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What are the Best Natural Cures for a Stuffy Nose?
Many different conditions can cause a stuffy nose, including allergies, sinus infections and colds. A number of natural cures can provide much needed relief from congestion. Some of the best natural cures for nasal congestion might be found right in the home, and things like hot showers, onions, spices, vitamins, and a variety of herbs can help.
Some of the more common natural cures for a stuffy nose include the use of natural supplements and vitamins, like zinc and vitamin C. Both of these natural treatments can assist in relieving nasal congestion and can even help ward off the onset of a cold or flu.
Perhaps one of the easiest and most popular natural cures for nasal congestion is the use of steam as an expectorant. The steam from a hot shower or a vaporizer can help to loosen mucus from the nasal passages and relieve congestion. Many people have also found that adding eucalyptus, peppermint, sage or essential oils to a pot of boiling water and inhaling the steam can be beneficial. The steam from a boiling pan of equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water can also be an effective natural cure for nasal congestion.
Many common household food items, such as onions, spicy foods, and garlic, can also help relieve a stuffy nose. A cut onion or a bowl of hot, spicy chili or soup can act as a natural decongestant. Simply sniffing a cut onion can stimulate a stuffy nose to start running, relieving congestion and unblocking the nasal passages. This same effect can be achieved with hot spices, such as chili powder or cayenne pepper.
One of the most natural cures is so simple that many overlook it: a simple glass of water can go a long way in clearing stuffed up nasal passages. There is a reason that medical professionals tell patients to drink plenty of liquids. Consuming adequate amounts of water can help to loosen mucus from the nasal membranes and relieve congestion.
Although there are a large number of over-the-counter remedies available for nasal congestion, natural cures can often be just as effective. In fact, many individuals prefer to avoid the chemicals and possible irritants present in over-the-counter remedies and opt instead for natural treatments. Finding the best one depends largely on the preferences of the individual.
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![Foods with chili powder in them can help unblock a nose.]()
Foods with chili powder in them can help unblock a nose. -
![Spicy foods, like jalapeno peppers, might help clear the sinuses.]()
By: epanthaSpicy foods, like jalapeno peppers, might help clear the sinuses. -
![Spicy foods, like some types of chili, can help relieve nasal congestion.]()
By: rafer76Spicy foods, like some types of chili, can help relieve nasal congestion. -
![Allergies or contracting a cold can lead to a stuffy nose.]()
By: leungchopanAllergies or contracting a cold can lead to a stuffy nose. -
![Eucalyptus can be used to help relieve a stuffy nose.]()
By: HemeroskopionEucalyptus can be used to help relieve a stuffy nose. -
![Warm moist heat can aid a stuffy nose.]()
By: rufarWarm moist heat can aid a stuffy nose. -
![Supplements and vitamin C, which is found in orange juice, can help relieve a stuffy nose.]()
By: SLDigiSupplements and vitamin C, which is found in orange juice, can help relieve a stuffy nose. -
![Taking a hot shower is one natural cure for a stuffy nose.]()
By: carol_anneTaking a hot shower is one natural cure for a stuffy nose. -
![A bowl of hot, spicy chili can act as a natural decongestant.]()
By: Fotocat4A bowl of hot, spicy chili can act as a natural decongestant.
Discussion Comments
It works best on allergies as opposed to colds, but some people find it helpful even for colds. It does take some getting used to to pour (salted) water through your nose, but once you do, it really helps!
Personally, I like the Sinus Rinse system that comes with a squirt bottle. I found it easier to use than a neti pot and it gets further in there. But either will work.
It's not exactly a remedy, because it won't make your nose any less stuffy, but one way to mitigate the effects of a stuffy nose at night is to sleep with your head elevated.
I discovered this by accident when I was pregnant. I had heartburn and so I was sleeping propped up on extra pillows. Then I got a cold. (Yeah, I was in pretty pitiful condition.)
Before, when I got a cold I would always notice that I would wake up with a terribly dry throat from breathing through my mouth and my whole head would feel awful. But with that cold, I didn't wake up as many times at night and my throat was less sore. Elevating your head promotes better drainage so you don't suffer as much.
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