Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion

Over the counter nasal sprays can provide quick relief from a stuffy nose, but did you know they can be addicting? Using certain nasal sprays  for more than three consecutive days can actually make the problem worse. Here are some safe home remedies to help you relieve nasal congestion without risking an addiction:

Steam

Inhaling steam from a hot shower, soup, tea or even a pot of hot water can help to open up and soothe irritated nasal passages. Humidifiers are also good if you need some help breathing at night.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint contains menthol, which helps to thin mucous and open up nasal passages. Peppermint tea combines the effect of menthol, steam and warm liquid, all of which can help speed clearance of nasal gunk.

Chicken Soup

Studies suggest that chicken soup may actually decrease mucous production by affecting immune function and inflammation, and the steam and heat will also help. If you’re sick, it is also a great way to stay hydrated.

Neti Pot

It’s not the most glamorous task, but you can flush your clogged passages with a neti pot. A neti pot is designed to push water through your nasal passages. I recommend distilled or sterile water instead of tap water.

To use a neti pot, tilt your head over a sink. Place the spout of the pot in the nostril. Tilt the neti pot until water enters your nasal passages. Once the water flows into your nasal passages, it will exit your other nostril and empty into the sink. Do this for a minute or more, then switch sides.

Garlic

Garlic is on of the best home remedies for reducing nasal congestion. Its antiviral and antifungal properties help fight the respiratory infection causing congestion.

Boil two to three garlic cloves in one cup of water. You may also mix in one-half teaspoon of turmeric powder. Drink it daily until the congestion clears.

Eating fresh garlic cloves can also help relieve stuffiness and discomfort.

Take A Shower

Ever had a stuffy nose and found that you could breathe so much better after a steamy shower? There’s a good reason for that. Like the humidifier, the steam from a shower helps to thin out the mucus in your nose and sinuses and reduce inflammation. As a result, your breathing should return to normal, at least for a short period.

You can get the same effect by breathing in steam from hot water in a sink. Turn on the hot water. Once the temperature is right, place a towel over your head and the sink. Allow the steam to build, and take in deep breaths. Be careful not to burn your face on the hot water or steam.

Warm Compress

The same way warm steam from a shower helps open your nasal passages from the inside, a warm compress may help open them from the outside. Soak a towel in warm water. Squeeze the water out of the towel, then fold it and place it over your face, especially at your nose and forehead.

The heat can provide comfort from any pain, and the warmth may help relieve some of the inflammation in the nasal passages. Repeat this as often as necessary.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is highly beneficial for those suffering from nasal congestion, thanks to its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Simply put one or two drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a fresh handkerchief and inhale the aroma. Do this a few times a day.

You can also use eucalyptus essential oil on your pillow so you can get the benefits of this oil even when you are in deep sleep.

Herbal Tea

Hot herbal tea can help thin the mucus clogging your nasal passages. The herbs in herbal tea will also help flush out the toxins from your body, giving you double benefits.

Simply drink a cup of hot herbal tea of your choice a few times daily until the congestion clears. Peppermint tea is usually considered good for nasal congestion as the menthol in this herb helps open up the nasal passage.

Tomato Tea

This is an excellent remedy for getting relief from nasal congestion as it can help improve the flow of mucus through the nasal passages.

Boil one cup of tomato juice along with one tablespoon of chopped garlic, one tablespoon of lemon juice, some hot sauce and a pinch of celtic sea salt.

Drink this tea slowly while it is hot, twice daily for a few days.

Also, eat very spicy foods and include ginger, garlic, onion and red chili more often while preparing your food to make it spicier.