10 Easy and Natural Methods To Clear A Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is a quite common condition. Most folks have had a stuffy nose at least once in their lifetime. The good news is that even though it can be very annoying, it’s rarely serious.
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Stuffy nose, or nasal congestion as it is known among medical professionals, occurs when blood vessels inside the nose get inflamed. As a result, the nasal tissues tend to swell. That causes excess mucus drainage, which is why you might need the extra tissues at hand at all times.
At the first sign of a stuffy nose, many people head to the pharmacy to get some relief. However, just because you got a stuffy nose doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to take drugs. There are natural ways to deal with your stuffy nose. Here we will explain some of the most efficient ones, the ones that have provided relief for most people, and the ones that most likely can help you deal with your stuffy nose.
#1 Take a Shower
A hot shower can bring immediate relief from a stuffy nose. The steam from the shower can assist with the inflammation and thin out the mucus in the nose. As a result, you will be able to breathe normally, or at least for some time.
The same effect can be achieved if you pour some hot water in a sink and breath in the steam that comes from it. Just place a towel over the head and put your head over the sink. Once you do that and the steam builds, take deep breaths for maximum effect. All you need to be careful about is not to touch the hot water with your face or hands.
#2 Apple Cider Vinegar
Put a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and mix it thoroughly before drinking it. The apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium which has anti-bacterial properties and can thin out the mucus.
#3 Use a Humidifier
The added moisture in the surrounding air is one of the most effective ways to thin out the mucus in the nose. As a result, draining will be much easier. However, remember always to keep the humidifier clean to prevent bacteria from growing.
#4 Eat Horseradish
Horseradish is useful in both the expulsion of the mucus, as well as in the cleaning of the sinuses. No other home remedy can help you clean stagnant mucus the same way as horseradish can. If you want to make the most of it, try eating it the moment your symptoms start.
#5 Try Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Oil is a remedy that has been used for centuries and praised for its healing properties. By inhaling eucalyptus oil, you can reduce the nasal lining inflammation and make breathing easier. Just add a few drops of oil in a kettle of boiling water and inhale from the steam.
#6 Drink Peppermint Tea
This is probably one of the tastiest methods to cure your stuffy nose. The menthol found in peppermint can provide relief for the nasal passages and thin out the mucus. The soothing menthol and the heat from the tea make a powerful combination that can instantly restore your breathing to normal.
#7 Eat Spicy Food
This is another old cure for stuffy nose. Spicy food can instantly clear up congestion and thin out mucus. Some of the most effective spicy foods for stuffy nose include:
• Fenugreek
• Garlic and onion
• Wasabi
• Hot peppers
#8 Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids can open up congested sinuses and help you breathe easier. Steamy cups of tea are always recommended, as well as plain water.
#9 Give Your Sinuses a Finger Massage
Even though it sounds a bit weird, by giving your sinuses a finger massage, you will be able to reduce some of the stuffy nose symptoms. By massaging the sinuses, you will increase the circulation to the area and minimize the pain. Use your index fingers to press hard your nostrils and hold them like that for a half a minute or so. Then release them and repeat the process a couple of times.
#10 Hot Ginger Compress
Any warm compress can provide relief for a stuffy nose. But if you add some ginger, then the effect will be even better. Slice up a piece of ginger root and add it to a kettle of boiling water. Cover it and let it simmer for twenty minutes or so.
Soak a washcloth in the mixture and apply it on your face. Just make sure that it is not too hot so as to burn your skin. Let it stay on your face for around fifteen minutes. For best results, you need to be in a lying position while your head is a bit elevated. That way, you allow the sinuses to drain.
