Nasal Congestion (Mucus Congestion) is when your Sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed and clogged, triggering the excessive production of mucous.
• Nasal Congestion (stuffy nose) is often a symptom of another health problem such as a Sinus Infection, but may also be caused by the Common Cold. Sinus Infections are bacterial Infections that create pressure, swelling, and post-nasal drip that can also be triggered by Allergies or other cold symptoms (often prescribe Anti-Biotics for acute symptoms even though a normal Sinus Infection will often heal itself in 7-10 days).
• Nasal Congestion is marked by a stuffy or runny nose, Sinus pain, mucus buildup, swollen nasal tissue.
Causes of nasal Congestion
• Excessive nasal Congestion suggests poor air quality, inappropriate diet, or an Allergies.
• The shape of the nose and Sinuses (the air-filled cavities in the Bones around the nose) can also play a role in this condition.Some explanations for long-term nasal Congestion may be:
• Allergies.
• Hay Fever.
• Non-Cancerous growths, called nasal polyps, or benign tumors in the nasal passages.
• Chemical exposures.
• environmental Irritants.
• A long-lasting Sinus Infection, known as chronic Sinusitis.
• A deviated septum.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
• Nasal inflammation.
• Thick, discoloured discharge from the nose.
• Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage).
• Nasal obstruction or Congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose.
• Pain, tenderness and swelling around your Eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
• Reduced sense of smell and taste.
Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion
• Garlic and Tomato soup is very beneficial in curing nasal Congestion. Take 2-3 Tomatoes Boil in a cup of Water, add a teaspoon of Garlic paste, Butter and Black Pepper powder, then take the soup 2-3 times a day.
• Grate and take 1-2 teaspoon of Horseradish, add a teaspoon of Apple Vinegar or Raw Honey, then put the mixture slowly on the Tongue, and take long breathe. The aroma of the mixture will loosen the Congestion and gives fast relief.
• Boil a glass of Water and add a pinch of salt to it (or add 1 teaspoon of baking soda into the salt solution), then fill it in a clean bacteria-free bottle, allow it to warm, then with the help of a dropper put 2-3 drops in each nostril by keeping your face upward, facing the sky. This salt solution actually helps in loosening the mucus and other sticky Material. Once the solution soaks the nostril and throat, exhale and clean your nose.
• Breath in smoke produced by burning 4-5 Cardamom seeds on hot coal (especially children suffering from nasal Congestion).
Natural Decongestant Remedies
• Humidifier – Its a device that adds moisture to the air. Its may help by pumping moisture into the air you breathe, because cold, dry air may make one to feel more congested and interfere with Sinuses draining.
• Steam – Its a natural way to increases the humidity of the surrounding air. It may also help to thin out and drain the mucus in your nose more easily.
• Saline Nasal Spray – Its a spray that contain just salt and Water (or decongestant) and may help thin out the mucus in your nasal passages.
• Neti Pot – A neti pot looks like a small teapot with a long spout, and it uses saline to unclog stuffy nasal passages, thus may help reduce Congestion and Cough, clear out mucus and germs, and improve breathing.
• Warm Compress – A warm compress may help unclog a stuffy nose by reducing inflammation and opening up the nasal passages from the outside.
• Herbs & Spices – Eating spicy foods (such as Peppers, Ginger, and Garlic) can trigger gustatory Rhinitis (a condition and a common way to help open up the nasal passages).
• Raising the head during sleep – Keeping your head elevated can prevent mucus from pooling in your Sinuses at night. It can also relieve Sinus pressure.
• Essential Oils – Essential Oil spray containing Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Oregano, and Rosemary may help relieve Congestion symptoms.
• Hydration – Drinking fluids helps to loosen thick mucus that can block your nasal passages.
General Remedies for Congestion
Congestion Diet Restiction
• Reduce foods increasing mucus production (such as Dairy, eggs, fried and fatty food), sugar, refined Carbohydrates (such as white flour) and Alcohol.
General Remedies for Congestion, Sinus Problems, & Earache
• Make a Steam inhalation by infusing 15g of Eucalyptus herb, or put 5–10 drops of Essential Oil in 3 cups (750 ml) Water. Inhale for 10 minutes.
General Remedies for Allergic States with Excessive Nasal Mucus (such as Hay Fever)
• Make a Steam inhalation by infusing 15g of German Chamomile herb, or put 5–10 drops of Essential Oil in 3 cups (750 ml) Water. Inhale for 10 minutes.
General Remedies for Earache due to Chronic Congestion
• Mix equal parts of Echinacea, Thyme, Marshmallow and Elder Flower tincture and take 1 tsp 3 times a day with Water.
Food Decongestants
Apple Cider Vinegar
Barberry
Black Pepper
Caraway Seeds
Cayenne
Echinacea
Garlic
Ginger
Grapefruit Juice
Green Teas
Hops
Rosemary
Sea Buckthorn
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple Cider Vinegar‘s high pH helps thin and break up mucus to help clear airways and reduce the incidence of swelling. Prepare Apple Vinegar fume for inhaling purpose to help in curing nasal Congestion. Take 2-3 tablespoon of this Vinegar in a pan and heat it until the entire Vinegar is exhausted, then inhale the fumes produced at that time.
• Barberry – Barberry is an effective in treatment of Respiratory tract Infections (such as sore throat, nasal Congestion, Sinusitis, Bronchitis).
• Black Pepper – Black Pepper is an easy home remedy for treating nasal Congestion. Taking 3-4 baked Black Pepper seeds in the morning, or inhaling fumes by burning them on Fire gives fast relief.
• Caraway Seeds – Caraway Seeds are very simple and useful home remedy for nasal Congestion. Take few Caraway Seeds, and make its powder (or simply put them in a small Cotton cloth and keep near your pillow cover).
• Cayenne – Cayenne Pepper has anti-cold and Colds (Flu) agent that aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus.
• Echinacea – It help prevent Colds and Respiratory Infections resulting from air travel and is a helpful remedy for treating Allergies (such as Asthma).Echinacea seems to activate chemicals in the body that decrease inflammation, which might reduce cold and Colds (Flu) symptoms.
• Garlic – Garlic is a known Anti-Biotic and Anti-Inflammatory, high in Vitamin C, vital Sulfur (which helps boost immune function), other enzymes and Minerals that help stave off cold and Colds (Flu) viruses. Garlic in a diet is one way to prevent Sinus Infections from occurring (eaten fresh daily). Try mixing one chopped glove of Garlic with a spoonful of raw, local Raw Honey, a squeeze of Lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper.
• Ginger – Ginger works as a natural anti-histamine, potent anti-viral agent, and immune booster, a safe and highly effective herb to alleviate nasal Congestion and for improving circulation. It contributes to the prevention of cold & Colds (Flu).
• Grapefruit Juice – Mix Grapefruit juice in lukewarm Water and use it as an inhaler taking it while going to bed or early in the morning (very effective in treating Sinus and nasal Congestion).
• Green Teas – Steam from boiling Water can reduce Congestion, and making a mug of herbal tea and inhaling the soothing vapors is a great way to ease inflammation (alleviate nasal inflammation) at the site. Herbal Green Teas made with Mullein leaf, German Chamomile, Comfrey, Marshmallow, and Fenugreek, all bolster the Respiratory System. Herbal Green Teas made with Thyme, Sage, and Elder Flower which are natural Anti-Microbials. Adding a slice of Ginger (a Potassium-rich Anti-Microbial) and/or Lemon (another Anti-Microbial high in Vitamin C) can also help thin mucus and relieve pressure on the Sinuses.
• Hops – .
• Rosemary – Its contains eucalyptol (helps loosen chest Congestion, making phlegm easier to expel) and Tannins (an Anti-Inflammatory which soothe a sore throat) which is beneficial for Cough treatment.
• Sea Buckthorn – Sea Buckthorn is extremely nutrient-dense berry (contains more than 190 nutrients and phytonutrients – offers an array of organic acids, Tannins, Quercetin, Provitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and B-complex Vitamins) and contains copious amounts of superoxide dismutase (SOD, an enzyme that plays a critical part in maintaining Respiratory health). Its ideal for people who suffer from Allergic rhinitis, Asthma, chronic Coughs, and other breathing disorders.
Herbal Decongestants
Burdock
Butterbur
Calendula
German Chamomile
Ephedra
Eucalyptus
Ginkgo Biloba
Goldenseal
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Lavender
Lobelia
Pennyroyal
Peppermint Essential Oils
Perilla
Rose Hips
Sage
Stinging Nettle
Tea Tree
Thyme
Valerian
Yarrow
Yerba Santa
• Burdock – Its root protects the spleen (a vital organ that keep the body free from Infections, viruses and all kinds of dangerous pathogens).
• Butterbur – Butterbur extracts from the root, rhizome, or leaveshas been used for the treatment of Hay Fever.
• Calendula –
• Calendula Marigold is also a cleansing and detoxifying herb, and the infusion and tincture are used to treat chronic Infections.
• German Chamomile – German Chamomile Steam is inhaled to relieve Colds and maxillary Sinusitis, but after such a treatment one must understandably remain warm.
• Ephedra – Ephedra used principally as a treatment for bronchospasm, Asthma, and Bronchitis. Its active Alkaloids (but notably ephedrine) is used as a decongestant and Anti-Asthmatic (used to treat Asthma), thus widely used in preparations for the treatment of Asthma and catarrh.
• Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus and Peppermint oils are naturally Anti-Microbial and gentle enough to be applied directly to the bridge of the nose to help open up nasal passages. They have (both) long been used to relieve acute upper Respiratory problems, from Bronchitis (popular in Vick’s Vap-O-Rub), which harnesses the scent of both medicinal plants to open up the nasal passages. Cineole (the active ingredient in Eucalyptus oil) may speed recovery from acute Sinusitis when inhaled. Its Essential Oil or leaves decoction vapour can also be inhaled for treating blocked nasal passages. Its dried leaves are also smoked for Asthma control.
• Ginkgo Biloba – Ginkgo leaves are traditionally used for treating Asthma. Ginkgo seeds are used to relieve wheezing and lessen phlegm.
• Goldenseal – It benefits Sinus Congestion. One of its main uses is to tonify mucous membranes, which benefits Sinus Congestion as well as Digestive complaints.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract – Grapefruit Seed extract (made from the pulp and seeds) acts as a natural Anti-Biotic and anti-septic that stabilizes the body’s pH, helps kill fungus and bacteria in the Sinus cavity.
• Lavender – Lavender Essential Oil stimulating nature, helps relieve Congestion associated with Respiratory conditions and loosening up the phlegm, thus speeding up the recovery process and helping the body naturally eliminate phlegm and other unwanted Material.
• Lobelia – As a bronchodilator it stimulates the Adrenal lands to release ePinephrine, which in effect, helps to open the airway and encourage deeper, stronger breathing.
• Pennyroyal – .
• Peppermint Essential Oils – Eucalyptus and Peppermint oils are naturally Anti-Microbial and gentle enough to be applied directly to the bridge of the nose to help open up nasal passages. They have (both) long been used to relieve acute upper Respiratory problems, from Bronchitis (popular in Vick’s Vap-O-Rub), which harnesses the scent of both medicinal plants to open up the nasal passages. Cineole (the active ingredient in Eucalyptus oil) may speed recovery from acute Sinusitis when inhaled. Put 1-2 drops of Peppermint Oil on a Cotton cloth or Cotton ball, then bring it near the nose and inhale, as the very essence of Peppermint will help relief Sinus, mucus and nasal Congestion. Use Peppermint Essential Oil (as a cold rub on your chest or inhale it through a vaporizer) to help clear nasal Congestion and relieve Cough and cold symptoms.
• Perilla – It can help with the battle against Allergic rhinitis symptoms and useful for the treatment of nasal Congestion, Sinusitis, allergic Asthma, and Eye irritation (another trouble for many Allergies sufferers).
• Rose Hips – Rose petals tea can provide a relief from the chest and bronchial Congestion, runny nose, symptoms of bronchial Infections and sore throats.
• Sage – Sage is used for combating Excessive Perspiration, sore throats, dispels phlegm from the Respiratory organs and Indigestion.
• Stinging Nettle – Its one of the most effective herbal treatments for Allergic rhinitis (as an anti-oxidant, Astringent, Anti-Microbial, and analgesic) capable of reducing Allergies-related inflammation without producing any of the side-effects.
• Tea Tree – Its Essential Oil is rubbed on the chest and inhaled gives relief and Expectorant effect to people suffering from a Cough and cold, Congestion, Bronchitis, and other associated troubles.
• Thyme – Thyme has a long history (common in vapour rubs or Cough drops) in relieving chest and Respiratory problems (such as Coughs and Bronchitis) as it relaxes Respiratory muscles.
• Valerian – .
• Yarrow – Yarrow is a multi-purpose herb that has antiseptic, stomachic, Anti-Spasmodic, Astringent, Anti-Microbial, Diaphoretic and Anti-Catarrhal actions, ideal for the Respiratory System (treat Colds, the Colds (Flu), and Fevers, and Allergic rhinitis), and also treats Sinusitis and dust Allergies.
• Yerba Santa – Its leaves is smoked (or chewed) by natives of America to cure bronchial Congestion, Hay Fever and Asthma.
