Nobody enjoys the prospect of nasal congestion caused by a cold, flu or allergy, but it occurs frequently. While many sufferers assume the problem is too much mucus production, quite often nasal congestion is caused by swelling of the nasal membranes themselves. The mucus draining from the sinus cavities has nowhere to go, so it backs up until the swelling subsides enough for drainage. As any sufferer can attest, this process can take days and the trapped mucus causes a number of other problems in the meantime. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies for nasal congestions to try while you wait for permanent relief.

Some home remedies for nasal congestions center around environmental changes. An air conditioner can help remove allergens and other airborne irritants, so be sure to recuperate in a room with a filtered air supply. Vaporizers are also recommended for relief from nasal congestion, especially when additives such as vinegar or Vicks-style menthol salve are added to the water supply. Some experts suggest vaporizers using cool water are just as effective for small children who may get burned by steam. If a vaporizer is not available, breathing over a container of boiling water and herbs or vinegar may also provide some relief.

Other home remedies for nasal congestions involve the consumption of spicy or pungent foods. Chicken soup laced with heavy doses of black pepper may open up the sinus passages. Ethnic foods known for their spiciness are also popular home remedies for nasal congestions. Many people find relief after eating spicy Mexican, Chinese or Indian dishes containing hot peppers. A centuries-old recipe for basil tea is also said to clear the sinuses quickly, as does a spicy tomato tea similar to an alcohol-free version of a Bloody Mary cocktail.

A few home remedies for nasal congestions use physical manipulation of the nasal area to achieve relief. Hot, moist compresses should be placed under the eyes and over the nose to encourage sinus drainage. One suggestion calls for pressing the tongue against the roof of one's mouth, followed alternately by gently pressing on a point between the eyes. It is believed that a facial bone in the sinus area could be shifted to allow for better drainage.

One of the most popular remedies for nasal congestions is a saline spray. There are several different recipes for a homemade saline nasal spray, but essentially they require boiling table salt and baking soda in a pan of water and storing the cooled contents in a sanitized bottle. A rubber nasal syringe or dropper can be used to apply several drops of saline directly into the nasal passages. The saline is believed to shrink affected membranes and encourage natural drainage. A similar recipe using 3% hydrogen peroxide and colloidal silver in solution is also believed to have some positive effects.

Some home remedies for nasal congestions, however, are intended to address the root cause of the congestion, not just the stuffiness and blockage. A surprising number of stuffy noses are triggered by food allergies, not colds or other infections. Dairy products are often considered triggers for nasal congestions, as are products containing nuts or wheat gluten. Eliminating suspected food allergens from a child's diet may reduce the frequency and severity of nasal congestions not associated with the cold or flu.