6 Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion That Will Give You Instant Relief

There’s nothing more annoying than not being able to breathe properly. People living with seasonal allergies know this all to well. You may sometimes feel like there isn’t be enough tissue and nasal decongestants in the world to clear up your fussy nose!

Mucus is not always your enemy: stuffy noses are often caused by allergies, colds, exposure to airborne chemicals or sinus infections. All these things irritate the nasal lining, which in turn causes inflammation and swelling. Blowing your nose harder only causes more swelling, because mucus has a very little role in how unpleasant you’re feeling.

Here are a few home remedies for nasal congestion that will actually give you relief:

1. Make Your Own Saline Spray

Making your own saline spray is easy and cost-effective. All you need is 2 teaspoons of sea salt and ½ cup of hot water. Boil it until the salt dissolves, let it cool and pour the solution in a squirt bottle. This mixture moisturizes the nasal cavity, thins out thick mucus and shrinks swollen tissue by drawing out water. It also cannot cause rebound congestion because it doesn’t affect the production of mucous.

2. Get Steamy

Taking a hot shower or a hot bath is one of the quickest ways to get relief from nasal congestion. The hot steam opens up sinuses, helping them drain out irritants quickly. Try adding a bit eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water and lean over it and breathe in. Peppermint or lemon oil works well too! Sleeping in a room with a humidifier will help relieve your symptoms overnight, leaving you feeling refreshed in the morning.

3. Use A Hot Compress

Warm compresses help trigger the flow of liquid in your sinuses. This will actively reduce swelling. It’s easy to do: First, dip a clean hand towel in hot water and wring it out. Then Place the compress on the forehead, nose, and upper cheek to target sinuses.

4. Sip On Some Hot Tea

Green tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds called flavonoids. The hot vapour rising form your cup will open up nostrils to make breathing easier and the hot liquid work internally to move things along. For an extra kick, pick a peppermint green tea and add a little honey and lemon, which both have mucolytic properties.

5. Enjoy A Spoonful Of Soup

A Delicious soup is very nutritious, which helps restores the vitamins and minerals your body needs to keep your immune system in its prime. Cooking up a bit of onion and ginger will help fight inflammation. You should also try putting a dash of black pepper in your bowl, peperine enhances bioavailability of other antioxidants and anti-inflammatory spices. Don’t forget to include a generous spoon of turmeric for more relief from inflammation!

6. Get Out Your Coconut Oil

Coconut oil will hydrate those sore, over-blown nostrils! Rub a little bit on both sides of your nose and let it soak into your skin. Lauric acid, a natural compound in coconut is antimicrobial so don’t feel shy to rub a little on the inside of your nostrils as well!