Home Remedies for Blocked and Stuffy Nose

Nasal congestion usually sorts itself out within a week or so. But, while it lasts, it can make your life really unpleasant. It’s no fun not being able to breathe normally. When you are sleep-deprived and walking around with a blocked nose, all you want is something to soothe the discomfort. In addition, blocked or stuffy nose can affect the pressure in your ears and cause popping, clicking or crackling sounds as well as a sore throat. The feeling of fullness in the ears can be disturbing and you may also have a sensation that there is water in your ears.

Although many over-the-counter drugs are available, you might want to give some powerful home remedies a go first. Your kitchen cupboard stores many natural remedies that can help you find some relief. If you combine them with certain health practices and routines, you might be able to breathe and feel a lot better, a lot faster.

Best Home Remedies for Blocked or Stuffy Nose

1. Eat garlic galore

Is there anything that garlic is not able to do? Make sure you always stock it and use it both as prevention and as a powerful home remedy. Yes, it will give you a distinct odor, but that’s not such a big prize to pay, is it? (unless you’re planning a very important social meeting).

Eat crushed garlic raw or mix it into dishes. To learn how to use garlic in a medicinal way, read my article about these 6 common mistakes when using garlic as an antibiotic. Garlic has many other benefits which you can read in my article how to use garlic as a medicine. Consuming more garlic is also one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.

Tip: If you are very worried about having garlic breath, you can try eating or drinking substances that will neutralize garlic’s potent sulphides. Scientists have discovered that eating an apple or drinking a cup of green tea can help you get rid of the pungent odor. Chewing parsley is another option or drinking lemon juice which can neutralize the smell of crushed garlic, or a glass of milk that reduces the strength of bad smelling substances in your breath.

2. Use a humidifier

Humidifiers convert water to moisture and increase the humidity in your room, which helps to thin mucus. They can be particularly useful for nighttime and create an environment that makes your breathing easier.

There is an option of using either a cool-mist or a warm-mist humidifier, and both types are thought to be equally effective. Just make sure you keep your machine clean and prevent the growth of potentially harmful bacteria and molds. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain the right level of hygiene.

Tip: If you don’t have access to a humidifier, you can hang a wet towel or put it over a heater and increase the humidity in your bedroom with this free technique.

3. Irrigate with saline solution using a neti pot

I wrote before about the benefits of using a neti pot when it comes to the health of your nasal passages. Irrigating your blocked nose with a mixture of water and salt can make a real difference. Neti pots can be used on a daily basis and research has shown they are more effective than nasal saline sprays.

• Mix 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of salt in 2 cups of warm water and pour it into your neti pot.
• You need to use previously boiled water to prepare the solution. Don’t use tap water.
• Insert the spout into one nostril and tilt your head, so the saline solution irrigates the passages and comes out through the other nostril.
• Then, repeat on the other side.

Tip: If you don’t have a neti pot, use a dropper instead or use a special bottle (see picture here).

4. Drink apple cider vinegar (ACV)

ACV is a great remedy for stuffy nose as it helps thin the mucus. Use the following recipe:

• Mix one tablespoon of ACV into a cup of warm water.
• Add a teaspoon of raw honey.
• Drink this solution two to three times daily, best on an empty stomach.

There are more health benefits of drinking ACV with honey and you can read about them in my previous article 10 amazing health benefits of ACV and honey.

5. Steam

Steaming is one of the best ways to reduce congestion and clear your nasal passages. Take a steamy, hot shower, a pampering bath, or inhale over a pot of hot water and experience great relief. Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil and enhance the healing effect of your steaming. You can use other essential oils as well – find more information in my article about the best essential oils for sinus infection.

Tip: Pour a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on your pillow and inhale the oil while you sleep. You can find more information on how to use essential oils in my e-Book Magical Aromatherapy which will help you to discover the most effective ways to use essential oils.

6. Stay hydrated

When you’re not well, it’s important to watch your fluid intake. If you keep hydrated, the symptoms of colds and flu, such as nasal congestion, are more likely to subside faster or present in a milder form. Certain fluids are a particularly good choice:

Herbal teas: Use herbs such as chamomile, thyme, peppermint or rosemary to up your fluid intake and fight congestion at the same time. Another great herb to consider is basil. Put some basil leaves in hot water and enjoy the soothing beverage.

Alternatively, chew 2 to 3 basil leaves before breakfast and before going to bed and experience the effects of this natural decongestant.

If you are interested in herbal remedies, you can find more useful information in my e-book the Herbal Remedies Guide. This e-book will teach you how to treat common ailments using herbs.

Chicken or vegetable soup: Drink these soups hot and benefit from their soothing effect.

A glass of warm water with some lemon or lime and a gallop of raw honey: This is an ultimate lift-you-up drink and will give you a boost of vitamin C. If your congestion is caused by a cold, a good dose of vitamin C will help. However, if the reason behind it is an allergy, vitamin C won’t make much difference. Still, it’s always good to give your immune system a bit of help.

You can find more health benefits of honey and lemon in my article how to revolutionize your health with honey and lemon.

Fenugreek tea: Boil some fenugreek seeds in water and drink the mixture while it’s warm. Repeat 2 to 3 times daily.

7. Apply hot compress

You can put a hot pack over your nose and experience some relief. The pack doesn’t reduce the inflammation, but it can make you feel better and open your nasal passages. For a hot pack, wet a washcloth, wring it out, and heat it in a microwave for a minute; then lay it across your face.

When to See a Doctor?

If your congestion doesn’t get any better after 7 to 10 days, visit a doctor. Longer lasting nasal problems might indicate a bacterial infection that sometimes requires antibiotic treatment to prevent any complications.

You check this acupressure method to clear your stuffy nose in one minute – it helped many people:

How to Clear a Stuffy or Runny Nose In 1 Minute

Medical Sources