Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion
WARNING: This home remedies site is intended to be archival in nature. The natural remedies here are submitted by numerous people from around the world, and we have no way to test or verify every remedy. As such these home remedies should be used for academic purposes only. Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.
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Nasal Congestion Home Remedies:
Submitted at 2008-10-27 17:05:38
I find that steaming yourself really helps to open up your nose (and all other sinuses.) This is also a relief to regular chest congestion as well as mild to medium coughing. If you don't know what steaming is-let me enlighten you.
To steam yourself (variations possible):
1.) Boil about 5 cups of water (more or less.)
2.) Grab a towel and a bowl.
3.) After water has boiled, (recommended doing the following in the kitchen) sit at a table and pour the water in the bowl.
5.) Quickly, letting very little heat escape, sit down and place the towel over your head and the bowl.
6.) Sit there for about 15-20 minutes breathing in through your nose (if you have nasal congestion or head sinuses) or in through your mouth (if you have chest congestion/a cough.) This can be a bit boring, so i recommend listening to the television, music, or attempting to read (however it gets dark and steamy under there!)
***Tip***
Even though it is hot and may cause very mild discomfort to your eyes (I close mine. It's not as though I'm missing anything under there!) try to lean over as close to the bowl as possible. You will sweat, but you will feel your nose opening up/becoming runny, your chest aching less, as well as your head aching less and opening up.
***Bonus***
The steam helps open up your pores! It is great to apply acne medicine after this as it does wonders to your skin!
As you can see I have found this as a relief to many ailments including the following:
-nasal congestion
-sinus (especially head) congestion
-chest congestion
-mild to medium coughing
(even opening up your pores!)
I hope it helps you as much as me! Although it is a pain in the butt, I find that it does work wonders!
Get better soon! :)))
rating: 7 (214 votes)
Submitted by Ron S. at 2009-11-01 20:08:04
For mild congestion, lay two fingers (middle and index) flat across one cheek (pointing up toward your eye). Close the nostril on the opposite side and then blow. While blowing, roll your fingers toward your nose like you're squeezing a tube of tooth paste. This will help move the deep congestion toward the nasal passage where it can be blown out.
rating: 6 (100 votes)
Submitted by Kevin at 2009-10-18 08:20:30
Okay, so used to have really bad nasal congestion. Ever since my childhood i could only remember being able to breath through one nostril, the other completely blocked, or both were completely blocked. So it got really bad when i was around 11 and i consulted a nose specialist. He said i had minor adenoids and that an operation was really unnecessary. so that was when i got hooked on nasal sprays and such which really only made it much worse because of rebound congestion.
NOW, for the solution:
Someone told my mum about this so i tried it.
You need:
1. A cup of warm water (not a level or two below burning, so you can inhale it)
2. Salt
3. Any ordinary eating spoon
4. A glass
Steps:
1. Add a few pinches of salt to the warm water (you can adjust later on)
2. Stir with a spoon until it's dissolved
3. Put the spoon in the water and raise it up to one of your nostrils(close the other nostril). You will now breathe in the water, so just make sure it isn't too hot. The water should come out of your mouth and you spit it out. (i do this over a sink) If it tastes too salty, just empty the glass and refill and add less salt.
4. Repeat this step until the glass is about half full. You'll a lot of mucus and phlegm comes out, that's fine just keep blowing and what not in the middle of this exercise.
5. Repeat the exercise with the other nostril now until the glass is empty.
And you're done.
Do this once in the morning after you wake up and once in the night before sleep. You'll get immediate long lasting relief. I do it for 2-5weeks and then i have a cleared nose for at least 2+ years, however it is good to make a habit of this exercise for a completely cleared nose. I'm now doing this exercise for the 2nd time in my life after 3 years and it's working great.
I am 15 from Australia, Victoria.
I really hoped that i made myself as clear as possible because this exercise is just so effective, and i understand how frustrating nasal congestion can be because it can turn a good day into a disaster.
Thank you :)
rating: 6 (162 votes)
Submitted by ahh-air at 2011-12-27 20:31:29
Never fails for me - do ten or more jumping jacks.
rating: 6 (57 votes)
Submitted at 2009-11-02 09:56:03
For mild congestion, lay two fingers flat across the cheek just below the eye, then press and roll them toward the nose while blowing. (It's like squeezing a tube of toothpaste. Search web for image of 'Maxiliary Sinus' for better understanding).
Use a 'Neti Pot' for bigger jobs. See 'Nasal Irrigation' at Wikipedia.
rating: 6 (80 votes)
Submitted by Tom at 2009-01-30 12:56:11
This method helps to keep a cold from turning into a sinus infection. It also helps with congestion.
1/2 teaspoon un-iodized salt
1/2 tablespoon distilled vinegar
1 cup boiling water
Dissolve/dilute the salt and vinegar in the boiling water. This solution can then be used either with an atomizer (a recycled Afrin or Dristan nose spray bottle is what I've used) or put up in a dropper bottle.
Empty and clean the atomizer. Partially fill and empty it with boiling water a couple of times by inverting it into the boiling water. This will flush out any product that might still be there.
Fill the atomizer by squeezing and inverting it into the solution of salt, vinegar and hot water. It might take you doing so twice to get it relatively well filled. Turn upright and squeeze slowly until sides are almost touching. Any liquid that squirts out is what was 'overfilled.' Obviously you let it cool before using! It's now ready to use like any normal atomizer.
I've used this as a nose spray to help with colds and to help prevent sinus infections. I've also used it as a prophylactic method before going on outings with crowds during cold season. I've still gotten the occasional cold but don't seem to get them as easily.
The saline is easy on the sinuses and the vinegar creates a slightly acidic pH. My guess is that sinus bugs don't like the pH shift.
Give it a try. I've had good luck with it and used to get sinus infections as a result of having a cold nearly every time. I also used to get sinus infections from swimming. Those are also history. Other than that I'm still using this spray nearly daily during the winter and rarely get colds and never get sinus infections any more.
rating: 6 (42 votes)
Submitted by D.D. at 2011-05-20 02:32:49
(sorry, I accidentally posted this under a comment, same topic.)
My family has a history of asthma and I have been suffering from seasonal allergy/cold. Claritin and other drugs didn't help much except making me drowsy every time. We finally learned an extremely effective method from an Eastern herbal medicine book. (The book is about 100 plants/vegetables and their miraculous cures for various ailments. Unfortunately it's in another language and I don't know if there's an English translation. You can do some personal research on herbal medicine, fruits, and vegetables in general.)
I received instant result the next day; no more congestion, runny nose, phlegm, no more cold feeling around my chest area, and I no longer feel like I drown in my own water every time I go to bed and wake up. Pollens and whatnot, I now can breathe and walk freely in the park during spring and summer time. What a relief!!! If the following method is also effective for you, please spread the words to others also.
-Buy some fresh garlic bulbs, take out about 4 pieces/cloves (or a few more pieces/cloves if you don't mind the smell and taste), peel off all their papery covering, and cut the pieces/cloves into small slices (like how you would for frying or sauté)
-Get a fairly full cup of water (like a normal coffee cup/mug)
-Boil the water and the garlic slices in a pot for about 5-10 minutes (the main purpose is to get the garlic's juice)
-Wait for it to cool down and drink the juice
-Do so daily until the symptoms of allergy/cold are gone
I personally prefer the taste and smell of burnt garlic, not boiled garlic, so I usually have to eat a bit of something sweet after every time I drink the juice. :D If you don't like the lingering smell and taste of garlic afterwards, drink some tea mixed with a few slices of ginger. Ginger also helps in warming up your body. It really worked for me and my family. I now no longer suffer from nasal congestion and I hope it will work for you too!
rating: 6 (91 votes)
Submitted by Diana at 2010-10-28 22:57:57
I saw Dr. Oz on Oprah and he was showing a Neti pot. It is a small vessel with a spout. You fill it up with very warm water, as warm as you can stand, and add a small amount of salt. You then lean over a sink horizontally, tilt your head and insert the spout into the nostril that is facing up. When you pour in the solution, the liquid will run out the other nostril. After pouring some in one nostril, blow your nose and repeat in the other nostril. When you do this, the solution will go up into your sinuses and flush out your nose. If you go on line and type in 'NETI POT' you will see several places that sell them. The pot comes with instructions. I use my Neti pot every evening and it has made a huge difference in my congestion. It may sound strange, but it works.
rating: 6 (143 votes)
Submitted by Gina at 2004-09-16 17:06:55
Boil water and salt and put in a sterilized container. Wait until it is warm. Get an eye dropper and get some of the solution of boiled water and salt. Put a couple of drops in each nostril while your nose if facing the ceiling. Wait until you feel the salt water in your throat then blow your nose. I have done this for two weeks and have not had a sinus headache since. Irrigate your nose morning and night and you will begin to see the difference.
rating: 6 (184 votes)
Submitted by Ted R. at 2007-10-11 23:53:34
Stopped up nose: One tablespoon apple cider vinegar in 8 oz. water. Two shakes salt. Shake. Put finger in mixture and let drip down nose nostrils. Continue doing this and breathe deep. Nose should quickly unstop. Sip this for sore throat. Ted. PicturesRhymes.com
rating: 5 (70 votes)
Submitted by deepak at 2009-01-05 10:11:19
Try Anulom Vilom Pranayam for permanant releif from Nasal congestion. Google it out.
rating: 5 (50 votes)
Submitted at 2012-01-25 05:56:51
My mom told me to chew minted gum flavor such as winterfresh or any brand of spearment flavored gum it works! I was surprised I always try to keep gum on me for that reason
rating: 5 (10 votes)
Submitted at 2011-03-09 17:59:39
I found some relief from even severe nasal congestion, particularly while sleeping by doing the following: I took a handkerchief and tied it over my face -covering my noise and mouth - so that I looked just like an old-fashioned bank robber. I was able to get fresh oxygen from the bottom, but it made sure the air I was breathing was warm and moist. After a few minutes (and I was even laying completely flat), I noticed that one of my nostrils had opened, which was a huge relief since both were blocked. It made sleeping much easier, and I could slip it down if it got uncomfortable.
rating: 5 (107 votes)
Submitted by Martha at 2011-07-17 19:31:06
For over 30 years I had chronic nasal congestion. Nothing helped except OTC nasal decongestant sprays and prescribed corticosteroid spray. Four years ago I began taking gin-soaked golden raisins for arthritis. They didn't cure the arthritis, but my nasal congestion disappeared after a few months, not to return. There are several recipes on the internet for the raisins. I let the vapors enter my nasal passages while chewing the raisins and exhaling through my nose. I don't overdo it. Best wishes.
rating: 5 (43 votes)
Submitted by Faisal at 2004-07-05 17:56:30
Why not try to boil some water and smell its vapor. The vapor will actually help open the nose. Why not also try putting water in your nose and then blowing it out? It will help open the nose and release more contaminants than just regular nose blowing.
rating: 5 (43 votes)
Submitted by Melissa at 2006-12-28 07:49:30
My son had a chronic stuffy nose his entire 12 years. Recently, we stopped drinking cow's milk. AMAZING...his stuffy nose went away. It's worth a try to check and see if milk is the problem, particularly if you or your kids are heavy milk drinkers. I have since learned that cow's milk is very mucous forming in the body.
rating: 5 (82 votes)
Submitted by Me at 2006-10-20 12:31:27
For nasal congestion......alternate thrusting your tongue against the roof of your mouth, and pressing between your eyebrows with one finger. This causes the bone that runs through the nasal passages to the mouth, to rock back and forth. Do this for 20 sec
rating: 5 (247 votes)
Submitted at 2011-01-24 03:54:24
the best investment in my 24 years of life. 2 weeks ago i bought an air purifier from Canadian Tire for $70. as long as i can remember i have woken up several times a night so stuffed up and lucky if one night i week i could acctually blow my nose its like its always swelled shut..... since i bought this unit i have been amazed, i was in the middle of a cold, and 3 days after i bought it i was healthy witch might not sound that good but for the past 3 years i haven't been able to get over a cold on my own, it last 2 or 3 weeks before i finally drag my ass to the doctor and get some pills. seriously i can't describe how nice it is to breathe ive had nasal problems for 15 years, i still find myself blowing my nose through the day but this thing has changed my life BUY ONE!!!!
rating: 5 (45 votes)
Submitted at 2010-05-02 20:40:17
Nasal congestion in infants. Carom (ajwain) seeds are the most effective natural remedy for curing nasal congestion. Take a few carom seeds and tie it in a dry cloth and place in the infant crib/cradle.
rating: 5 (58 votes)
Submitted at 2010-08-25 10:24:15
This has always helped with clearing nasal congestion. The secret is to do this in the shower and maintain your upper body in a horizontal position, parallel to the floor. In a standard coffee mug filled halfway with tap water heat in a microwave and adjust temperature with cold water till it is hot but not scalding. Add 1/2 teaspoon of table salt and stir to dissolve. Cup your palm and pour some of the salt solution into your hand. While bending over snort some of the solution into one nostril while plugging the other with a finger. Because you are bent over the solution will run out your mouth and not down your lungs. Some will make it up your sinuses. Stay in the bent over position and be prepared for the onslaught of the release of congestion. Repeat in other nostril. repeat no more than twice in each nostril till needed again. Happy breathing.
rating: 5 (105 votes)
Submitted at 2006-04-25 08:27:04
Sprinkle chili powder in the back of your throat. It will cause your nose to run thusly unstuffing it..
If you don't like that idea chicken soup with LOTS OF PEPPER -will also cure a stuffed up nose.
Elsewise most hot foots (as in spicey hot NOT coffee type hot) will unstuff your nose!
rating: 5 (54 votes)
Submitted by Raven at 2010-02-12 02:45:22
I'm up at 1:00 AM in tears because of congestion. Anyone who has suffered from SEVERE nasal congestion hears my cry. It's currently 1:35 AM and i'm feeling some relief. WOO! here's what I did. I combined half the remedies I could come up with. First, I steamed- towel over my head- boiling water. annnd it got worse. The EXTREMELY small amount of air passage through my left nostril quickly sealed off completely to match the right. perfect. then, I make it happen. I add everything I had to the steaming mixture-recipe below. All while doing that I eat 'tomato tea'--try it out.
Screw Nasal Congestion Steamer Recipe:
dried oregano
Dried Basil
Garlic powder
Dead sea salt
white vinegar (b/c it's all i had)
baking soda
the boiling gets a little out of control so watch yourself. i was SERIOUSLY congested immediately during the steaming, BUT as i paced the kitchen in defeat my nose opened up.
Tomato Tea Deliciousness:
Can of petite diced tomato-all i had
garlic powder- wishing for garlic cloves..oh well ..it's 1 AM
sea salt
vinegar
juice from pepperoncini jar
oregano
basil
--bring to boil and eat it up. it's seriously delicious and I hate tomato..so that says something.
my left nostril is still pretty shut, but as least I have some sort of relief. maybe i can sleep? let me know how it works out.
rating: 5 (67 votes)
Submitted by Tessa at 2010-02-07 23:54:04
I used about 1 and 1/4 cup distilled water(tap should be fine)
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
cap full of organic apple cider vinegar
(distilled white, or regular apple is fine)
I brought this to a slight boil, but removed it as soon as i saw the bubbles (you want the salt to dissolve, but you dont want to be snorting steaming water!)
I let it cool for a while, but since i am impatient(and very stuffy), i started adding small amounts of cold water to it just to get the temperature low enough to use.
I would suggest starting with the following, but you can go right to the goods if you're a traditional neti pot user:
cup one hand and scoop some water up, hold one nostril shut and snort the water up. it will feel a little uncomfortable at first but once you do it two or three times its is fine. repeat with other nostril. if it burns severely, add a little more water.
Now you are ready to fill up the baster. If the water sprays out, it is too hot. I was alternating by sucking up half cool water + my mixture. (which as transferred to a bowl)
tilt your head as far to the side as possible, and open your mouth. Begin to SLOWLY pour the liquid from the baster(or squeeze if necessary) into your nostril facing the ceiling. It should pour out the other nostril - DONT BREATHE WITH YOUR NOSE! if you notice more water is pouring out the side where you put the baster, then try to reposition it or squeeze it a little harder until it comes out the other side. Hope this helps!
rating: 5 (45 votes)
Submitted by Mitch Law at 2007-09-13 16:17:45
Severe nasal congestion and/or nasal polyps might, in part or whole, be caused by an allergy to cows milk. To test, completely eliminate cows milk for 12 weeks including prepared foods that contain milk, casein, lactalbumin, whey, or powdered milk. Its important to cut cows milk completely. You can use soya milk as a substitute. Inalation of a saline solution should help the healing process. Mix one quarter of a teaspoon of salt into a mug and inhale into one nostril while closing the other. Repeat. Also decreasing intake of omega-6 (fatty acids found in processed foods, margarine, polyunsaturated vegetable oils) and increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish, walnuts, fish oil supplements) will help long term. Also take daily garlic (or garlic supplement) as this safe but potent antifungal agent will combat sinus infections particularly if patient has been taking decongestants or steroids.
rating: 5 (41 votes)
Submitted by Amy at 2012-01-12 08:13:12
neilmed sinus rinse...amazing. Use directed on package or get a neti-pot and use as directed.
rating: 5 (11 votes)
Submitted by queenie at 2009-10-12 03:05:41
Rub a thin amount of vicks vapor rub on the top lip right under the nostriles...work's fast.
rating: 4 (50 votes)
Submitted by SANDI at 2008-08-23 22:16:47
Buy some gauze, the kind in a big roll. Cut a long, thin strip, long enough to be a 'necklace' but not long enough to tangle around the child's neck. Cut another piece, kind of a large square, the approximate size of a post-it-note. Take 2 decent sized cloves of very fresh garlic, peel, put in square gauze. Bring together the 4 corners of the square, tie with a small strip of gauze or some ordinary sewing thread. Take the long strip of gauze, tie it around the top of the garlic pouch you now have, 3 knots so it does not come open. Take this necklace, and tie the two ends together, so you literally have a necklace tu put over your child's head. Place this necklace on your child the way you would put on a jewelry necklace, making sure the pouch is resting close enpugh to child's nose that chils is breathing in the garlic 'fumes'. DO THIS ONLY DURING NAPS, WHILE CHILD IS IN YOUR EYESIGHT, NEVER AT BEDTIME!!! Garlic will not only get rid of stuffiness, but will make the cold go away much sooner, as it kills bacteria. This is a great remedy for babies, to whom you do not want to give chemicals! This, along with a mix of fresh mint/chamomile tea, sweetened minimally with honey, will ease your child's sufferring quickly and naturally!
rating: 4 (30 votes)
Submitted at 2007-11-27 18:45:31
peel a garlic, and cut it in four. place the garlic piece into your nostril for 10 to 15 min. inhale the smell, it will open your nose.
rating: 4 (58 votes)
Submitted at 2003-11-07 17:47:18
Place a handful of crushed carom seeds in a handkerchief. Tie off and place near the pillow.
rating: 4 (50 votes)
Submitted at 2011-02-21 01:24:41
If you sniff a little bit of black pepper up your nose, you'll sneeze like crazy and it will relieve some of the congestion. I know it sounds silly but it works.
rating: 4 (101 votes)
Submitted at 2006-09-17 00:46:35
This remedy has worked wonders for me.
It's easy and tastes good to boot. Just eat a grab bag of flaming hot cheetos. Your nose will start to run because of how spicy they are and once it stops running then POOF! no more congestion.
rating: 4 (60 votes)
Submitted at 2006-05-11 18:42:56
Take homeopathic pulsatilla 6c at bed time and do not eat/drink anything after it. Pulsatilla is available at Whole Food Markets.
rating: 4 (26 votes)
Submitted by sthbns at 2006-04-16 10:29:28
1/2 3% hydrogen peroxide & 1/2 colloidal silver mix and add to nasal mist bottle or medicine dopper
2 to 3 drops or sprays each nostril
swing head forward to get into the nasal cavity
stinging subsides in 30 seconds and then out comes the mucus.
rating: 3 (31 votes)
Submitted at 2003-11-07 17:47:18
Place a teaspoon of cardamom seeds on hot coals and have the child inhale the smoke.
rating: 3 (92 votes)
Submitted by Syed Ahmed at 2011-07-25 01:38:59
Drink Sunkiss or Fanta when you are bit hungry and do not eat any think for half an hour. Itis very effective for nasal congestion
rating: 3 (88 votes)
Submitted by La Vern De Wilde at 2005-06-28 10:10:42
Too high a diet in carbohydrates creates nasal conjestion and asthma. When winter comes and there is less sun we all have a tendency toward eating more carbohydrates and thus comes the common cold, which is nasal and chest conjestion with phlegm. To come into balance, eat less sugar and carbohydrates, whole grains, vegetable and fish are the median balance foods.
Higher energy and weight loss occur through the increase of meats and the reductions of sugars, fruits and refined carbohydrates.
rating: 3 (68 votes)
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