How to Make Natural Nasal Decongestant
It doesn't matter what season it is, having
a cold is weary business. When you’re sick with a cold, flu or
sinusitis, you will often find yourself full of phlegm and stuck with a
stuffy nose. But these seemingly unpleasant symptoms are actually
helping you fight the illness, because your body produces more mucus to
increase your levels of antiseptic enzymes and antibodies. The gushing
nose also helps flush out germs, while simultaneously making it
difficult for other bacteria to enter. But when this happens, your nasal
passages are likely to become inflamed and your chest will usually feel
congested.
While it's great that your body fights the
virus, it’s still an uncomfortable situation, and you will be grateful
for some relief. A decongestant can help thin out the mucus and reduce
its production, while an expectorant can loosen the phlegm and help you
cough it out. Although you can buy decongestants and expectorants at the
pharmacy, they’re often loaded with other ingredients that can make you
drowsy. Here is a recipe for a natural decongestant and expectorant to
save your day (and night).
This recipe is made using cayenne pepper,
honey and ginger, all recognized expectorants that can loosen phlegm and
mucus, so you can expel it from your body more easily. For
decongestion, the capsaicin in cayenne pepper (the component that makes
it spicy) helps relieve the swelling and inflammation that narrows your
nasal passages. Apple cider vinegar and lemon are also added to the
mixture because of their decongestant properties. Apple cider vinegar
serves to thin the mucus that’s secreted, allowing for congested areas
to be drained; while lemon juice is also known to help with congestion,
apart from giving the mixture a more pleasant taste.
Ingredients
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon powdered ginger
3 tablespoons honey
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Directions
Pour the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar in a pot and bring it to a simmer.
Stir in the honey, cayenne pepper and ginger.
Pour the contents into a jar and store in a cool, dry place.
Dosage
- Adults can take 1 or 2 tablespoons daily, as needed. Shake the jar well before using.
Tip: Warming the mixture can be a pleasant way to consume this tonic.