Home Remedies for Stuffy Nose
A stuffy nose is very annoying and irritable situation which
becomes unbearable sometimes. Stuffy nose is a result of having excessive mucus
in the nasal passages but actually it is due to the inflammation of blood
vessels in the sinuses that is the reason of common cold, allergies or the flu.
Both children and adults can be the victim of this problem,
stuffy nose is a serious matter of concern for infants as they cannot breathe
properly. Other symptoms related to the stuffy nose are accompanied by
sneezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, mucus buildup, sinus pain, watery
eyes, a hoarse voice, and headache.
This annoying problem should be treated immediately, if left
untreated, it can spread with the other problems like restlessness, ear
infection or sinus problems that can be found as a dangerous situation for your
overall health. In this article, you will find so many effective home remedies
that can be help you to clean up your nasal passages to bring you relief from a
stuffy nose. So here are the remedies given below:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best remedies for the
stuffy nose because it contains high quantity of potassium which helps to thin
out the mucus inside the nasal passages. Acetic acid controls the bacterial
growth and speeds up the healing procedure.
- Mix 2 tbsp of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 1 tbsp of raw honey in a cup of warm water.
- Drink this solution twice a day.
- Mix 1/2 cup of each raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water together. Bring this to boil then remove it from the stove. Now put a towel on your head and inhale the steam for 5 minutes with your mouth. Make sure your eyes are closed while doing this step.
- Repeat few times a day.
2. Steam Inhalation
You can take plain water or infuse some essential oils or
herbs. It totally depends upon your suitability. This process is highly
effective for cleaning up the nasal passages as it will give you an instant
relief from a stuffy nose.
Steam inhalation works as a natural expectorant to clear the
blockage. Inflamed blood vessels can be cleared from this process as it keeps
the sinuses moist.
- Take a pan and fill it with water, heat it until it boils then turn off the flame.
- Now add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil to this hot water.
- Put a towel over your head then lean over the pan so that no steam can escape.
- Slowly inhale the steam then exhale for few minutes.
- Do this remedy 2 to 4 times a day.
3. Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation tends to be effective for the stuffy nose
and nasal congestion. It helps in breaking out the congestion in your nose by
thinning out the mucus by increasing the moisture in your nostrils which in
turn reduces the inflammation of the blood vessels.
According to 2016 study, published in Canadian Medical
Association Journal estimated that those patients with chronic sinus congestion
can get relief from the nasal irrigation. The researchers did not find steam
inhalation as effective.
- Mix 3 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of baking soda.
- Place this mixture in an airtight container- and store it.
- Now add 1 tsp of this mixture to 1 cup of lukewarm boiled water.
- Fill up the bulb syringe with this solution.
- Lean your head over a basin and gently squeeze the solution into one nostril, make sure the other one is closed by applying a tight pressure with your finger.
- Drain out the water from other nostril by the releasing the finger pressure.
- Repeat the process with other nostril.
- Use this remedy twice daily.
4. Warm Compress
Another effective remedy is warm compress which helps in
thinning out the mucus so it drains smoothly from your nose. The warmth from
the compress provides comfort and relief from any kind of inflammation and pain
in the nostrils.
- Soak a towel in a bowl of hot water.
- Wring out the excess water out of the towel.
- Fold it and place it over your nose and forehead.
- Repeat as much as you can.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a natural decongestant that means it helps
in loosen the phlegm or mucus from the lungs and makes it easier for you to
sneeze out from the nostrils. There is a chemical present in the cayenne pepper
called capsaicin which helps in relieving the swelling and inflammation that is
the reason behind narrowing nasal passages.
- In a pot, pour 1 cup of lemon juice and ¼ cup of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar then allow it to simmer.
- Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of each cayenne pepper and powdered ginger. Finally add 3 tbsp of raw, organic honey and now it thoroughly. Store the mixture in a jar. Consume 2 tbsp of it on daily basis.
- You can also add 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper powder in a cup of boiling water. sip a cup of this tea few times a day.
- You can sprinkle the cayenne pepper on your favorite meals.
6. Garlic
Garlic is another remedy for getting relief from the stuffy
nose. Garlic contains decongestant and expectorant properties that are helpful
in open up the blockage inside nostrils. It also strengthens up the immune
system by reducing the inflammatory symptoms.
- Boil 1 cup of water and add 4 garlic cloves to the boiling water.
- Now let them simmer for 3 minutes and add 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder and stir it nicely.
- You can also add a little amount of black pepper powder. Have this soup 2 times daily.
- Alternatively, you can make a paste of 5 garlic cloves by adding 2 tsp of raw honey into it. Consume it for 3 times a day.
- Try to include fresh garlic cloves in your cooking.
7. Ginger
Ginger contains high anti-inflammatory properties that help
in reducing the stuffy nose. It softens up the mucus while boosting the immune
system. It also helps in warming up the body and gives you relief from other
symptoms associated with a stuffy nose.
- In a saucepan, add 1 tsp of freshly sliced or grated ginger to 2 cups of boiling water.
- Cover the lid and simmer for 10 minutes over a low heat.
- Consume this solution while it is slightly warm and eat the ginger slices.
- Place the washcloth in the remaining water and apply it over your nose and forehead lying down with your head elevated by a pillow.
- Do this remedy twice a day.
- Another option your can do is mix 1 tsp of grated ginger and 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice with raw honey. Have this mixture 3 times a day.
8. Massage Therapy
Massaging really helps in keeping out the nostrils clear as
it soothes the blocked nose and improves the breathing procedure. So it is
highly recommended for its effective results.
Massage will also increase the circulation to that area by
thinning the mucus. It reduces the inflammation and pain as well.
- Warm some mustard or olive oil.
- Sit in a semi-reclining position and apply it on your nose.
- Apply light pressure on the area next to the inner eyes on both sides of your nose, bridge of the nose and around the cheekbones for approximately 20 seconds with the help of your left thumb and index finger.
- Release the pressure and repeat the cycle for about 7 times.
- Follow the remedy several times daily.
9. Peppermint
Peppermint contains menthol which helps in stimulating the
nerve receptors in the nose which makes the breathing easy and comfortable. Additionally,
peppermint helps in loosen up the mucus and open the nasal passages and restore
the breathing to normal. Here are the several ways you can use the peppermint.
- Add a few drops of peppermint oil in a pot of hot water and inhale the steam.
- Put a few drops of peppermint oil in your handkerchief and inhale the aroma spontaneously.
- Mix 2 tsp of coconut oil and few drops of peppermint oil and rub it on your nose to unclog your sinuses.
- You will enjoy the warm cup of peppermint tea 3 times a day. You can prepare the tea by steeping 1 tsp of fresh or dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Sweeten up the taste by adding little raw honey.
10. Humidifier
Air that is warm or too moist can aggravate the symptoms of
a blocked nose. You should adjust the humidity in your house with the help of a
humidifier which provides a quick, easy ways to reduce the sinus pain and make
you get relief from the stuffy nose.
The sinuses needs moist warm environment which is around 45
percent humidity. Adjust your humidifier according to the preferred setting so
that the environment turns moist. Remember to put a humidifier in your room
where you pretend to be sleeping.
One tested way I want to share here, it worked for many.
1. Breathe in deeply.
2. Slowly exhale all of your air and hold your breath until
you are on empty.
3. Pinch your nose to avoid cheating.
4. Rock your head back and fourth slowly taking 2 seconds
from looking at the sky to looking at the ground.
5. Do it until you absolutely NEED a breath.
6. Enjoy your clear nose.
Additional Tips
- You can stand under a hot shower. Inhale the steam in order to get relief from the blockage.
- Take a decongestant, allergy medication after consulting your doctor.
- Increase the intake of spicy foods to facilitate the flow of mucus from the nasal passages.
- Regularly blow your nose to expel the mucus.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
- Hot chicken soup also helps fight against a stuffy nose.
- Do not smoke, it can worsen the condition.
- If your stuffy nose lasts for more than 3 weeks, you should consult your doctor.
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