How to treat a stuffy nose: 15 Effective home remedies
04/21/2020 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
How to treat a stuffy nose: 15 Effective home remedies

Colds happen to the best of us. While the body’s immune system is well-equipped to take care of the common cold, a stuffy nose can be extremely annoying to deal with.

Fortunately, there are a variety of natural remedies that you can use to treat a stuffy nose.

Warm compress

Heat can instantly open up a clogged nose. To keep the sinuses open, place a warm compress on the nose and forehead. Just soak a face towel or washcloth in warm water and wring it out.

Water

Staying hydrated allows the body to get rid of the cold faster. Water also thins out excess mucus that is clogging the nasal tract. You can also drink herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint and rosemary to treat congestion, as well as consume a bowl of steaming hot soup.

Steam

Steam is another fast-acting remedy for nasal congestion. Take a hot shower or prepare a steam bath and inhale the steam for instantaneous relief.

Essential oils

Certain essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus have bioactive compounds that act as natural decongestants. To treat nasal blockage, add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to a bowl of warm water. Lean over the bowl and inhale deeply. Do this until the water becomes lukewarm.

Saline solution

A saline solution can thin excess mucus and unclog the nasal tract. To make a saline solution, add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves completely and use a dropper to pour the solution into the nostrils.

Garlic

Allicin, the main active compound in garlic, has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can treat symptoms of the common cold. For fast results, chew on a raw clove of garlic for at least five minutes. You can also use onions to achieve similar results.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an all-around home remedy that contains potassium, a mineral that can thin mucus and eliminate congestion. Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water and drink the solution at least three times a day.

Lemon

The active plant compounds in lemon can loosen up dried and sticky mucus and combat the cold virus. Simply mix two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, half a teaspoon of crushed black pepper and salt. Apply the mixture on the nostrils and leave it on for a few minutes.

Tomato juice

Tomatoes have powerful plant compounds known as carotenoids that can reduce the inflammation of the nasal passage. For a quick remedy, juice enough tomatoes to fill a glass and add a tablespoon of crushed garlic. Drink the juice twice a day.

Basil

As a medicinal herb, basil is commonly used to treat symptoms of the common cold including chills and sore throat. To relieve a clogged nose, chew fresh basil leaves at least twice a day.

Ginger

Like onions and garlic, ginger has active anti-inflammatory compounds that can treat nasal congestion. For immediate relief, you can add crushed ginger to a cup of herbal tea. If you can stomach the pungent taste of raw ginger, you can also boil the root itself and drink the water once it cools.

Mustard oil

Mustard oil is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for sinus conditions since it has mucus-thinning activities. Pour two to three drops of mustard oil into the nostrils to ease stuffiness. After a few minutes, blow your nose.

Honey

Honey has antibacterial compounds that can eliminate excess mucus lining the throat, which contributes to nasal congestion. To alleviate stuffiness, consume at least two teaspoons of honey followed by a glass of warm water. You can also add honey to herbal tea.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is also a medicinal herb that can be used to treat colds. Just mix fenugreek seeds and warm water to release the anti-inflammatory compounds of the seeds. Fenugreek can also dislodge sticky mucus along the nasal cavity.

Chili peppers

Capsaicin, an active compound in chili peppers, can reduce nasal inflammation and congestion. Mix finely chopped chili peppers, honey and warm water and drink the solution to ease stuffiness. Alternatively, you can also use crushed black peppers.

Don’t let a stuffy nose get to you. Take charge with simple do-it-yourself treatments that can effectively get rid of symptoms of the common cold like nasal congestion and sore throat.

Sources:

Food.NDTV.com

MayoClinic.org

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