat-soothing benefits and flavor.

And here’s something cool—some studies suggest ginger may actually help relax the muscles in your respiratory tract, which can make breathing easier and reduce that tight, wheezy feeling. So it’s not just comforting—it’s doing real work under the surface, too.

Next up is a refreshing herbal tea with a cooling effect that helps open up your nose and clear out the gunk.

6. Peppermint Tea

At number 6, we’ve got peppermint tea—a refreshing drink that’s perfect when you’re feeling stuffed up and just want to breathe again. Peppermint contains menthol, which works like a natural decongestant. It helps loosen up mucus, opens your nasal passages, and gives you that cool, soothing feeling when everything feels tight and clogged.

One of the best things about menthol is how it calms irritated airways. So if you’ve been coughing non-stop or your throat feels scratchy from all the mucus, peppermint tea can help settle things down.

It’s great to sip throughout the day, especially when you need quick relief. You’ll probably notice that it makes it easier to clear your throat and breathe more freely—not to mention it tastes great too!

5. Golden Milk

At number 5, we have golden milk—a warm, comforting drink that’s been used for centuries in natural medicine, and for good reason. The star ingredient here is turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that helps loosen up stubborn phlegm and calm inflamed respiratory tissues.

When you mix turmeric with warm milk—or a plant-based option like almond or oat milk—and add a tiny pinch of black pepper, you make it even more effective. That’s because black pepper helps your body absorb the active compound in turmeric, called curcumin, so you get the full benefits.

Sipping a cup of golden milk before bed is a great way to wind down, soothe your throat and chest, and clear up congestion while you sleep. Plus, turmeric gives your immune system a gentle boost, helping your body fight off whatever’s causing all that mucus in the first place.

4. Warm Water

Number 4 might sound almost too simple—but don’t underestimate the power of warm water. When it comes to clearing out mucus, this is one of the most effective and accessible remedies out there.

Staying hydrated is key because it helps thin out thick, sticky mucus, making it much easier for your body to move it along and get rid of it. And warm water does even more—it soothes your throat, keeps your airways moist, and helps you feel less irritated when you’re coughing or congested.

If your throat feels dry or your chest feels heavy, just sipping warm water throughout the day can make a real difference. It’s especially helpful first thing in the morning or before bed, when mucus tends to build up.

So, before reaching for anything fancy, start with the basics!

3. Thyme Tea

Coming in at number 3 is thyme tea—yes, the same herb you might sprinkle on roast potatoes is actually a powerful natural remedy for your lungs.

Thyme contains compounds like thymol, which help relax the muscles in your airways, making it easier to breathe when you’re congested. It also works as a natural expectorant, meaning it helps loosen and clear out mucus from the chest and throat. This makes thyme tea especially helpful if you’re dealing with a cold, chest infection, or a lingering cough that just won’t quit.

A warm cup of thyme tea can soothe coughing fits and support your body’s natural clearing process. Plus, it has antimicrobial properties that may help fight off the bugs causing the problem in the first place.

On the flip side, the taste of thyme tea can be a bit strong or earthy for some people. And if you’re pregnant or have certain health conditions, it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare provider before making it a daily habit, as thyme can interact with some medications in large amounts.

But overall, when you need natural lung support, thyme tea is definitely worth a try.

And now, we’re down to the final two drinks that work fast to clear mucus and help you breathe easier.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

At number 2 is a tangy go-to that many people swear by—apple cider vinegar, or ACV for short. It might not win any taste contests, but it’s surprisingly effective when it comes to clearing mucus and calming a scratchy throat.

Here’s what makes it work: ACV helps break down thick phlegm, making it easier for your body to expel. It also helps balance your body’s pH levels, creating an environment that’s less friendly to viruses and bacteria. That’s a big win if your congestion is being caused by a cold or sinus infection.

To make it, just mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon and a little honey to boost its soothing and immune-supporting properties—and to make it a bit more pleasant to drink!

Sip it slowly, especially when your throat feels coated or your chest feels tight. Some people like to drink this in the morning to help clear overnight buildup, while others find it calming before bed.

We’ve made it to the top! And the number one drink for clearing out mucus is not only effective—it’s delicious.

1. Fresh Pineapple Juice

And taking the top spot is… fresh pineapple juice! Not the canned stuff with added sugar—we’re talking real, cold-pressed pineapple juice. It’s sweet, refreshing, and surprisingly powerful when it comes to clearing out mucus.

The secret ingredient is bromelain, a natural enzyme found in pineapple that’s been studied for its ability to break down and dissolve mucus. But it doesn’t stop there—bromelain also helps reduce inflammation in your airways, which means you’ll breathe easier and feel less congested.

Research shows that bromelain even acts as a natural cough suppressant, which is why many people turn to pineapple juice when they’re dealing with a chesty cough or sinus pressure. It’s one of the tastiest and most effective natural remedies out there.

To get the most out of it, go for fresh or cold-pressed pineapple juice with no added sugars. Better yet, blend some fresh pineapple at home—it’s simple, delicious, and loaded with benefits.

And there you have it: 8 Amazing Drinks To Clear Phlegm and Mucus Fast.

Stay healthy, breathe easy, and we’ll see you in the next one!