Don’t you just hate it when your nose is congested? You feel suffocated and something as natural as breathing becomes a challenging task. You may have the notion that stuffy nose is caused by the accumulation of mucus in your nostrils, but in reality, stuffy nose is caused by the inflammation of blood vessels in the sinuses. Such inflammation is usually triggered by allergies, sinus infections, cold, and flu, and it is often accompanied by horse voice, watery eyes, mild headache, and sinus pain. If you do not treat your stuffy nose on time, it can disturb your sleep and can even lead to ear infections. You can use some of the nasal sprays available in the market, but they can be addicting. Instead, you can use some simple kitchen ingredients to treat your nose. Here are some home remedies you can use to get rid of stuffy nose.
1. Inhale Steam
Inhaling steam is an effective remedy for stuffy nose and many other respiratory problems. The warm water vapors reduce inflammation and thin mucus so that you will be able to expel it from your nose with ease.
How To:
Boil a bowl of water and remove it from the heat.
Lean forward over the bowl, about 30 cms away.
Cover your head and the bowl with a towel or a thick piece of cloth so that the steam does not escape.
Slowly inhale the steam for a few minutes.
Repeat the process once in the morning and once at night.
You can even add essential oils like eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, or tea tree oil to the water.
2. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains potassium which helps thin the mucus. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling, and its acetic acid content prevents the growth of bacteria.
How To:
Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water.
Stir the mixture well and drink it.
You can drink the solution 2 to 3 times a day for quick relief.
You can add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar initially if you are drinking it for the first time.
3. Drink Fenugreek Water
Consuming fenugreek helps open up the sinus cavities and reduces the swelling of blood vessels as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It also clears your nasal passage by thinning the mucus present.
How To:
Add a tablespoon of fenugreek to a glass of water in a boiling pan.
Boil the mixture for 5 minutes and turn the heat off.
Strain the solution and drink it while it is still warm.
You can repeat the process several times a day.
4. Drink Garlic Water
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties so it reduces the inflammation of the sinuses and helps you breathe more comfortably. It also has antimicrobial properties that prevent bacterial infection and boost your immune system if you consume it on a regular basis.
How To:
Add 3 to 4 freshly peeled garlic cloves to a cup of water.
Boil the mixture and turn the heat off.
Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to it and stir it well.
Drink the mixture when it is lukewarm.
Repeat the process on a daily basis for best results.
You can even chew raw garlic for quick relief from nasal congestion.
5. Sniff Onion
Though you may not want to sniff smelly onions when you are fine, doing so when your nose is congested will bring you relief. Onion has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help you breathe easier.
How To:
Peel an onion and cut it into half.
Smell it for 4 to 5 minutes.
Repeat the process as and when necessary.
