How to treat a stuffy nose the natural way

Author: Lewis Jackson
Date Of Creation: 7 May 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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Stuffy Nose | How To Get Rid Of A Stuffy Nose Clear Blocked Nasal Congestion
Video: Stuffy Nose | How To Get Rid Of A Stuffy Nose Clear Blocked Nasal Congestion

Content

Nasal congestion usually occurs when you have colds, flu, allergies, and, in some cases, lung disease. These diseases cause inflammation in the nasal passages, constrict the bronchi or produce a lot of dry, mucus that obstructs air circulation. Sometimes a stuffy nose is an additional symptom of fever or headache and usually goes away on its own within a week. Nasal congestion can be accompanied by nasal discharge or runny nose. If you follow the steps below, you can learn how to use home remedies, change habits, and take herbs and supplements to naturally clear your nose.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Using Home Treatments

  1. Use a humidifier. The dry air worsens the sinus disease and makes it difficult for mucus to escape the nasal passages, making the stuffy nose persistent. Using a humidifier in your bedroom or living room adds moisture to the air to prevent dehydration, help clear your sinuses and soothe your throat. Pay attention to the appropriate humidity. The air in your home should be 30% to 55% humidity.
    • If the humidity is too high, mold and dust mites can multiply, and both are common causes of allergies. Mold also has an unpleasant odor and can discolor furniture. If the humidity drops too low, it can cause dry eyes, sinus and throat irritation. The easiest way to measure humidity is to use a hygrometer, which can be found at most home appliance stores.
    • Both the central humidifier and the portable humidifier need careful cleaning. Otherwise, the air will be polluted by mold and bacteria can be found in the home. Turn off the humidifier and call your healthcare professional if you have respiratory symptoms you think are related to the humidifier.

  2. Steam. The steam helps loosen mucus and also wash away foreign objects such as dust or pollen stuck in the nasal passages. For a quick steam treatment, you can boil the distilled water until it is almost boiling. When the water starts to evaporate heavily, lift the pot from the stove. Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot, close your eyes, and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes.
    • Water should be about 80–85 degrees Celsius.

  3. Cover a warm towel. A warm washcloth applied to your forehead or neck can help relieve sinus headaches caused by inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages. The heat opens up blood vessels, increases blood circulation, provides oxygen and nutrients to relieve pain and relax sore muscles. Soak a small, clean towel in warm water for about 3-5 minutes, then wring out the water. Apply on forehead or neck for 5 minutes. You can repeat it a few times. However, do not apply heat for more than 20 minutes, which is about 4 times, unless advised by your doctor.
    • You can also use a hot water bottle or gel gauze to apply heat. Do not let the temperature exceed 40–45 degrees Celsius as it can burn the skin. People with sensitive skin should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
    • Do not apply heat if you have swelling or fever. Use cold compresses instead.
    • Do not apply heat to the wound or suture. People with diabetes or poor circulation should be cautious when using warm compresses.

  4. Use a nasal spray saline spray. The nasal spray adds moisture to the nasal passages, while also helping to clear the scabs and mucus in the nasal passages. Before spraying for the first time, you need to spray it into the air several times until the spray is as thin as the mist. When using a spray pump, you need to gently blow your nose into a tissue to expel the mucus. Open the cap and gently shake the spray bottle. Tilt your head forward slightly and exhale slowly. Hold the spray bottle in your nostrils, your thumb on the bottom of the bottle, your index and middle fingers on the top of the bottle. Use the finger of the other hand to cover a nostril. Inject the medicine as you inhale slowly through your nose. Repeat with the other nostril.
    • If the spray is used correctly, the water does not get out of the nose or down the throat. Try not to sneeze or blow your nose after you spray. And try to keep the spray bottle straight. Spray button mouth towards the back. If you do not spray it straight, you will waste the medicine and possibly irritate your nose.
    • If you are using a pressure spray, rinse it off at least once a week. Before using it, gently blow your nose into a clean tissue to expel the mucus. Make sure the bottle fits into the spray bottle. Gently shake the bottle several times before using it. With this type of spray you use the same way as any other spray, except to keep your head straight.
    • Some nasal sprays can cause mild irritation or irritation. Look for one with a sodium chloride concentration between 0% and 3% only to avoid irritation. For sensitive skin, saline sprays with a concentration of 0.9% are most effective, called physiological saline.
    • Most saltwater sprays can be used daily with an arbitrary number of uses. If you have nosebleeds, you should stop using it for a few days. If bleeding or irritation persists, contact your doctor.
  5. Use a nasal wash. The nasal wash is specially designed for the clear of mucus from your sinuses to clear your nose and relieve cold symptoms for hours. During the process of washing your nose, the saline solution is poured into one nostril and washed away from the other nostril. Start by mixing the salt solution with 1/4 teaspoon of clean cooking salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 8 oz of warm distilled water about 40 degrees Celsius.
    • Pour into the nose wash about 120ml of salt solution. Stand forward on the sink, tilt your head to one side, and insert the spout in the upper nostril. Pour the saline solution into the nostril and run it through the other nostril. Repeat with the other nostril.
    • Start washing once a day when symptoms appear. If you feel better, you use 240 - 480ml of solution for each sinus, 1-2 times per day or rinse whenever needed.
    • Nasal cleaners are available in pharmacies.
  6. Gargle salt water. Gargle the salt water to help moisten the sinuses, allow mucus to drain and prevent posterior nasal discharge. It also helps soothe a sore sore throat. Add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to sterile warm water and stir until the salt dissolves. Gargle for 1-2 minutes, then spit it out, do not swallow.
    • If the salt irritates your mouth or throat, you can also use warm distilled water to rinse your mouth. Rinse every few hours.
  7. Consider rinsing your mouth with cooking oil. Gargling with cooking oil is a traditional Indian medicine remedy in which mouthwash is used to remove harmful germs and bacteria from the mouth. Vegetable oils containing fats absorb toxins and pull them out of saliva. Gargle with one tablespoon of cooking oil for about a minute for good results. Then spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water.
    • If possible, try to rinse your mouth with oil for 15-20 minutes. The longer you rinse your mouth, the more effective it is. To make sure the oil absorbs toxins and bacteria to the maximum extent, you should rinse your mouth on an empty stomach.
    • Buy cold pressed organic oil. Sesame oil and olive oil may work, but coconut oil is preferred for its pleasant taste and natural antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin E. The medium chain fatty acid of coconut oil. fuses with viral and bacterial membranes, then breaks them down, meaning it kills bacteria and viruses. Streptococcus is an acid-secreting bacteria that normally resides in the mouth.Streptococcus is a major cause of tooth decay because they adhere to tooth enamel and destroy enamel. One study showed that coconut oil is the only oil that kills streptococci.
    • Cooking oil is also a natural humectant, helping to prevent dehydration in the throat and mouth.
  8. Blowing your nose properly. Blowing your nose is important when you have a cold to help clear your sinuses, but don't blow too hard. The pressure from a strong blow of your nose can be put on your ears, making it even more painful when you have a cold. Make sure you blow your nose gently, and only when it's necessary. Experts recommend blowing your nose by covering one nostril with your finger and gently blowing the other side into a tissue. Do the same with the other nostril.
    • Wash your hands well after each blow to avoid risk of infection with other bacteria and viruses.
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Method 2 of 5: Changing Habits

  1. Take a warm bath. To help clear your nose, consider incorporating a quick bath with warm water into your daily routine. Showering or in the bath for 5-10 minutes can help relieve congestion by stimulating mucus release and soothing the muscles in the throat. Keep the temperature around 40-45 degrees C. Take care that the water is not too hot or cold, especially if you have a fever. A warm bath can also help babies and babies with a stuffy nose.
    • Limit bath time to 5-10 minutes. People with sensitive skin should only take warm baths 1-2 times per week to prevent dry skin.
    • Staying clean will also help you reduce your risk of getting more viruses and bacteria.
  2. Place a pot indoors. For a natural humidifier, consider growing an indoor pot. By releasing water vapor through flowers, leaves and branches, plants can help regulate the humidity in your home. Indoor plants also help clean up carbon dioxide and other airborne pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichlorethylene.
    • Good indoor plants include aloe vera, palm-leaf bamboo, sirop, Chinese ivy, and many species of lettuce and sedum.
  3. Quit smoking. Smoking removes the oxygen needed for cell repair and production because it narrows the blood vessels that carry blood to the extremities and to the brain. This can lead to many heart and respiratory problems, shortness of breath and even stroke. Smoking cigarettes can irritate the nasal tissue, often causing headaches and chronic coughs, also known as smoking-induced cough. If you already have a stuffy nose, then smoking can prolong and increase the severity of the illness.
    • Avoid indirect smoking and other harmful emissions that can cause irritation and discomfort. Ask your doctor about ways to reduce and quit smoking.
    • If you are coughing a lot or have a lot of stuffy nose at night, try to sleep on your side, which is the less congested position, making it easier to breathe and the mucus is easier to drain.
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Method 3 of 5: Eat a Healthy Diet

  1. Eat a Mediterranean diet. While some foods can cause inflammation, others can help reduce inflammation, reduce congestion and promote healing. Mediterranean diets mostly contain inflammatory foods like strawberries, cherries, oranges, almonds, walnuts, spinach, kale, salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, brown rice. whole grains, quinoa, millet, oats and flaxseed, olive and canola oil.
    • If you have acid reflux, you should avoid fruits with citric acid as it can be a stimulant, causing nausea, irritation, and sometimes vomiting.
  2. Eat hot soup. Warm soups have anti-inflammatory effects, stimulate sweating, and increase nasal circulation. It will help clear your nasal passages and relieve congestion. It's best to make your own soup to make sure there isn't too much bad sodium. For natural chicken broth and low sodium, cook a skinless quadrant chicken thigh with 2-3 cups of water (0.5 - 0.75 liters) in a large pot. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 tomato, 2-3 celery stalks, 2-3 carrots or other vegetables for flavor. You can add herbs like parsley or thyme. When it's done, remove the chicken and vegetables and immediately drink the broth.
    • It's important to drink the broth while it is still warm for best results. Drink it one to three times a day until symptoms subside or completely clear up.
    • If using a stew pot, cover the pot and simmer for 6-8 hours or over high heat for 4 hours. If you are using the stove, cook until it is almost boiling and let it simmer for 1 hour.
    • If you want to drink vegetable juice instead of gravy, use a variety of vegetables like onions, parsnips, carrots, celery, leeks, mushrooms and tomatoes. Fry the vegetables lightly in olive or canola oil, then add 2-3 cups (0.5 -0.75 liters) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 90 minutes.
    • Add lentils or brown rice for a viscous consistency. If you like spicy food, add half a chopped cayenne pepper or 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper in the vegetable juice.
    • Don't discard vegetables and chicken after filtering as it is edible.
  3. Eat pineapple. Pineapples are high in an enzyme called bromelain, which is used to reduce inflammation of the nose and sinuses. Regularly eat 2 slices of pineapple or drink 2 cups of pineapple juice to get the benefits of bromelain. Do not eat pineapple with potatoes or soy products. These foods can slow the healing of bromelain in the body.
    • If you have a pineapple allergy, don't eat it as it can worsen the symptoms.
  4. Avoid foods that cause inflammation. Certain foods can slow down the body's healing process, gain weight, and cause inflammation. This also contributes to increased rhinitis, causing more congestion. Try to reduce or avoid foods that can cause chronic inflammation such as white bread, pastries, donuts, fried foods, soda, sugary energy drinks, margarine, shortening, lard, etc. veal, minced meats, kebabs and processed meats such as sausages.
  5. Use cayenne pepper. Cayenne peppers have capsaicin, which has antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to speed up the healing process. These ingredients help reduce congestion, cough, and fever. Cayenne peppers also stimulate sweating, keep the body cool when fever. Try adding cayenne peppers to each meal to take advantage of the spice's properties and reduce congestion.
    • People allergic to latex, bananas, kiwis, nuts, and avocados may also be allergic to cayenne.
    • Capsaicin should not be used for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, low blood sugar, or those taking blood thinning medications. Cayenne peppers can also cause nausea and throat irritation in young children, so don't use cayenne peppers or other peppers for babies and babies.
  6. Take more vitamin C. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an important antioxidant that helps boost immune function. Nasal congestion symptoms are also milder and shorter in people who take enough vitamin C. Add vitamin C to your diet every day. Good sources of vitamin C are bell peppers, green peppers, oranges, grapefruit, grapefruit, lemons, lime, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, mango, papaya and cantaloupe.
    • You can also get vitamin C from a supplement. The recommended dose is 500mg, divided into 2 or 3 times daily. Smoking cigarettes reduces the effects of vitamin C, so smokers need an additional 35mg of vitamin C per day.
  7. Drink coconut oil. Every time you have a cold, you can take 1-2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil, either with or without meals, three times per day. According to some experts, coconut oil kills bacteria, viruses, many types of parasites and is also completely safe to drink. Medium chain fatty acids kill intruders but are harmless to the human body. advertisement

Method 4 of 5: Using Herbal Treatments

  1. Use garlic. Garlic is an antioxidant rich herb that boosts immunity like vitamin B6, vitamin C and manganese. Garlic also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help clear your sinuses by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Researchers believe that these medicinal properties come from a sulfuric enzyme called alliin, the active ingredient in garlic, that helps fight viruses. The best practice is to eat fresh garlic to release alliin. Each garlic clove is usually equivalent to 1 gram. To make it easier to eat, you can crush it into 1 teaspoon of garlic mixed with honey or olive oil.
    • You can also add 2 to 4 grams of chopped garlic to spice up meals or cook it up by frying garlic over low heat so as not to destroy the active ingredients in the garlic.
    • Processed garlic comes in many forms such as seasoned garlic, garlic powder and garlic salt. Soaked garlic extract is usually in liquid or capsule form, which can be taken as a daily or weekly supplement. Freeze-dried garlic is also available as a tablet or capsule.
    • Too much garlic can cause bad breath and low blood pressure, so limit it to only 2-4 cloves of garlic per day. Do not take garlic prior to surgery if you have a bleeding disorder. If side effects such as bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, dizziness, and allergic manifestations such as an asthma reaction, skin rashes and skin damage occur, you should stop taking garlic. and get medical attention immediately.
  2. Drink elderberry extract. Elderberry is widely used to treat respiratory ailments, sore throats, coughs and fevers thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It is also capable of boosting the immune system. Soak 3-5 grams of dried elderflower in a cup of boiling water for about 10 -15 minutes to drink as herbal tea, up to 3 cups a day. You can also take elderberry extract in the form of a syrup, lozenge, or dietary supplement that can be found at most pharmacies or grocery stores.
    • Elderberry is not recommended for long-term use, so it is recommended that you take it every two to three days, whether it be in the form of a tea or a supplement. Elderberry is also a blood thinner, so people with low blood pressure should not use it.
    • Don't use unripe or undercooked elderberries as they can cause poisoning.
    • Talk to your doctor before drinking elderberry. This herb can have a number of side effects for pregnant women, people with autoimmune diseases and those taking diabetes medications, laxatives, chemotherapy drugs, and immunosuppressants.
  3. Try peppermint. Peppermint contains menthol, which acts as a decongestant, thinning mucus and helping to dissolve phlegm. It also helps soothe the throat and relieve a dry cough. Peppermint is available as lozenges, extracts in dietary supplements, herbal teas, essential oils, and fresh leaves. Use fresh leaves to decorate or add flavor to your dish. You can also try making peppermint tea, drinking it up to 3 times a day by steeping a tea bag or dried mint leaves in a cup of hot water.
    • Do not give peppermint or menthol to children under 2 years of age.
    • Peppermint oil is often used in aromatherapy or rubbing therapy on the body. Peppermint essential oil should not be taken.
  4. Consider using eucalyptus. The active ingredient in eucalyptus is a compound called cineole, which acts as an expectorant, prevents inflammation in the airways, relieves congestion, and alleviates coughs. You can take eucalyptus in the form of lozenges, cough syrups, and steam bath essential oils, which can be found at most drugstores. You can also use eucalyptus-leaf oils to apply to your nose and chest to reduce congestion and phlegm. This will help prevent mucus, which can worsen throat conditions.
    • Try eucalyptus tea by steeping 2-4 grams of dried eucalyptus leaves in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes, which can be taken up to 3 times a day.
    • Eucalyptus can also be used to rinse your mouth. Soak 2-4 grams of dried leaves in a cup of warm water for 5-10 minutes. You can use it to rinse your mouth after a meal, 3-4 times a day to reduce bad breath, help mucus drain more easily and soothe your throat.
    • Do not take eucalyptus oil because it can cause poisoning. People with asthma, seizures, liver, kidney disease, or low blood pressure should not take eucalyptus without consulting their doctor.
  5. Try green whip grass. The green horseworm acts as an expectorant, expels mucus from the chest and throat, and reduces congestion. Green horseshoe is available as a supplement, tea and syrup at most pharmacies and nutritional food stores. The recommended dosage is one tablet taken with a meal with a glass of water, at least 1-2 times per day.
    • To make tea, you soak 1/2 teaspoon of green whip in 1 cup of boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Strain and drink up to 2 times a day, especially before bed.
    • If you are taking diuretics or caffeine, you should not use green horseshoe as it can cause dehydration. Ask your doctor before taking if you are pregnant, have digestive problems or are taking any other medicines.
  6. Use lemon balm. Lemon balm contains antiviral and anti-inflammatory substances called tannins that help boost the immune system, while also reducing congestion and sinus headaches. Lemon balm is available as a supplement, topical cream, tincture, and herbal tea, and can be found at most herbal and nutrition stores. The recommended dosage for lemon mint extract supplements is 300 - 500mg, up to 3 times a day. To make lemon balm tea, soak 1/4 teaspoon of dried lemon balm in a cup of warm water for 3-5 minutes. Strain and drink immediately without adding any sweetener.
    • Lemon peppermint oil needs to be diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba oil before applying it to the skin. To dilute the oil, add 5 drops of essential oil to 15ml of carrier oil. Store the unused portion in a dark colored dropper with a tight screw cap. Use the oil to massage on the forehead, nape or wrist for 3-5 minutes. Do not use essential oils for babies and children.
    • Lemon balm cream is considered safe for children. You should ask your doctor about dosages for children and babies.
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Method 5 of 5: Treating a stuffy nose with medical treatments

  1. See your doctor for a checkup. There are times when you should see your doctor for a stuffy nose. Runny and stuffy nose usually clears up within 1 week or sooner if you adopt a healthy lifestyle. If a stuffy or fever continues for more than 2 weeks, you should see your doctor for diagnosis. If you have a high fever of about 39-40 degrees Celsius, especially if it lasts longer than 3 days, you should see your doctor right away.
    • If the nasal discharge is green and accompanied by sinus pain, fever or pertussis, you may have a bacterial or viral infection and need to see your doctor right away.
    • You should also see your doctor if symptoms persist for more than 10 days, you have asthma or emphysema, are taking immunosuppressants, have blood in the nasal discharge, or have persistent clear discharge after a head injury. .
  2. Ask your doctor about medications. Sometimes just using natural remedies is not effective enough. You may need allergy medicine or stronger medications if the stuffy nose persists or is accompanied by more severe symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medications or recommend other over-the-counter medications to use in combination with natural remedies.
    • If the runny nose persists, the nasal discharge is loose, especially with sneezing and itching or watery eyes, that symptom may be related to an allergy. An over-the-counter antihistamine can help.
    • Make sure to take it exactly as directed on the medicine pack. Ask your doctor about possible side effects if taken with other medicines, herbs, supplements, and foods.
  3. Look for signs of rhinitis or lung inflammation. A cough and sore throat, often accompanied by a stuffy nose, can also be symptoms of rhinitis and lung disease. There are also other symptoms that need to be carefully considered to find a larger, potential problem. Find out if you feel pressure on your forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, jaw, teeth, behind your eyes or cheeks, or on the top of your head. You may also experience swelling or swelling on your face, usually around your eyes or cheeks, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in your chest, stuffy nose, loss of smell, a yellowish green nasal discharge, or feeling fluid dripping down the throat, especially at night when lying down.
    • If the fever is high or the headache is severe, you should seek immediate medical attention
    • Rare complications associated with chronic sinusitis can include blood clots, abscesses, meningitis, orbital cellulitis, and osteomyelitis, an infection that spreads to the facial bone.
    • If you suspect you have chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, or bronchitis, your doctor may order imaging tests, which may include x-rays, computed tomography (CT) or a resonance scan. word (MRI).
    • If you have severe symptoms of a cold or flu, or have previously been diagnosed with a respiratory illness, you should seek professional care right away.Symptoms that warn you to go see your doctor immediately are coughing up green or yellow phlegm, a fever of 40 degrees or more, ear or nose infections, a runny nose, a skin rash, and difficulty breathing due to asthma, or other breathing problems.
  4. See an otolaryngologist (TMH). If symptoms persist after 8 weeks or interfere with your life, your doctor may refer you to an IVF doctor. Your ENT doctor will check your ears, nose, and throat to see if the symptoms are caused by an underlying cause, such as a bacterial or viral infection. An IVF doctor may also look inside with a fiber-optic lens to examine your sinuses for nasal polyps or other structural problems if you have rhinitis, and may recommend laparoscopic surgery.
    • If you have respiratory problems, talk to your doctor.
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Advice

  • Getting a flu shot every year can help reduce the risk of getting sick from the respiratory tract.
  • Washing your hands often can reduce your risk of infection, especially during the flu season. Carrying hand sanitizer with you is also helpful if you are busy or on the go.