Are you suffering from sinus pressure and headache due to a stuffy nose? Maybe a runny nose is just pissing you off. If so, don’t just sit scrubbing your nose. Try one or two of these home remedies for instant relief.
What causes a stuffy nose?
Nasal congestion or a stuffy nose is caused by a variety of ailments. The most common of which are flu and the common cold.
All possible causes of a stuffy nose:
- Common cold.
- A deviated septum. ( A condition where septum_the cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity of the nose into half is off-center.)
- Nasal polyps. ( Small, painless, and noncancerous soft teardrops like growths on the inner lining of nasal cavity caused by allergies, chronic inflammation, or asthma)
- Chemical exposures.
- Environmental irritants.
- Hay fever. (Similiar symptoms to that of flue but not caused by a virus. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to indoor or outdoor allergens like pollen.)
Please note that these home remedies may not work with all the above-mentioned conditions! If the problem persists, visit a medical professional.
1. Eat hot radish
A report published in the Canadian version of “Riders Digest”, author Taylor Shea praises hot radish as a proven old home remedy for stuffy nose and mucus. Hot radish is in fact a natural decongestant.
- Take a medium-sized hot radish. Slice it and add it to your favorite sandwich or any other suitable food and consume it. OR
- Mix a tablespoon of sauce, a grated small-sized hot radish, a teaspoon of olive oil, and lemon juice. Spread the mixture on bread slices or biscuits. Eat 2 to 3 slices and your nose will start draining the mucus. OR
- Take a medium-sized carrot and a hot radish. Grate and the pastes. Mix the paste to boiled rice or mashed potatoes. Consume it slowly to drain the mucus_a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Make your ginger steam/ hot cup of ginger tea
Add two cups of water to a pan. Take ginger (3 inches) and slice it. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Separate a cup of ginger water to drink. Now soak a clean cloth into the remaining water and apply it onto your face. Make sure the cloth is not too hot otherwise it may burn your skin. Repeat this 5 times for better results.
Add a spoon of raw honey to the cup of hot ginger water and drink it as fast as you can.
3. Steam with antiseptic herbs
Add three teaspoons of dried thyme and an equal amount of dried mint to a small heat-insulating container. Add two cups of hot water. Now cover your face and the bowl with a thick towel and inhale the steam for 10 minutes. Make sure to stay 10 inches from the water so it doesn’t burn. Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day.
Thyme has antibacterial properties, and the menthol in mint is a natural decongestant.
4. Give your nose a soothing massage
Strangely enough, sometimes massaging the sinus can immediately relieve the congestion and pain. With the help of the two index fingers, press hard on the outer edge of your nose at its base. Hold for 30 seconds and release. Repeat this 3 to 4 times and see if this helps.
5. Take a sip of apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy for a clogged nose. Potassium in the vinegar softens mucus while acetic acid prevents further growth of bacteria responsible for the congestion.
Take a glass of water. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and drink it. If you are not okay with the taste, a spoon of raw honey is always a good mix due to its effective anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids during the course of the day will make the mucus thinner and easier to flow down.
Ranging from plain water to all types of teas and juices, fluids will effectively help you overcome the condition. Make sure to prefer warm and hot drinks instead of cold.
7. Breathe garlic
Eat, drink, breath- garlic can come handy in many ways due to its powerful antibacterial properties. Slice and add garlic to your food or made garlic tea and drink hot. Additionally, you can add 3 pieces of garlic to two cups of water, simmer for 15 minutes and breath with the help of a thick towel.
8. Eat cayenne pepper
The “capsaicin” contained in cayenne pepper contributes to the drying of mucus in the nasal passages, which makes breathing easier.
In addition, cayenne pepper is an anti-inflammatory spice and can reduce the feeling of a stuffy nose. Sprinkle chili on your favorite meals or drink “hot tea” consisting of a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder added to a glass of boiling water.
Now that you have a list of all the best home remedies for a stuffy nose and common cold, try the ones more convenient for you. You may also want to save this pin for later access or share it with others. Get well soon!
