23 Dec 2010 Nasal congestion is the result of
common cold and cough, viral infection or some allergy. This is a common
problem faced by many. Though there are many OTC
decongestants
available in the market, there are some effective natural remedies for nasal
congestion. Let us check out some effective natural decongestants:
Natural Decongestant
Steam
This is one of the most common method of relieving one from
nasal congestion. Steam is a natural decongestant. The best part is that
there is no side effects. Just use a steam vaporize. Add some essential oils
in it if you want to. Or else, plain water is sufficient. If you don't have
one, then simply take a large vessel and put some steaming hot water into
it. Cover your head and the vessel and inhale the steam. Let the steam
envelope your face. Alternatively, you can also use steaming hot towels.
Place them on your face, and wet them in the hot water as they get cooled.
You will see your congestion disappearing.
Salt Water
This is another effective natural decongestant. Take
about 8 ounces of water and add a half tablespoon of salt. Use a dropper to
put a few drops of this salt water into your nose. Or else simply cup your
hand and pour a little saltwater into your palm. Breathe in the saltwater
through one nostril. Then you need to to tilt your head back. After a few
seconds, lean your head back down over a basin and let the saltwater drain
back out. Repeat with the other nostril. Even if some saltwater drain down
your throat, it is not harmful.
Onions
Onions are natural decongestants and expectorants. For many
patients, simply cutting up a raw onion can help in loosening phlegm and
mucus. Even eating raw onions with food is helpful. For people who don't
like to eat onions, you can store onion slices and honey mixed together in a
glass jar in the refrigerator. Whenever there is a problem of congestion,
simply swallow a 2-3 spoonfuls of this natural decongestant remedy.
Garlic
Garlic is another food that can help in relieving
congestion. Add a few cloves of garlic to your morning tea and see the
immediate relief. You can also eat raw garlic if you like the taste of it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another natural decongestant is apple cider
vinegar. Take a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water and inhale the
fumes that comes out. This gives instant relief.
Honey
Honey is another effective remedy. Just take a little bit of
honey in some hot water. It can clear up a stuffy nose.
Spicy Foods
Some other useful home remedies that can help you
relief your nasal congestion is consumption of foods that are spicy or
pungent. Try having spicy foods like chili, salsa, wasabi, which have
natural decongestant components that helps in breathing. Hot chicken soup
with black pepper corns is also a very effective decongestant.