How to Clear a Stuffy Nose and Congestion: 12 Natural Ways to do

Blocked or stuffy nose is a common problem that may arise from numerous causes. Stuffy nose is medically termed as nasal congestion, which means congested and swollen nasal passages. Usually, a stuffy nose is not dangerous but can be annoying to the point that it can hinder your breathing, sleep, and normal functioning. Fortunately, there are various ways to fix this and ensure unobstructed breathing.

Causes of Stuffy Nose

Knowing what leads to nasal congestion is vital before trying to find a solution.

• Infections
  • The biggest reason for a stuffy nose is the common infections like the common cold, flu, sinusitis or hay fever.
  • Swelling and inflammation of the lining of the nose occur as a result of increased blood flow in this infection.
  • Congestion results from the overfilling of the nasal cavity with mucus and fluid.
  • The immune system often overreacts and causes nasal inflammation due to allergies.
• Anatomical Deviations
  • Structural issues in the nose like a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates can obstruct airflow and make breathing through the nose difficult. 
  • These anatomical deviations often require medical treatment to correct.
• Irritants
  • Irritants like cigarette smoke, dust, pollution, and strong smells can cause the inside of the nose to become irritated and inflamed, leading to stuffiness.
• Medications
  • Some oral medications, like high blood pressure medications, can have the side effect of nasal congestion as well. 
  • Discontinuing the medication may relieve this symptom.
• Hormonal Changes
  • Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy or menstruation can sometimes cause nasal congestion and a stuffed up nose due to swelling of the nasal tissues.
• Weather Changes
  • Sudden changes in temperature and humidity can also impact the nasal cavity and lead to congestion. For example, going from an air conditioned building into hot humid outdoor air.

12 Home Remedies For Stuffy Nose

When nasal congestion strikes, there are many natural remedies that can provide relief. Here are 12 helpful home remedies to consider trying:

1. Steam

Steam inhalation can help alleviate the blocked nose temporarily. 

• The heat breaks up mucus secretions, which are thick, and this makes the nasal passages wider. 
• You can take a steam bath, a steamy shower, use a humidifier, and even lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel covering your head. 
• For decongestant effects, add a few drops of eucalyptus or menthol oil into the mix.

2. Saline Spray

Saltwater solutions could be helpful in thinning mucus in order to open up nasal passageways.

• Buy a saline nasal spray that is commercially available for the use or, alternatively, mix salt with warm water. 
• Inhale through the nose or spray it as much as needed to wash out mucus and reduce inflammation.

3. Hydration

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, and broth-based soups can help thin out mucus and prevent dehydration. 
• Dehydration can worsen nasal congestion.

4. Humidifier

• Running a cool mist humidifier can add moisture back into dry indoor air and help loosen thick nasal mucus so it drains better. 
• This is especially helpful at night. 
• Place humidifiers near the bed or areas where you spend a lot of time.

5. Steam Inhalation

• Boil water in a large bowl and add aromatic herbs like menthol, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, or lavender. 
• Drape a towel over your head and inhale the herbal steam vapours to reduce congestion. 
• The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the herbs can relieve stuffiness.

6. Stay Upright

• Remaining upright allows gravity to help mucus drain down and out of the nasal cavities, rather than pooling when lying down. 
• Sleep with extra pillows to prop your head up if congested at night.

7. Spicy Foods

• Eating spicy foods like horseradish, peppers, ginger, or garlic can help stimulate mucus drainage. 
• The heat and irritation cause a runny nose, which helps clear out the congestion temporarily. 
• Spicy steam inhalation works too.

8. Nasal Strips and Dilators

• Adhesive nasal strips or plastic nasal dilators can help open the nasal passages from the outside to improve air flow. 
• These work best at night when congestion is often worse.

9. Compress

Applying a warm, moist compress over the nose and facial sinuses can temporarily provide comfort and relief from stuffy nose symptoms. 

• The gentle heat helps improve blood circulation in the nasal area, loosens mucus secretions, and reduces sinus pressure caused by inflammation and swelling of the nasal tissues. 
• A warm compress enables easier breathing by opening the nasal airways. 
• For best results, use a clean washcloth soaked in hot water, wring it out, and place it over the nose and cheeks for 5-10 minutes as needed.

10. Neti Pot

• Using a Neti pot to administer a nasal saline rinse can flush out mucus and irritants from the nasal passages and sinuses. 
• Make sure to use sterile water and rinse per instructions.

11. Decongestants

Natural options like vitamin C or ginger may also help relieve allergy-related nasal congestion. 

• Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and can help shorten the duration of colds and lessen symptoms, although it doesn’t directly affect congestion. 
• However, taking extra vitamin C when you have a cold can potentially help you recover faster and reduce the severity of cold symptoms like a stuffy nose.

For congestion specifically due to allergies, ginger is a good natural remedy option. 

• Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols. 
• Research indicates that taking 500mg per day of ginger extract can be just as effective as antihistamine medications like Claritin for nasal allergy symptoms. 
• The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ginger help reduce allergy-related inflammation in the nasal passages. 
• Drinking ginger tea or using ginger essential oil may also help clear nasal congestion caused by allergies.

12. Antihistamines

• If allergies are the cause, antihistamines can help reduce inflammation and congestion by blocking the chemical histamine that is released in allergic reactions. 
• Antihistamine pills, liquids, or nasal sprays may be used. However, consult a doctor before using any kind of medications. 

Conclusion

Experiencing nasal congestion or a stuffy nose can be uncomfortable. Thankfully, many at home remedies like steam, hydration, nasal saline, and nasal strips can provide relief for stuffy nose symptoms without the need for medication. Certain over the counter medicines can also be helpful for temporary congestion relief. See a doctor if your stuffy nose persists for more than 10 days or worsens. With the right treatment, you can breathe freely again soon.