Nasal Congestion: 7 Quick Fixes

Nasal congestion (stuffy nose) is a very unpleasant symptom caused by certain allergies or respiratory conditions. This consists of inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which makes it difficult to breathe, as it blocks the nasal passages.

Rapid multiplication of viruses and a weakened immune system are factors that aggravate the problem, causing other inconveniences.

Generally, nasal congestion disappears in a week or a few days, but you can speed up its healing with natural remedies. 

Today we present you 7 of the most efficient methods you can use to alleviate this discomfort. Let’s see what it’s all about!

1. Salt water fights nasal congestion

Salt water is one of the oldest remedies for nasal congestion and for removing excess mucus.

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sea salt (10 g)
• 1 liter of water
• 1 syringe without needle

Instructions

• Boil the water, add a tablespoon of salt and let the mixture cool.
• Use 5 ml of this solution and apply it to each nostril.
• Repeat the process twice a day, every day.

2. Inhalation of steam

Inhaling steam is a great trick to open the airways and fight nasal congestion.

ingredients

• 2 liters of water
• 1 handful of chamomile flowers or eucalyptus leaves

Instructions

• Add a handful of the chosen plant to the water and let the mixture boil for five minutes.
• After this interval, take the pot off the heat and cover your head with a towel. All you have to do now is inhale the steam released by this tea. 

• You will feel an immediate improvement, as moisture and heat will reduce inflammation.

3. Hot water compresses

Another way to use heat to combat inflammation of the nasal passages is to apply hot water compresses.

ingredients

• 1 soft, absorbent cloth
• 1 cup hot water (250 ml)

Instructions

• Soak the cloth in warm water, making sure the temperature is bearable to the touch.
• Apply this compress on the nose and forehead and leave it on for a few minutes.

4. Warm water with honey

Bee honey has antibiotic properties that help treat respiratory problems and combat nasal congestion. If you add it to hot water and drink the mixture, you improve your breathing.

ingredients

• 2 teaspoons honey (15 g)
• 1 cup water (250 ml)

Instructions

• Put two teaspoons of honey in a cup of warm water, then drink the mixture before bed.
• Consume this remedy every night until the symptoms improve.

5. Infusion with ginger and lemon

Ginger has properties that fight the flu and nasal congestion and that improve the health of the respiratory system when attacked by a virus.

ingredients

• 1 piece of ginger root
• The juice of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon honey (7.5 g)
• 1 cup water (250 ml)

Instructions

• Bring water to a boil. After boiling, take the pot off the heat and add the ginger.

• Let it infuse for 10 minutes, then add honey and lemon juice. Drink the infusion.
• Drink up to three cups a day.

6. Garlic

Garlic has antibiotic properties that fight viruses and bacteria that multiply in the respiratory system. Its sulfur compounds reduce inflammation in the nostrils and decongest the nose.

ingredients

• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/2 glass of water (100 ml)

Instructions

• Grind the raw garlic and add it to a bowl with 100 ml of water.
• Let it soak for a few hours, then pour the liquid into a pipette.
• Apply 10 drops in each nostril and repeat the treatment twice a day.

7. Onions

Having garlic-like effects, onions are another excellent remedy for clearing the nasal passages and relieving congestion. 

ingredients

• 1 onion

Instructions

• Cut an onion in half and smell it for 4-5 minutes.
• Repeat the treatment twice a day, until the inflammation improves.

These simple remedies for stuffy nose are some of the best known and most effective. It is important to combine them with a diet rich in vitamin C and antioxidants  to achieve the desired results. 

If the symptoms persist for more than a week, we advise you to go to the doctor, so that he can recommend other solutions.