Home Remedies For A “stuffy Nose”

Do you have a stuffy nose too often? Here are some possible solutions to this big problem.

It can be due to a cold, sinusitis, or allergies. The truth is that having a stuffy nose is not pleasant at all, especially if we are not used to breathing through the mouth, something that is also not recommended. In this article, you will find some home remedies to unclog the nose.

Causes of nasal congestion

First of all, it is necessary to know that allergic responses plug the nose. It may be that your body establishes that barrier against dust, pollen, aerosols, cigarette smoke, etc. This immune system response causes the mucous membranes to become inflamed.

Likewise, sudden changes in temperature can also cause congestion in the nose, especially if it goes from hot to cold. For example, as happens when, in winter, we go from a heated environment to being on the street and without a scarf.

Non-allergic rhinitis is another cause; It is an inflammation of the mucous membranes and nasal passages.  Symptoms are runny and blocked nose, itching, and sneezing. It may become recurring or not improve over time.

On the other hand, when we have the flu or a common cold, we will undoubtedly end up with a stuffy nose. This is because the viral infection lodges in the respiratory system, in the upper tract; in that case, the answer is the same as for an allergy.

Another reason the nose may be plugged is if there is a bacterial sinus infection. This can happen mainly at night, and after a cold. Similarly, having a deviated septum can also cause nasal congestion; it can occur in one or both nostrils.

Lastly, consuming certain medications can cause a blocked nose. Especially those drugs that affect blood circulation and cause inflammation in the nasal mucous membrane.

Keys to unclog the nose in a homemade way

Here are some suggestions to combat this uncomfortable state. Remember that, although they can be effective, they do not replace the specific indications that your doctor has given you:

• Don’t blow your nose: This only makes the situation worse. Also, no handkerchiefs; Use them only when you feel there is a discharge from your nose. If you sound loud and repeatedly, your nasal membranes will become even more inflamed; a kind of vicious circle is formed.
• Use a saline solution with a spray: You can buy it at the pharmacy. Its use is very simple: in the bathroom, lean your head over the sink, spray the solution into one of your nostrils and let it drain well; repeat three times a day.
• You can use the steam from the shower to relieve nasal congestion:  the humidity and high temperature will reduce inflammation and you will be able to breathe easier. You can also boil water and salt in a saucepan and breathe in the vapors, covering the head with a towel. Also, don’t hesitate to buy a vaporizer or humidifier for very dry environments and to improve breathing when you sleep.

• Staying hydrated:  This is vital because the liquid will make the mucus decrease and will also facilitate its expulsion. The extra water in your body will prevent blocked nasal passages or irritated passages. You can also take broth, tea or infusions.
• Put a warm compress on the nose:  Lie on your back and wet a washcloth with water as hot as you can bear. Then put it around your nose and wet it again when it cools down. If you don’t want to sleep, you can lie down on the couch and take the opportunity to watch television or read. At night, do not hesitate to sleep on your back and, if possible, with more pillows so that the head is elevated.
• Use adhesive strips for the nose:  They are available at the pharmacy and are quite inexpensive. They can be used at any time of the day, although they are generally worn at night; its use will prevent you from snoring or suffocating.

• Eat spicy foods, such as chili, or well seasoned:  A tomato sauce with cumin can help you; remember to drink a good amount of water during your meal.

Home remedies for stuffy nose

In addition to the tips we explained before, you can use the following natural ingredients to help you unclog your nose:

• Chew three or four basil leaves before breakfast and at bedtime. You can also drink basil tea. Research to confirm this effect of basil is still lacking, anyway.
• Consume two tablespoons of honey regularly to alleviate the cough produced by the mucus that causes a stuffy nose. Dissolve it in a glass of warm water and drink before bed for best results.
• It is believed that apple cider vinegar can also help improve nasal congestion, but there are no studies to support this belief. If you still want to try, mix two tablespoons in a glass of warm water and drink up to 4 times a day. Feel free to dress your salads with the vinegar.

• Dissolve a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger in warm water, add lemon juice and honey — to make it taste better — and drink before going to bed. Its effects are not proven, as there are many alleged properties of ginger that have yet to be confirmed.
• Mustard oil is very good for this problem ; you only have to place one drop in each nostril. You can also use it to prepare your food. More studies are also needed to confirm this property, as some confirm others, but not precisely that of decongesting.
• Eucalyptus essential oil should not be missing in your home if you tend to have many episodes of a stuffy nose per year. Boil a saucepan with water and add 10 drops of this oil; then inhale its vapors.
• Make a mixture with two tablespoons of lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of powdered black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Apply to the nostrils to relieve congestion.

• Place an onion, halved or quartered, on the nightstand. Its aroma will reach directly to the nostrils; it is also a natural antibiotic, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

With these keys and natural remedies, you can improve the daily problem of a stuffy nose. Of course, if the symptoms are too severe or causing a lot of discomfort, consult your doctor for a professional analysis.