Is it normal for phlegm to taste so bad that it makes one gag and retch?

Lately, I have been sick, and dealing with a lot of phlegm when I cough as well. The best advice I have been given about this has been to spit the phlegm in a tissue when it comes up (instead of swallowing it, which makes things worse), or spit it in the toilet. I have been doing so for the past four days, and even though I am feeling better, I can honestly say that it was a horrible experience. I have never gagged and dry-retched so hard and so much in my life. Is phlegm suppose to taste this bad?