Everyone has suffered from a stuffy nose at one point or another. Stuffy noses, or a nasal congestion, can be very tiresome. It becomes almost impossible to breathe through either one, or both nostrils. On some occasions, stuffy noses are followed by sore throats or even headaches. In this article, we shall look into various ways to get rid of stuffy nose.
Causes for Stuffy Nose:
Sometimes a stuffy nose occurs when there is a buildup of mucus in your nasal cavity. But it is easy to get rid of this type of stuffy nose by just blowing your nose. The more tiresome kind is caused by inflamed blood vessels and tissues along the nasal passage and sinuses. Your nose drips, your head feels heavy, and you experience difficulty breathing. But no amount of blowing your nose is fixing it! This inflammation is usually triggered by one of the following:
- Flu
- Sinus infection
- Allergies
- A deviated septum
- Hay fever
Symptoms of Stuffy Nose:
- Blocked, sometimes runny, nose.
- Breathing difficulty
- Sneezing
- Sinus pain
- Watery eyes
- Headaches, and pain around the eyes.
Remedies to Get Rid of Stuffy Nose:
If left untreated, a nasal congestion can evolve into more problematic ailments such as sinus infections. So many over-the-counter and pharmaceutical medications exist to help you get rid of stuffy nose. But as with any chemical treatments, there are side-effects to your health. So how do you treat your nasal congestion and at the same time avoid harsh chemicals? Fortunately, there are numerous home remedies to get rid of stuffy nose naturally. Read on to know more.
1. Steam Treatment for Stuffy Nose
The easiest and most natural method to get rid of stuffy nose is by inhaling the steam. You can try this method first as it is an effective treatment for most nasal congestions. The hot steam will loosen up the mucus build up in the nasal passage making it easier to cough up or blow out. There are many ways to use this method of treatment:
- Take a hot shower. Set the water to as hot as you can bear, and stay for around 20 minutes. Breathe deeply and allow the steam to fill your nasal passage and lungs. This can provide instant relief from the mucus buildup in your nose.
- Use a steam machine. Turn on the machine and wait for the steam to start emitting. Move as close as possible to the machine without scalding yourself. Take a towel and drape it over your head to trap that precious steam. Slowly take deep breaths and inhale the steam, allowing it to fill your nasal passage and lungs. Make sure to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Do this until you feel relief from a stuffy nose.
2. Saline Solution to Get Rid of Stuffy Nose
More stubborn stuffy noses are caused largely by an excess of fluids in your nasal tissues. This excess swells the tissues and makes it uncomfortable and hard to breathe. This method will decrease the swelling and open up the nasal passage for easier breathing. In addition, it helps loosen any mucus build up and flushes out germs and foreign irritants. So what is a saline solution? Put in simple terms, it is just salt water. This is very easy to make at home, and probably the most inexpensive method next to the steam treatment. To make your own saline solution follow these steps:
- Take one glass (8 ounces) of water and boil it. Pour into a sterile glass jar and wait for it to cool down slightly. Then add one teaspoon of sea salt to the now warm water. Stir until dissolved.
- As an optional step, you may add ½ teaspoon of baking soda. This takes away any sting that may occur when using the saline solution in your nose.
- Once completely cooled, use a dropper to pick up some solution. Seal the jar with the lid and keep in a cool, dark place (but do not refrigerate).
- Lie down with your head hanging off the side of the bed. This will prevent the solution from running down into your throat. Insert the tip of the dropper just past the inside of your nostril and squeeze out 3 drops. Repeat this in the other nostril.
- Keep this position for 5-10 minutes to allow the solution to run through the nasal passage and do its work. Then sit up and blow your nose to expel the loose mucus.
- Repeat this procedure every time you feel a stuffy nose.
3. Ginger to Cure Stuffy Nose Naturally
Ginger is an excellent remedy to get rid of stuffy nose. It has been shown to provide instant relief. Fresh ginger contains a compound called gingerol. This compound has natural anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the inflamed blood vessels and nasal tissues. In addition to this, gingerol inhibits the production of mucus, making it easier to clear a stuffy nose. Try using ginger root in this classic home remedy:
- Ginger root tea is an excellent way to get rid of stuffy nose. For this method, slice up some raw ginger root and add to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Cover and gently simmer this on a low heat for 30 minutes. You can add a little honey and a dash of lemon to make it more appealing for your taste buds. Sip on this preparation slowly and make sure to inhale the good steam as well.
- Alternatively, you can try to chew on slices of raw ginger root. This is another way to clear a stuffy nose.
4. Eucalyptus Oil as Remedy for Stuffy Nose
Eucalyptus oil is a powerful natural remedy for a stuffy nose. It has various antibacterial, astringent, and pain-killing properties. Studies have also shown that it contains anti-inflammatory properties and works to expel phlegm and decongest airways.
- Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil into a clean handkerchief and sniff it to clear a stuffy nose. You can also place a few drops of this on your pillow and inhale the scent to clear your nasal passage and help you sleep better.
- Another method for treating stuffy noses is by combining the steam treatment with eucalyptus oil. To a bowl of hot water, add a few drops of this oil. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. Do this for 5 minutes and then gently expel the mucus.
- You can add about 5-10 drops of this oil on a cloth and drape it near your heater. This will allow the eucalyptus oil to diffuse into the air.
5. Chilies to Get Rid of Stuffy Nose
Chilies, especially red chilies, are high in a natural compound called capsaicin. This works to inhibit specific pain receptors in our body. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties. This, along with the natural heat from the chilies, is great at opening up congested nasal passages.
- Incorporate chili pepper into your diet to make use of this natural decongester.
- Red chilies and other chilies like jalapeños, Tabasco, habañeros, and Scotch bonnets all work well to get rid of stuffy nose.
- Black peppercorns, crushed and added to a bowl of hot chicken soup also works well to get rid of stuffy nose.
6. Fenugreek to Cure Stuffy Nose Naturally
Fenugreek seeds contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds which help to open up the nasal passage. In addition, it helps to thin out mucus build up along the nasal passage. Using this heat treatment with fenugreek seeds will clear out your nasal passage and reduce swelling of blood vessels. For this method, follow these steps:
- Take a ratio of one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds per one cup of water.
- Bring this up to boil. Once it has boiled and the water is stained with the fenugreek essence, remove it from the heat.
- Strain it, and drink one cup of this preparation while it is still warm.
- If there is any leftover solution, you can store it in a glass bottle for later use. Do not refrigerate. This fenugreek solution is also excellent for digestion, so go ahead and drink the rest at a later time. Do not reheat.
7. Pungent Decongester to Cure Stuffy Nose Fast
We all know that eating, or in this case, drinking spicy things will quickly cause our eyes to water and noses to leak. This pungent, or spicy, treatment works wonders to get rid of stuffy nose. The main ingredients are cayenne and apple cider vinegar. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which helps to a naturally relieve inflammation and swelling. And apple cider vinegar helps to thin out the mucus build up, making it easier to expel the congestion. Follow these steps to make your pungent decongester:
- Prepare the decongester by mixing 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar with a ¼ tablespoon of cayenne pepper powder. Add this mix into a quarter cup of hot water.
- Drink this solution warm. Do this twice a day till you get rid of stuffy nose.
- You can add other spicy things into this mix like hot salsa, horseradish, or crushed black peppers.
8. Garlic Treatment for Stuffy Nose
Garlic is a good home remedy for stuffy nose. As a kitchen staple, it is inexpensive and easily available. Garlic contains compounds that act as a natural anti-viral, which releases secretions to drain the nasal passages. Taken regularly, garlic also helps to boost your immune system. This can prevent further incidents of a stuffy nose.
- Take 4 regular-size cloves of garlic and peel it. Chew on these regularly. This will instantly get rid of stuffy nose, helping you to breathe easier.
- Alternatively, if raw garlic is too strong for you to munch on, you can try this. Boil 3-4 freshly peeled cloves in a cup of water. Once it is boiling, add in ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Let the solution cool down. Then stir well once and drink it. If you are prone to a frequent stuffy nose, take this solution regularly.
9. Cure Stuffy Nose with Honey and Pepper
This treatment is a classic home remedy. Dark peppers contain a compound called piperine. This compound stimulates the nasal passage to open up and thins out the mucus that may have built up around there. Honey has been shown to have anti-viral, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. Paired with honey, dark peppers are a potent remedy for a stuffy nose. Follow these steps to make this remedy:
- Into a glass, place one teaspoon of dark pepper with one tablespoon of honey. Powdered, or crushed, black peppercorns are the best for this treatment.
- Over this mix, pour in boiling water and allow it to steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir it well to blend and sip away at this mixture.
10. Vapor Rubs to Treat Stuffy Nose Naturally
Vapor rubs are basically petroleum based gels mixed with menthol to help with conditions that impair breathing, like a common cold, or a chest congestion. Or in our case, a stuffy nose. Unfortunately, commercial vapor rubs contain ingredients that do more harm in the long run. You probably think it is hard to forgo a vapor rub as a quick solution. But you don’t have to! In fact, homemade vapor rubs are easy to make and are a safer option as well. Follow these steps to make your own vapor rub:
For this method, you will need
- 1-2 tablespoons of beeswax, or palm shortening
- ½ cup of virgin coconut oil or olive oil
- 15-20 drops of any essential oil. Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Clove and Cinnamon oils are the most effective. Use them alone or as a combination.
- Melt the wax in a double boiler. Once it has melted, add the oil and stir to blend.
- Now add in the chosen essential oil and stir till it has completely blended.
- Transfer this mixture into a sterile, airtight glass jar and leave it for 24 hours to infuse.
- Use as and when required. After a couple of months, throw it away and make a fresh batch.