Stuffy nose is also called nasal congestion or blocked nose. Most people find stuffy nose as an annoying condition. Stuffy nose is common in flu and cold. In fact, stuffy nose worsens these conditions because the person finds it difficult to breathe. Regular sniffling and nose blowing give temporary relief only. However, constant sniffling can result in sucking of mucus into lungs directly. This can lead to severe consequences like lung infection. There are several natural remedies for stuffy nose. Read through the below lines to know more about home remedies.
Natural Remedies for Stuffy Nose:
Following are some stuffy nose home remedies:
Vitamin C diet:
Include foods that are rich in vitamin C in your diet for boosting the immune system. If your immune system is strong, it fights several germs and gives relief from stuffy nose and other signs. Foods that are good source of vitamin C include papaya, sweet red pepper, cabbage, grapefruit, broccoli, tomatoes, lemon and oranges.
Steam:
Steam is best and common method for clearing stuffy nose. For steaming, take hot water in a bowl and cover your head with a towel. Now, inhale the steam. You can add eucalyptus oil to the hot water as it helps to clear blocked nose. Another method is filling the bathroom with steam and sitting in it for 15 minutes.
Onions:
Application of decongestants on nose loosens the mucus and thus, aids in clearing it. Onions perform the same. Just take an onion and peel it off. Now, sniff it for 5 minutes. This helps to clear the blocked nose automatically.
Acupressure:
This is an excellent method for clearing nasal passages. In acupressure, you will put on more pressure on particular location on cheekbones for unblocking the nose. Ideally, it must be performed by a professional, but you can try it at home. Using back of the hands, press cheeks a few times. Firstly, right cheek and then left. This helps in stimulating mucus and thereby, clears nose.
Spicy food:
This helps to break congestion and results in runny nose. Hence, eating spicy foods like horseradish sauce and chilies loosens the mucus and results in runny nose. Hence, it gives instant relief.
Herbal tea:
Ephedra sinica, an herbal tea aids in clearing stuffy nose. Also, you can add ginger to normal tea. This provides relief from stuffy nose. Every day you can drink 2 – 3 cups of these teas for clearing the nose.
These are a few natural remedies for stuffy nose. Consult the physician immediately if the stuffy nose does not subside in a week after adopting any of these methods.
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