Nasal congestion can be a nasty situation to be in. But, however annoying it may be, it is very easy to treat using a variety of home remedies for nasal congestion. Although it can be treated with many household ingredients, many leave it untreated which can result in serious sinus infections and inflammation. As much as you may be thinking about running to the local drugstore for a quick remedy, there are a lot of solutions that can be found right in your kitchen.
Not only are these solutions cheaper but they take less than three minutes to make and sometimes are much more effective than over the counter medication. Below is a complete list of the top 12 home remedies for nasal congestion with step by step instructions.
Find relief and feel better with these home remedies for nasal congestion!
1. Nasal Irrigation
Nasal congestion can be cured with a simple saline solution. It works by washing away irritants and mucus from your nasal passages. Some may be prone to the saline solution’s side effects which include burning or stinging in your nose, but that’s just the solution doing its job. This works great as a natural remedy for cough in kids.
Instructions
- Combine one teaspoon of salt with two cups of boiled water.
- Pour the combined mixture into a neti pot or any other irrigation tool you are using.
- Tilt your head up and pour directly into your nose.
- Repeat as much as needed.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a common household item as well as one of the best home remedies for nasal congestion. It has antifungal and antiviral properties to help combat any respiratory infections that can lead to further infections. Garlic’s most common side effects include bad breath and mild heartburn along with stomach aches. It’s important to keep in mind to limit your garlic intake if any side effects get worse.
Instructions
- Combine two to three garlic cloves in boiling water.
- Drain after boiling for at least 3 minutes.
- Combine a half teaspoon of turmeric powder and drink.
- Take daily until the nasal congestion goes away.
3. Warm Water
I’m pretty sure you can figure out this one, but warm water can help aid in getting rid of nasal congestion. It works by keeping your nasal passages from getting dry, keeping them moist to keep the flow of mucus in your nose to prevent it getting clogged. The humidity from the hot water cleanses you, which is probably the easiest of all the nasal congestion home remedies.
Instructions
- Fill a humidifier with water from the sink.
- Turn it on in a room that you usually occupy.
- Breathe in the heated vapors to open your nasal passages.
- Repeat as many times as you need, many people leave humidifiers on overnight for relief the following morning.
4. Spicy Tomato Tea
Though spicy tomato tea may not be a regular addition to your diet, it is an excellent nasal congestion home remedy. It helps to thin the mucus and can improve its flow through the sinus passages.
Instructions
- Combine one cup of tomato juice with one tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of chopped garlic, also add a few drops of hot sauce, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Boil the mixture.
- Drink this tea while it is still warm.
- Repeat this process twice a day for as long as necessary.
5. Black Pepper
Black pepper is one of the most effective home remedies for nasal congestion. It is a mucokinetic food, this means it has mucus thinning properties. When mucus is thinned, it causes less discomfort and does not clog the nasal passages quite as much. Black pepper also often induces sneezing which helps to rid the body of unnecessary mucus and allergens.
Instructions
- Combine a small amount of black pepper with three drops of sesame oil.
- Dip your finger in the mixture.
- Apply it directly under your nose.
- Breathe in the mixture.
- Do not hold in any sneezes.
- Repeat this process twice a day for a week.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many different uses, but it is also one of the most effective home remedies for nasal congestion. It is a fast and easy solution, plus chances are you already have this in your kitchen cabinet. Apple cider vinegar is rich in many nutrients, making it great for maintaining your overall health. In regards to sinus congestion, it helps to thin out mucus and clear the nasal cavities. It is also one of the best home remedies for cough in kids.
Instructions
- Combine two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of honey, and one cup of warm water.
- Stir together.
- Drink this beverage two or three times a day.
- Repeat until your congestion clears up.
7. Chili Peppers
Adding some spicy foods into your diet can help to open up your sinuses. Hot chili peppers contain capsaicin which helps to relieve pain and thin mucus. Thinner mucus helps to prevent sinus infections and keeps mucus from building up and clogging your passageways. It keeps the mucous flowing and relieves blocked noses. Chili peppers also help to reduce inflammation.
Instructions
- Eat one or two raw chili peppers, as the capsaicin is most effective when untreated.
- Repeat daily for a week or simply eat them whenever you are feeling congested.
8. Fenugreek
For those who do not know, fenugreek, also known as Greek hay, is a herb with small white flowers and green leaves. The seeds have a bitter taste but they are often used in making medicine and home remedies. It treats nasal congestion naturally due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, fenugreek aids in the cleansing of mucous membranes. Fenugreek is most effective when consumed as a tea. The heat from the boiled tea water also helps to thin mucus and relieve sinus discomfort. If you are pregnant, do not consume fenugreek as it can cause uterine contractions.
Instructions
- Mix two teaspoons of crushed fenugreek seeds into a cup of water.
- Heat the mixture to a boil.
- Strain out the crushed seeds.
- Drink the water mixture while it is still warm.
- Repeat this process two or three times every day until you achieve the wanted results.
9. Herbal Tea
Hot beverages are incredibly powerful home remedies for nasal congestion. Herbal tea is particularly effective as it provides multiple benefits. It can assist in thinning the mucus that is clogging the nasal passages. It also helps to flush out unwanted toxins from the body. Any herbal tea will do, but the most effective ones are chamomile, blackberry, eucalyptus, mullein, sage, peppermint, and wild thyme.
Instructions
- Boil water.
- Grab your favorite kind of herbal tea, bag or loose leaf.
- Let it steep for a few minutes.
- Enjoy your tea.
- Repeat two to three times per day for a week or until all of your symptoms are gone.
10. Eucalyptus Oil
Essential oils function as highly effective cures for numerous ailments. Eucalyptus oil is especially good at relieving the symptoms of nasal congestion and clearing out the sinuses. It has serious decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains 1,8 cineole which is a natural cough suppressant and helps to clear airways of mucus. This makes it a very safe and useful nasal congestion home remedy.
Instructions
- Put one or two drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief.
- Inhale the aroma.
- Repeat as necessary throughout the day.
- For an added bonus, place a couple drops of oil on your pillow before you go the bed every night.
11. Ginger
Ginger is a very common ingredient in most home remedies and can be picked up at almost any grocery store. It holds many useful components that assist in the fight against nasal congestion. Also, the volatile oils and pungent phenols that are found in ginger work well as expectorants. Also found in ginger is gingerol which inhibits the secretion of mucus from respiratory cells. Thanks to this, consuming ginger can relieve discomfort and make breathing easier.
Instructions
- Grate fresh ginger root.
- Put the grated ginger in the bottom of a cup.
- Boil water.
- Pour the water over the ginger.
- Let it sit for ten minutes and then drain.
- Optional: Add honey for taste and sore throat relief.
- Drink your ginger tea.
- Repeat twice a day for as long as needed
12. Inhaling Steam
Another of the most fantastic home remedies for nasal congestion is inhaling steam. Inhalation therapy provides almost instantaneous relief from nasal congestion. Steam works as a natural expectorant. When you inhale steam, it clears up congestion and lubricates the respiratory tract that may be irritated. For maximum effect, you should repeat this process as needed up to four times per day. This type of treatment is generally not recommended children, expecting mothers, and those with high central nervous system disorders, blood pressure, or heart conditions.
Instructions
- Set water to boil.
- Remove from heat.
- Pour into a bowl.
- Optional: Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the water.
- Inhale the steam by holding your face about an arm’s length above the bowl of water.
- Repeat two to three times a day for a week or until your congestion clears up.
Conclusion
There are plenty of home remedies to try to help clear your nasal congestion. From hot water to black peppers, it seems home treatments are far less expensive and much more fun to try than any over the counter drug. Not to mention, faster to administer and most of the time they work much better. If our top 12 home remedies for nasal congestion guide helped you or you have a few more remedies we didn’t list, feel free to comment below!
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