How to Get Rid of Stuffy Nose?

In this article, we will discuss several effective ways to get rid of stuffy nose using various home remedies. But, first of all, let’s learn about Stuffy Nose and its causes. Nasal Congestion or stuffy nose occurs when the tissues inside the nose and the blood vessels are swollen due to excess fluid build up. This sometimes is also accompanied with nasal discharge or a runny nose.

Stuffy nose is usually just an annoyance for adults and older children. It can result in serious infection for children whose sleep in disturbed by the congestion or for infants who face a hard time while feeding due to a congested or stuffy nose.

Causes of Stuffy Nose

Stuffy nose is sometimes a result of any foreign bodies that irritates or inflames the nasal path or the tissues inside the nasal path. Cold, flu, sinusitis or sneezing are a few causes of a stuffy nose. People allergic to tobacco, smoke, dust particles etc can also get affected with a runny nose. It may also trigger in people without any concrete reason. This condition is a case of Non-allergic Rhinitis or Vasomotor Rhinitis (VMR). 

Some of the less common causes of Stuffy nose or a Nasal Congestion includes:

• Sinusitis of all types.
• Allergies
• Common Cold.
• Churg-Strauss Syndrome.
• Deviated septum.
• Overuse of nasal sprays or decongestants.
• Dry air.
• Enlarged adenoids.
• Invasion of foreign bodies inside the nose.
• Stress
• Influenza
• Hormonal changes.
• RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus).
• Asthma

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Stuffy Nose

1.) Horseradish to Get Rid of Stuffy Nose

Horseradish belongs to the family of mustard and wasabi and is an age-old remedy that helps to get rid of stuffy nose easily. It also is beneficial is clearing sinuses and promotes mucus expulsion. As stagnant mucus acts as a breeding ground for bacterial infections.

DIY-

• Simply add horseradish in your sandwich recipe.
• Alternatively, you can also blend a tablespoon of horseradish with a teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice.
• This makes it a great spread for crackers, bread, and toasts.
• So, nibble on it until you feel the mucus draining out of your nose.
• Another option is to grate a horseradish root on mashed potatoes, pasta and cooked rice or risotto.
• These remedies will easily help you to get rid of stuffy nose quickly. 

2.) Hot Ginger Compress

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help to get rid of stuffy nose and clear the mucus easily.

DIY-

• Slice the ginger root into 3-inch pieces and add to a wok filled with 2 cups of boiling water.
• Simmer the water for about 20 minutes on low heat. Cover with a lid.
• Now, soak a washcloth in the brew.
• Make sure the water is not boiling hot that it burns your skin.
• Lay on the bed on your back and the head elevated, this helps the sinus to drain.
• Finally, place this soaked cloth on your face for 15-20 minutes.
• Repeat the remedy as required or until the nose is completely drained. 
• You can also sip on ginger tea to get relief from sinuses and stuffy nose.

3.) Antiseptic Herbal Steam

Herbs like Thyme or Peppermint have antibacterial properties and the menthol present in them acts as a natural decongestant thereby, helping to get rid of stuffy nose.

DIY-

• Take a small heatproof bowl and place 3 teaspoons each of  dried peppermint and thyme in it.
• Pour boiling water into the bowl.
• Lean over the bowl, make sure you are not too close to burn yourself.
• Cover your head with a towel making sure it drapes all over the bowl as well so that the steam is not escaped.
• Take the steam for about 10-15 minutes.
• Repeat this remedy twice or thrice in a day to get rid of stuffy nose.

4.) DIY Acupressure and Massage Technique

Acupressure is an age-old technique that is touted for centuries to ease many medical conditions. Stuffy nose is one among them that is easily cured with acupressure by applying the right amount of pressure on the particular points on your body.

• Use your left thumb and the index finger and apply gentle pressure to the area that is situated next to the inner eyes on both sides of your nose.
• At the same time, use the other hand to grab the muscles on both sides of the spine at the back of your neck.
• Do this for at least a minute or two and you will easily get rid of stuffy nose.

5.) Face Massage to Treat Stuffy Nose

Face Massage is another effective remedy that will stimulate and increase the circulation in the area, thus relieving the pain caused due to stuffy nose or sinusitis.

• Use your index fingers and apply pressure on the outer edge of your nostrils at the base of the nose.
• Press these points hard and hold on for at least 30 seconds, release, repeat.
• Practice the exercise 3-4 times a day to get rid of stuffy nose and pain.

6.) Essential Oil Steam Therapy

Essential oils like eucalyptus, clove or peppermint are scientifically proven remedies that help to get rid of stuffy nose and sinuses. It eases nasal congestion very quickly by draining out the stagnant mucus. On the other hand, the antibacterial properties are an addition to its benefits as they kill the bacteria that causes infection in the nasal path and is also responsible for congestion and sinusitis infection.

DIY-

• Add 5-6 drops of your chosen essential oil to a quart of boiling water.
• Now, lean over the bowl and place a towel that drapes all over the bowl.
• So that the steam does not escape out.
• Inhale the steam for at least 10-15 minutes and repeat the remedy unless you feel your nose less stuffy.
• Regular treatment will help to get rid of stuffy nose and also fight infection.

7.) The ACV Remedy

Apple cider vinegar is an all-rounder in terms of its health benefits. It has potassium which is known as mucus thinner and the acetic acid present in it prevents bacterial infection and its breeding.

DIY-

• Mix a teaspoon of organic ACV in a glass of lukewarm water.
• Add a few drops of lemon and honey to enhance the taste.
• Start your day with this drink while fighting nasal congestion and infection.
• Therefore, this will help to get rid of stuffy nose, also drain the stagnant mucus out of your nose.

8.) Humidifier Ease Stuffy Nose

One of the causes of stuffy nose is Dry air and humidifier help to keep the air moist enough as necessary for our body. Also, sinuses become inflamed when the air you breath is too dry. This helps to ease sinuses and get rid of stuffy nose.

• Essential oils like Peppermint, clove, eucalyptus can also be added to the humidifier to get better results.
• Make sure to change the water of the humidifier regularly to keep up hygiene and eliminate the infection.
• Bacteria can easily breed in stagnant water as it provides them with the favorable environment.
• So, regular cleaning is necessary and will restrict bacteria build up.
• Always use disinfectants to clean the humidifier.

9.) Homemade Nasal Rinse

Ingredients:

• A cup of water
• A teaspoon of natural organic salt.
• 1/8th teaspoon of baking soda

Procedure:

• Warm water to the level that you can tolerate.
• Make sure the water is not hot enough that its damages your nasal path.
• Now, add baking soda and salt to the water.
• Finally, pour this water in the nati-pot and use it as a nasal rinse.
• This will help to get rid of stuffy nose and ease congestion.

10.) Herbal Tea for Stuffy Nose

Herbs like Peppermint, clove, chamomile, thyme are great remedies to get rid of stuffy nose easily. So, prepare the tea at home and drink regularly or twice a day to fight and cure the infection. This also eases congestion.

Chamomile Tea Recipe:

• Add a few chamomile flowers to a bot of boiling water.
• Cut a few fresh apple wedges and put it in the boiling water.
• When soften, mash with a wooden spatula.
• Finally, add honey for extra sweetening.
• Drink the tea twice daily to ease nasal congestion.

Clove Tea:

• Just as a few cloves to your regular tea recipe.

Thyme Tea:

Thyme tea leaves are easily available in the market. So get it home and prepare the tea with the given directions at the back of the pack.

• You can also use fresh thyme herb to prepare the tea at home.
• Just add 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme to a pot of boiling water.
• Now, add a teaspoon each of turmeric and cayenne pepper.
• A teaspoon of grated ginger root and few drops of lemon juice can also enhance the taste.
• Also, add honey for sweetening and let the tea simmer for a few minutes.
• Pour it in a cup and have twice or thrice a day to ease congestion and get rid of stuffy nose.

Self-Care While Suffering from a Stuffy Nose:

• Sniffing and swallowing or gently blowing your nose can help to get rid of stuffy nose.
• Avoid foods that trigger stuffy nose or the foods you are allergic to.
• An OTC antihistamine can also help to ease stuffy. It also eliminates the pain.
• Follow the directions mentioned on the label before use.
• Use a soft, rubber-bulb syringe to remove the secretion in babies and small children.
• Avoid common irritants like a cigarette if excess mucus accumulates at the back of your throat and in the nasal path.
• Also, drink plenty of water.
• You can also try nasal saline or rinse.

When to Seek Medical Help ?

• The symptoms last for more than 10 days
• Stuffy nose followed by high fever
• The nasal discharge is green or yellow
• The discharge accompanied with sinus pain is a sign of bacterial infection
• When you evidence blood in the nasal discharge
• Head injury followed by a nasal discharge
• If your child if suffering from a stuffy nose followed by high fever.
• It is serious when the child is younger than 2 months. This is a sign of a serious infection.
• Also, if stuffy nose becomes the reason of difficulty in breathing or while feeding. This is a sign that you need medical help immediately.