17 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose

Are you tired of having difficulty breathing or excess mucus?  A stuffy nose, also called nasal congestion, is caused by inflammation of blood vessels in the nose and swelling of the nasal tissue. This can result in excess mucus in the nose that no longer drains, thus blocking the nose.

Nasal congestion can make it difficult to breathe. Other symptoms include sinusitis,  nasal congestion, and headaches. Fortunately, some home remedies can effectively eliminate a stuffy nose quickly! Even better, the materials used in these methods are very common; you can easily find them in your home.

Common Causes of a Stuffy Nose

There are different possible causes why your nasal passages are congested, such as the following:

1. Allergies:

Allergies can cause your nose to become stuffy. Allergic reactions to airborne particles like pollen, dust, and pet dander can cause your body to produce excess mucus and make your nose feel blocked. Symptoms include itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion.

2. Cold

When you have a cold, your immune system releases histamines as a response to a virus. These histamines cause increased mucus production and inflammation in your nose, leading to a stuffy nose. Other cold symptoms include a sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and a low–grade fever.

3. Sinus Infection

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is caused by inflammation and infection of the sinus cavities. The excess mucus production and inflammation can cause a stuffy nose and other symptoms such as facial pain, headache, and fatigue.

4. Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are small, noncancerous growths that can form in the nose and sinuses, blocking the nasal passages. They can cause a stuffy nose and other symptoms such as a runny nose, facial pain, and a reduced sense of smell.

5. Deviated Septum

A deviated septum is a condition where the thin wall between the two nostrils is off-center or crooked. This can lead to one side of the nose being blocked, resulting in a stuffy nose. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, facial pain, and difficulty breathing.

6. Adverse Reaction to Medication

Some medications can cause a stuffy nose as a side effect. These medications may include decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal sprays. If you are taking medication and experience a stuffy nose, contact your doctor.

17 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose Fast

Here are some natural remedies to clear your nose and help you breathe better during the day and at night.

1. Saline Nasal Spray

A saline nasal spray is a very effective way to reduce nasal congestion. It can increase the moisture in the nostrils and thin the mucus in the nasal cavity. At the same time, saline can help you discharge the mucus or bacteria to relieve the inflammation of your nose.

When choosing the right saline spray, choose the ones labeled saline-only. This means you are getting pure saline and will not be exposed to other medications. This method is not recommended for pregnant women. Some saline sprays also include decongestants; you should consult your physician before using them.

• You can buy a sterile saline spray at most pharmacies.
• Mix 1 cup warm water and 1/4 teaspoon salt in sterile water.
• Leaning against the edge of the sink, choose a suitable posture.
• Slowly spray saline into a nostril. You can direct your nostrils toward the drain, allowing water to flow easily from your nose.
• You can do this 2-3 times a day. Using it too much might aggravate the condition.

2. Warm Compress

Your nose needs warmth and moisture when it is already inflamed and stuffy. Placing a warm compress on your nasal area may help improve your breathing. If you do not have a heating pad, use a warm towel and place it on your face.

• First, soak the towel in warm water; you should not use water that is too hot or burns the skin on your face.
• Squeeze the water out of the towel and lie down.
• Put the towel on the bridge of the nose.
• Rewet the washcloth when the temperature of the towel decreases.
• Repeat this multiple times, and you can listen to music if bored.

Warm can help ease the inflammation of the nose and ease uncomfortable. If you want to improve its potency, you may place a slice of ginger along with the warm cloth.

3. Steam

Steam and heat are very effective for nasal blockage caused by dry mucosal membranes. Boil water in a pot and carefully lean on the steam. Cover with a towel and inhale deeply. Make sure not to scald your face. If you feel too hot, just slightly further away.

Usually, the mucus in the nasal cavity can moisten the inhaled air, but the air dries out due to the dry climate in winter. After some time, the nasal mucosa will not provide enough mucus. Dry mucosal membranes irritate more easily and swell or produce more mucus.

The steam will moisten the mucus and allow it to flow normally. One thing to remember is that the steam effect will not last but will provide temporary relief. In addition, a hot shower or bath is also an excellent remedy to relieve the feeling of a stuffy nose.

4. Take a hot shower or bath

If you are having problems with nasal decongestion, taking a hot shower may be the best option for you to have. The steam will help soothe the irritated blood vessels and soften the mucus to drain the mucus stuck in your nose. The hot shower will help relieve inflammation and help you breathe better.

Get ready for hot water, close the bathroom door, and not let steam escape. Then take a steamy shower. If you do not want to bathe, you can also inhale the vapors by other methods.

5. Use A Humidifier

Breathing moist air will help soothe irritated tissues of your nose as well as swollen blood vessels. A humidifier can provide a quick and easy way to get rid of sinus pain and, at the same time, clear your stuffy nose. This method works very well, especially at night.

You can place an air humidifier to help you breathe better at night and sleep better. The machine is in charge of converting the water into the air to moisture so that your inflamed sinuses can bring relief. This can also help thin out the mucus from your nose so you can breathe better.

Remember to clean the humidifier frequently and use distilled or boiled water. Tap water contains bacteria that may aggravate the condition further.

6. Hydrate yourself from the inside

It may be easy to forget about hydrating yourself when you can think about how you cannot breathe. There are different types of liquids that you can take.

Water is still the best option, but if you want to drink other liquids, this will be fine too. You can take sports drinks, juices, and even clear soups.

Through the fluids, the mucus will be removed from your nose. The less pressure there is, the less inflamed your sinuses will be. Remember that if you are also experiencing a sore throat and stuffy nose, you should take only warm fluids to soothe the irritation.

7. Try Neti Pot

Neti Pot has been used for centuries to clear out the sinuses. They are meant to make a pathway so the mucus can be effectively cleared. It contains a saline solution to help remove the mucus from each nostril. You can get relief within minutes, provided you will use it correctly.

• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with 6 ounces of warm boiled water until the salt dissolves completely.
• Leaning against the edge of the sink and turn your head to the side. Keep your forehead slightly higher than the chin.
• Avoid talking and breathe through your mouth to close off your mouth and throat.
• Slowly Insert the spout into one nostril and spray the saline. Repeat the process on the other side nostril. If the saline drains out, lower your forehead slightly.
• Clear your nose gently and remove the excess water.
• At last clean and dry your neti pot to prevent bacteria growth.

8. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil can be beneficial for people who are suffering from nasal congestion. Eucalyptus oil comes from the Eucalyptus tree and has been used for a long time because of its healing properties.

When you inhale Eucalyptus oil, this can help decrease the inflammation of the nasal lining. This will be effective in making you breathe easily.

Place a few drops of the Eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water and allow yourself to inhale the steam. If you have an oil diffuser inside your room, you can also place a few drops and let yourself inhale the healing scent of eucalyptus.

You can also place a few drops of the eucalyptus oil on a clean cloth or handkerchief. Then inhale the eucalyptus oil whenever needed for instant nasal relief. To sleep better, eucalyptus oil can also be placed on the pillow for relief at night.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV has always been listed as one of the home remedies that people should use for a wide array of various conditions. It is not surprising that this can also be effective against a stuffy nose. It can help thin out the mucus so that you can breathe better. If you want instant relief, add some ACV to your diet.

Prepare a cup of warm water. Then add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey into the water. This will make the mixture taste better. Drink about three times a day for a week or until the nasal congestion becomes better.

10. Peppermint Tea

Different types of tea can provide various purposes. This time, peppermint tea can be highly effective in helping you breathe better.

Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties that can help eliminate the inflammation of your sinuses and make you feel better. The menthol of peppermint tea may also reduce stuffiness. Take peppermint tea when you have a stuffy nose.

11. Green Tea

Green tea is a popular natural remedy that people can use for different conditions. At this point, it can be used to eliminate nasal congestion. Green tea has a lot of properties known to help get rid of sinus and nasal problems.

Place the green tea bag or place green tea powder, depending on your preference, on one cup of hot water. Add honey to make the tea taste better. You can also inhale the fumes of the tea and honey first before drinking. Do this about three times a day.

12. Garlic

Garlic has antiviral and antifungal properties that can help eliminate nasal congestion. It can also be very effective in getting rid of colds and flu, causing nasal congestion.

Boil about three cloves of peeled garlic. Once it comes to a boil, add a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Drink the garlic and turmeric mixture about three times a day.

13. Vegetable Juices

It seems that many people underestimate the power of vegetables. Vegetable juices are infused with many vitamins and nutrients that the body needs to improve the immune system.

Make a vegetable juice made with cabbage and spinach mostly. You can add other vegetables if you please. Take this every day for ten days. Nasal problems will be reduced significantly after ten days.

14. Black Pepper

You may probably be surprised that black pepper can be used to get rid of nasal congestion. It contains some properties that can help relieve the nasal passages at the soonest possible time.

Bake about four pieces of whole black pepper for a few minutes. Then ingest the baked black peppers every morning.

15. Horseradish and Cider Vinegar

This natural herbal remedy effectively treats nasal congestion and inflammation related to colds. Apart from being very effective, it is also very easy to prepare.

Grate some fresh horseradish and put it in a glass jar. Then you will fill the jar with ½ liter of cider vinegar and close it tightly. Keep the jar for ten days; remember to shake it occasionally. After ten days, you can open and breathe for 5 minutes to clear the sinuses. You can do this several times a day.

Alternatively, you can also smell a cotton handkerchief moistened with this mixture. You can take this treatment for five days. If the symptoms persist, you can repeat this cure.

16. Take a thyme tea

Thyme tea is an excellent respiratory disinfectant. Thyme has antiviral properties that can help cure colds, coughs, or stuffy noses. Moreover, it is a highly recommended herb for diseases such as colds, flu, chills, and tonsillitis.

Boil one cup of water and turn off the heat. Then add 1 to 2g of dried thyme to the water and wait 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups of this infusion a day. If you have a sore throat in the mouth, add a teaspoon of honey.

You can also inhale the thyme. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil of wild thyme in a bowl of hot water. You can also mix the oil with other essential oils like eucalyptus. Inhale for 10 to 15 minutes each, with 1 to 3 times a day.

Note: Thyme essential oil is contraindicated in pregnant women, breastfeeding, and young children.

17. Onions

Onions contain sulfur compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties. It helps to excrete mucus by diluting secretions.

In addition, onions contain vitamin C, which can help fight disease and improves immune defenses. Finally, cutting the onion can make you cry and help open the sinuses.

Cut the onion in half with a knife. Put it on your nose and sniff the smell. This can effectively help clear the nose and remove the symptom of stuffy nasal congestion. You can also put a half-onion on your bedside table to unclog the sinuses during sleep.

How to Prevent a Stuffy Nose?

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin out mucus and keep nasal passages moist, making it easier to breathe. Aim to drink between 8–10 glasses of water a day. Warm drinks, such as tea or chicken soup, can also help keep nasal passages moist and soothe irritated nasal passages.

2. Avoid Irritants: Irritants like smoke, dust, pet dander, and chemical fumes can worsen nasal congestion. If possible, avoid being around these irritants or wear a mask when exposed.

3. Saline Nasal Spray: Saline nasal sprays help thin mucus and rinse away allergens and irritants. These sprays can be used up to four times a day to help keep nasal passages moist.

4. Humidifier: Keeping the air in your home or office humidified can help reduce nasal congestion. A warm mist humidifier is ideal, as the warm mist helps thin mucus. Place the humidifier in the bedroom for maximum effect.

5. Hot Shower: Taking a hot shower can help clear out nasal passages and reduce congestion. You can also use a neti pot or a saline nasal rinse to help irrigate the sinuses and flush out irritants.

6. Stay Warm: If you are outside during cold weather, dress warmly. The cold air can cause the nasal passages to dry out and become congested.

7. Avoid Allergens: Allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, can cause nasal congestion. If you know what your triggers are, try to avoid them. Keep windows closed, use air conditioning, and vacuum regularly to reduce exposure.