When you have a stuffy nose, your life becomes tough with sleepless nights and not enough focus on everyday tasks. Usually, when winters arrive, the first thing people start experiencing is stuffy nose and allergies. Although it is generally associated with the excessive buildup of mucus, in reality, it is more related to inflammation of the sinus blood vessels. It can occur due to a common cold, sinus infection, flu, or even allergies. Stuffy noses usually have a whole host of other problems that accompany them. These include coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, a rough throat, mucus build up in the nasal passages, and watery eyes. It can even cause headaches, sinus pains, and mild fevers. It’s safe to say, everyone who has it wants it also cured though it may not be too dangerous. It’s just irritating.
7 Quick Home Remedies for Stuffy Nose
Below are some quick remedies to get rid of a stuffy nose instantly,
Eating Cayenne Peppers
Almost all peppers and spices are good for relieving the stuffy nose, but Cayenne Peppers works the best. It relieves the blockage and inflammation in the nose due to the presence of capsaicin, which makes it a natural decongestant.
How to Use: The spice can be added or sprinkled onto meals. Another way is to simmer a quarter cup of lemon juice and a quarter cup of raw apple cider vinegar. Stir from a quarter to a half teaspoon each of powdered ginger and cayenne pepper into the mix. Then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of organic honey and mix thoroughly. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of it daily as needed.
Garlic
Garlic is a good expectorant and helps enhance the immune system. It is good for removing the blockage in the nose.
How to use: Fresh Garlic can be added to the food while cooking. It can be made into a paste with honey. It can be added to a liquid by simmering 2-4 cloves in a cup of water for a few minutes and follow up by adding a half cup of turmeric powder. Both the liquid and the paste can be taken a few times a day.
Ginger
Ginger has great anti-inflammatory properties and helps strengthen the immune system. It helps unclog the nose of excess mucus buildup. Ginger is widely used to get rid of a stuffy nose fast.
How to use: Mix together a tablespoon of grated ginger and a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into raw honey. Consume 2-3 times a day. Also, add a teaspoon of sliced or grated ginger to 2 cups of boiling water. Cover and simmer it over low heat for 10 minutes. Consume a cup of this solution while it is warm and eat the ginger slices. Immerse a washcloth or small towel in the remaining water. Apply over the nose and forehead while lying down with the head elevated. Perform twice daily.
Apple Cider
Apple cider is great at decongesting the nose.
How to use: Just mix two tablespoons into warm water, then add a tablespoon of honey. Drink the concoction twice a day.
Steam inhalation
Steam is hot vapor rising from the heated water and helps increase heat in the nose, causing the mucus to loosen up. This method will help you get rid of your stuffy nose instantly.
How to use: Add herbs such as peppermint to a pan of water and boil it. When vapor rises from it, cover your head with a towel and proceed to inhale the vapor. Repeat 2-4 times a day. However, those younger than 12, pregnant women and people with high blood pressure, CNS disorder, or a heart condition should avoid this particular remedy.
Warm Compression
Applying heat to the nose may also help clear the stuffy nose. Soak a towel in hot water and squeeze any excess of it. Then place the towel over the forehead. It can also be pressed against or wiped against the nose. This procedure can be repeated as many times as possible.
Nasal Irrigation
It is a very effective, yet not very preferred way of relieving nasal congestion. Nasal irrigation helps thin out the mucus in the nose and increase moisture, reducing inflammation.
How to use: Mix three teaspoons of salt and one baking soda and store in an airtight container. Add a teaspoon of this mixture to 1 cup of lukewarm boiled water and pour it into a bulb syringe. Gently squirt the solution into one nostril while leaning your head over a basin and keeping the other one closed with your finger. Allow the water to drain from the other nostril by withdrawing the finger. Do for both nostrils.
The above-mentioned home remedies for the stuffy nose will help you get to rid of your severe nasal congestion naturally, but If the problem still exists after trying these remedies for 2 to 3 weeks, then consult your doctor.