Treat a Stuffed Nose With These Home Remedies
We all know that irritating feeling of a
stuffy nose.
It seems that no matter how hard you blow your nose, it remains
completely clogged. Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, occurs when the
nasal passages are blocked due to inflamed blood vessels in the
membranes lining the inside of your nostrils. Stuffy noses are more
common among people who suffer from allergies or sinusitis, which can
cause difficulty in breathing.
You don't have to book an appointment with your family physician just
yet! There are many natural home remedies that can help treat nasal
congestion without a trip to the doctor's office. Listed below are the
major causes and symptoms of nasal congestion.
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Causes
Sinusitis
Rhinitis
Hay fever
Flu
Allergies
Nose injuries, such as a broken nose
Environmental irritants
Certain chemicals
Deviated septum
Non-cancerous growths in the nasal lining or nasal polyps
Non-cancerous tumors
Symptoms
An obstructed nose
Sneezing
A buildup of mucus in the nasal passage
Difficulty breathing
Sinus pain
Swelling of nasal tissues
10 Proven Home Remedies to Treat a Stuffy
Nose:
1) Saline Solution - Saline solution is a powerful ally when it comes to
opening a stuffy nose. You can mix a teaspoon of table salt into 2 cups
of warm water, and then pour the homemade solution into your nostrils
by using a dropper. The saline solution will help open up your nostrils.
Alternatively, you can use a neti pot to administer the solution.
2) Hot Shower - The steam of the hot shower moisturizes the nasal
passageways, which allows the mucus to flow out. Once the hot steam
begins to appear, make sure you inhale it by breathing in deeply. Keep
your head tilted down to let the mucus out. It's a good idea to go
straight to bed after the hot shower.
3) Hot Soups - We all have a grandmother
that perfected this effective home remedy. Chicken soup ranks atop the
list when it comes to natural home remedies for curing a stuffed nose.
Hot soup helps loosen the nasal congestion, and soothes all types of flu
symptoms. Vegetable soups may be substituted in place of chicken.
4) Garlic - Garlic is nature's wonder drug. A clove of fresh garlic is
all it takes to cure a stuffy nose. Garlic contains high levels of
anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, which are used to combat nasal
congestion. Try preparing a garlic soup by crushing a few cloves and
mixing them together in a cup of boiling hot water. Your stuffy nose
should be history after that!
5) Ginger - Ginger root can cure almost anything. Ginger can treat
heartburn, relieve stress, and clear up a stuffy nose. Ginger, when
mixed together with herbal or green tea, can help reduce the
inflammation and swelling in your nasal passageways. Add a teaspoon of
honey and a freshly squeezed lemon to the cup of
ginger tea for instant nasal congestion relief.
6) Herbal Tea - Herbs are used to help open
the membrane linings of the nasal passageway, and alleviate the
congestion. There are a wide variety of herbs to choose from. The most
popular herbs for treating a stuffy nose includes: chamomile, thyme,
peppermint, rosemary leaves and blackberries. Prepare the herbal tea by
covering 2 teaspoons of dried herbal leaves with a cup of boiling water.
7) Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar helps clear the obstructed
nasal passageways by thinning the mucus, and draining the sinuses. Try
mixing a solution of apple cider vinegar with water for instant relief.
Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of honey to
a cup of warm water. You can also boil ordinary vinegar, and inhale the
vapors.
8) Onions - Onions have very powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties that can help cure the common cold. You can either inhale the
sharp odors of a sliced onion for a few minutes, or consume them raw.
Mix the onions with honey in a bowl to add a little flavor. The honey
also helps open the stuffed nostrils, so it's a win-win combo!
9) Warm Compress - A warm compress can help unblock the sinus
passageway, and provide you with quick relief. Soak a clean towel in
warm water. Wring the wet towel out until it's damp, but not wet. Place
the towel over your face for a couple of minutes in a seated position.
The warm compress remedy is highly effective for treating chronic
sinusitis or rhinitis problems.
10) Spicy Food - A little hot spice can go a
long way when it comes to clearing the sinuses. Chili peppers contain
capsaicin, which thins the mucus, allowing you to breathe better. You
can eat red chili peppers cooked or in powdered form. It's important to
make sure that you don't have any allergic reactions to the chili
peppers. Cayenne peppers can be added to tea as well. Add a ΒΌ teaspoon
of cayenne pepper powder to your herbal tea for a spicy and effective
remedy.