If you’re referring to the viral “2-ingredient mucus-clearing recipe,” be careful with claims that a homemade drink can literally “clear your lungs.” There is no simple two-ingredient recipe proven to remove mucus from the lungs.
For an uncomplicated sore throat or thick mucus, a simple option is:
Warm water + honey
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Warm water can soothe an irritated throat and help you stay hydrated, which can make mucus easier to clear.
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Honey may soothe coughing and throat irritation. It doesn’t physically clean mucus out of the lungs.
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You can mix about 1–2 teaspoons of honey into a cup of warm water.
Do not give honey to a child under 1 year old because of the risk of infant botulism.
Other things that can help
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Drink adequate fluids.
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Use a humidifier or breathe comfortably in humidified air.
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Avoid cigarette smoke and other airway irritants.
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Gently cough mucus up rather than repeatedly suppressing a productive cough.
If mucus persists for several weeks, is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, coughing up blood, or worsening symptoms, seek medical evaluation. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause, such as a cold, allergies, asthma, reflux, or a respiratory infection.
