Winters ain’t that bad if you do not suffer from cold and flu. But time and again, cold and flu season is upon us. While it’s quite annoying and irritating, it also makes difficult to breath, sleep or eat. Life is miserable living with stuffy nose.
What causes a stuffy nose?
Stuffy nose is the result of cold, flu and sinusitis. There are several medicines available for cold, flu and blocked nose. However, a simple care at home can get you rid of stuffy nose. All you need to know is the right remedies.
Below we have listed 10 home remedies to get rid of blocked nose.
1. Ginger Tea helps a stuffy nose
Drinking ginger tea has been one of the grandma methods of getting rid of stuffy nose. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger soothes the irritation and swelling in the nasal passages.
Direction:
- Boil water and add some grated ginger into it.
- Let it boil for few minutes so that all the essence of ginger gets into the water
- Strain and drink the ginger water. You can also add honey for flavor.
- Drink three cups a day for better result.
2. Try garlic steam for clogged nose remedy
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of garlic helps in alleviating congestion. It helps in relieving the irritation and inflammation in nostrils. You can either consume the raw garlic or try the garlic steam as mentioned below:
Direction:
- Take some boiling water in a bowl
- Add some crushed garlic cloves to the water
- Then inhale the steam by covering your head with the towel
- Repeat twice a day for fast relief
3. Salt and water to get rid of a stuffy nose
Using saline water for nasal irrigation in order to flush out mucus and debris from nose and even sinuses has been one effective remedy.
Direction:
- Take a cup of warm distilled water and add half a tablespoon of salt to it
- Mix it well and go to your basin area
- Sniff the water in (one nostril at a time)
- Then repeat in another nostril
- You can even use neti pot if you have.
4. Honey works as nasal congestion remedy
Honey works great for any bacterial, fungal or virus infection due to it antimicrobial property. It provide relief to nasal congestion and throat pain as well.
Direction:
- Take a tablespoon of raw honey and add 1-2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- Mix the ingredients and warm it up for few seconds
- Then consume it warm, 2 times a day.
5. Rub coconut oil on your nose
Coconut oil can decongest stuffy nose. Rich in anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and antipyretic properties, coconut oil helps to calm inflammation and relax nasal passages.
Direction:
- Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and warm it in low flame
- Apply the warm coconut oil on both side of your nose
- Gently massage and leave it overnight
6. Raw apple cider vinegar for blocked nose
Apple cider vinegar consist of acetic acid that kills bacteria which causes infection in the nasal area. Further, the potassium content of apple cider vinegar thins the mucus making it easier to pass through and relieving the clogged nose. It also boosts the immune system.
Direction:
- In a glass of water, mix a tablespoon of unpurified/raw apple cider vinegar.
- Drink it three times a day and see the result.
7. Herbal steam to clear a stuffy nose
Whether you are suffering from common cold, cough or nasal congestion, inhaling steam helps to deal with it and calm any inflammation to your nasal passage. Herbal steam is one of the best way to clear a stuffy nose.
Direction:
- Boil some water in a pot
- Add some fresh rosemary, thyme or eucalyptus leaves
- Bring to a rolling boil with the leaves and take the flame away
- Then inhale the steam by covering your head with the towel
- Repeat as required
8. Homemade electrolyte for blocked nose treatment
You can easily make homemade electrolyte that consist of sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride which is very good for boosting the immune system of the body. You can make it with the help of sea salt, lemon juice and water. While sea salt is rich in trace minerals, lemons consist of electrolytes and both of these helps to fight against cold and flu by maintaining the immune system of the body.
Direction:
- Take about 4 cups of water and add ¼ cup of lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt
- Mix the ingredient well and take the sip throughout the day
9. Massage your nose area
Yes, massaging also helps to unclog stuffy nose. A simple finger massage will enhance the circulation to nasal area and also reduces the pain.
Direction:
- With the help of your index finger, press hard on the outer edge of your nostrils on the base on your nose
- Hold for 30 seconds and then release
- Repeat 3-4 times a day.
10. Warm Compress for clogged nose
Another remedy for blocked nose is the warm compress which helps to decongest your nasal passage along with relieving the swelling and inflammation in your nose.
Direction:
- Take a bowl of warm water.
- Soak a washcloth and place it over your nose and forehead
- Leave it for about 2 minutes, remove and then soak in warm water again and repeat for 3-4 times.
- Do it daily for about 2-3 times till you see improved results.
Nasal congestion or blocked nose are quite bothersome. It causes loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing and sleeping. However, a simple flu can be treated with above remedies. If the condition is severe then we suggest to visit your physician.
