The flu, a simple cold, and other conditions can cause our noses to become clogged with accumulated mucus. This results in breathing difficulties that can be very annoying and cause other problems such as snoring. Although it is a symptom that disappears when we treat the cause that generates it, it isn’t enjoyable, and we can choose to resort to natural remedies. Sometimes nasal congestion results from allergies present throughout the year or in periods marked as spring, so it will be more challenging to treat. If you want to stop having a stuffy nose, continue reading this FastlyHealarticle, where we give you the best home remedies for nasal congestion.
Table of Contents
The leading causes of nasal congestion
Nasal congestion occurs when the membrane that covers the nose becomes inflamed due to various causes that we will explain in this section. Therefore, we cannot consider this discomfort as a condition in itself, but rather it is a symptom.
- Cold . In most cases, the cold is the main culprit for nasal congestion. Other frequent symptoms are headache, watery eyes, discomfort in the throat, etc.
- Flu. In this case, the symptoms are usually more intense than the cold and are characterized by the presence of fever.
- Rhinitis. Both non-allergic and allergic rhinitis. The difference is that the second results from a reaction to a substance that generates it.
- Sinusitis. It generates a buildup of mucus that often leads to headaches.
Eucalyptus
If you are looking for solutions to eliminate nasal congestion leaving aside medications, eucalyptus is one of the best home remedies. This plant is widely used to treat respiratory diseases. Its antimicrobial properties allow it to kill the bacteria responsible for infectious diseases that can cause nasal congestion. Eucalyptus is rich in cineole and can be used through the essential oil of the plant.
On the other hand, the expectorant properties make this aromatic plant an excellent solution for nasal congestion, leaving our nose without mucus and clearing the airways. Also, its anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and help eliminate nasal congestion by making breathing easier. This happens thanks to its dilating effect, which improves air circulation.
Mint
Peppermint is another home remedy to eliminate nasal congestion and get rid of mucus. Peppermint contains ascorbic acid and menthol, substances that stimulate the expulsion of mucus and, as a consequence, decongest the airways, facilitating breathing. In addition to being effective against nasal congestion, peppermint has been used as a solution for bronchitis, asthma, and coughs.
We can prepare an infusion of mint and inhale the vapors for a few minutes until we notice improvement. We should not get too close to the content if the development is recent since we could get burned.
Saline solution
It is one of the most common home remedies for nasal congestion. It consists of a compound with water and salt that is very effective as a treatment to solve nasal congestion by applying a few drops to the nose. In this way, we can reduce mucus and clear the airways. We can get a saline solution at any pharmacy. However, you can also choose to make your home remedy to decongest. For this we need:
- 1 cup of water.
- Half a tablespoon of salt.
- A small tablespoon of baking soda.
- A package that has a dropper or sprayer.
We start to boil some water in a saucepan. Add the salt and bicarbonate when the water is hot without burning. We turn off the fire and stir the content so that they dissolve. We wait for the content to reach a warm temperature and introduce it into the container. After making sure that the liquid is at room temperature, we present a few drops into the nose and breathe so that they are introduced into the nostrils.
Hot drinks
Consuming hot drinks or dishes can help to decongest the nasal passages. The released vapors penetrate the nose and exert a dilating effect, clearing the airway and thinning the mucus. In this way, it is easier to get rid of the mucus that obstructs the airways and to regain normality when breathing. You can choose to prepare tea, broths, or soups and consume them little by little to benefit from the steam.
Following this line, another straightforward option that can give good results is a hot water bath. In addition to relaxing, this home remedy relieves nasal congestion by exerting an effect similar to warm drinks. We have to prepare our bathtub and enjoy a nice bath to feel better.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Home remedies for nasal congestion , we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.