Home remedies for a blocked nose !

With approaching winters and drastic changes in the weather, infections or minor health issues become quite common. Among them, clogged nose tops the list. A stuffy nose can leave you frustrated or in bad mood, when you lose concentration at work, get frequent headaches or are unable to breathe freely. The reasons for a blocked nose can be many, ranging from mucus congestion in nasal passage to aggravated sinus. You can get rid of the same easily with the below-mentioned home remedies:   

1.Herbal antiseptic steam treatment

This is a tried and tested remedy I use since ages. Add three teaspoons each of dried thyme and dried peppermint in a bowl. Add boiling water to it. Lean over the bowl and cover your head as well as the bowl with a towel. Inhale for at least ten minutes, keeping your face 10 inches away from the bowl. Thyme will help kill bacterial infection and methanol content in peppermint works as a natural decongestant. Repeat this twice a day and your nasal passage will be clear in few days.

Herbal steam

2. Apple cider vinegar

It may sound surprising, but apple cider vinegar does help a lot to ease nasal congestion caused by sinus. The potassium level thins the mucus and acetic acid prevents bacterial growth. Just add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink twice a day. It will help sinus drainage.

Apple cider vinegar

3. Go to garlic!

Besides lowering blood pressure and lot many other benefits, garlic has immense anti-bacterial properties that alleviate nasal congestion. It also helps to keep your body warm. Add garlic to your meals as the first step. Also, add fresh sliced garlic cloves to boiling water and inhale the steam.

Garlic uses

4. Peppermint tea

Methanol in peppermint helps thin mucus and opens clogged passages. You can use loose peppermint tea or tea bags to make this tea.  You will feel instant relief by the heat of the tea and the soothing effect of methanol. Drink this tea twice or thrice a day for faster results.

Peppermint tea

5. Hot ginger compress

Boil two cups of water. Add 3-4 inch piece of a ginger slice in water. Cover the pan, and let the liquid simmer on low flame for at least 20 minutes. Soak a cloth in this brew and apply on face for 15 minutes. Be careful to not to burn your skin with a cloth soaked in hot water. Do this while lying down on the couch with your head elevated. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties, the nasal blockage slashes quickly within few days of use.

Hot ginger compress for your nose troubles!

6. Stay hydrated

Stuffy nose with thick mucus creates a lot of pressure on nasal passage. Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated, help thin the mucus. The steam of the liquid, as well as its warmth, ease the process of decongestion. It is advisable to sip in warm water, soup, herbal infusion tea or ginger tea in case of a clogged nose.  Liquids like juices or sports drinks at room temperature can also be consumed if you cannot have warm liquids or the weather is too warm.

Stay hydrated with water!

7. Warm shower

Nasal congestion is often connected to the myths of cold and flu caused by water contact. On the contrary, a warm shower is recommended if you have heavily blocked nasal passage. The steam of the warm shower thins mucus and reduces inflammation. Post bath, your breathing feels easy and better for a short while.

Warm water for a clogged nose is sure to make your troubles go away!

8.Drain your sinus

Draining the nostrils has been a part of Yoga and Ayurveda practice for a long time. A neti pot is used for this purpose. Fill the pot with water and put the spout in one nostril. Bend your head over the sink. Tilt the pot until water enters the nasal passage and come out through another nostril. Continue this for a minute and then change side. A copper neti pot is highly recommended in order to maintain hygiene during the neti process.
Anti-allergic medicines and sprays are easily available in the market. However, we have tried to stick to the organic ones which you can do at home. If you suffer a clogged nose in future, you must try the above natural remedies for relief. Don’t forget to let us know what worked for you.