6 Natural Home Remedies For A Stuffy Nose

Now that the winter season is here, many of us will unfortunately find ourselves stuffed-up and sniffling with a cold. It can be frustrating to have a conversation, only to sound nasally and congested, unable to breathe.

Most of us would do anything to get rid of all the excess build up, and luckily there are a few tricks you can do at home to clear out those nasal passages.

If you’re not one to turn to cold medicine every time you’re sick, or you’re just too under the weather to make it to the drug store, consider using one of these six home remedies that can help get rid of a stuffy nose.

1. Garlic

Garlic not only tastes great in cooking, but it has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can boost your immune system. Raw garlic can also help assist in draining nasal passages with its pungent taste and smell.

garlic photo

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Drinking one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with water can help thin mucus and prevent bacteria growth, as it contains potassium and acetic acid, which helps to fight nasal congestion.

apple cider vinegar photo
Photo by JeepersMedia

3. A Hot Shower

Steam helps loosen mucus and relieve congestion, so hop into a warm shower, or boil a pot of hot water, and slowly breathe in the hot air to help clear out your passages. Inhale the steam for at least five minutes, and then try blowing your nose.

hot shower photo
Photo by a.drian

4. Hot Liquids

Staying hydrated is extremely important when you have a stuffy nose, but studies have found that people reported feeling even better after drinking a hot drink over a room-temperature one. Although researchers attribute this mostly to the placebo effect, hot liquids have a more intense taste, which can stimulate the flow of saliva and mucus.

tea photo

5. A Face Massage

Stimulating acupuncture points on the face can help increase circulation relieve some of the pain associated with a stuffy nose.

Rotate your fingers on the outer edge of your nostrils and work your way up your cheekbones, towards your ears. Repeat for extended relief.

face massage photo
Photo by eismane

6. A Warm Compress

A warm compress can help open your nasal passages from the outside. Soak a towel in warm water, squeezing out excess liquid, and apply it to your forehead while lying down for about 15 minutes. To take your compress up a notch, add ginger root to your hot water  for extra relief.

towel photo

 

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About the Author
Carina Wolff
Carina is a health and wellness journalist based in Los Angeles. When she’s not writing, doing yoga, or exploring mountains and beaches, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes for her healthy food blog, Kale Me Maybe. Carina is also an ongoing writer for Bustle, Reader's Digest, FabFitFun, and more.

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