9 Natural Ways to Relieve Your Stuffy Nose

Having a nasal congestion can be a nuisance. It tends to affect your sense of smell and taste, disturb your sleep and make you sound awful. It’s also likely to bother you, which then makes you think of nothing else but finding means to make it go away.

Taking OTC nasal decongestants may probably be the most convenient way to address your stuffy nose, but there are natural ways to relieve yourself. Try these natural ways that should make you breathe clearly.

#1. Enjoy a hot shower

Hot shower is not just relaxing but the steam that comes from it can thin the mucus in your nose, thus reducing sinus inflammation. Don’t expect to be free from the congested feeling the whole day but it should provide relief for about an hour or two.

#2. Warm compress

Putting a warm, wet towel on your forehead helps relieves the pressure that comes with nasal congestion.

#3. Stay hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated is an important health tip that many people tend to overlook. In the case of nasal congestion, drinking plenty of water can ease the stuffiness. Warm liquids are preferred to relieve the sinus pressure.

#4. Neti pot

Draining your sinuses with the use of a neti pot also helps relieve congestion. A neti pot is designed to flush mucus out of the nasal passages. The spout is placed in one of the nostrils, and while tilting your head, pour the distilled water. The rest of the fluids should be flushed out from the other nostril. Don’t forget to keep the neti pot clean before and after use.

#5. Peppermint tea

Anything that’s warm can help relieve nasal congestion by thinning out the mucus. Drinking a warm cup of peppermint tea is a great way to do it since the menthol can make you breathe easy.

#6. Spice up your meals.

Certain fragrant spices can help clear your sinuses. Spice up your food by adding garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper and horseradish. You can sprinkle a pinch into your sandwich or soup to thin out mucus. Don’t overdo it, though, as you might end up worsening your condition.

#7. Have a facial massage

Facial massages improve circulation near your sinuses, which consequently relieve pain around that area. Watch the video below on how you can do self-massage to relieve sinus pressure.

#8. Use a humidifier

As mentioned, steam can help thin out mucus and relieve sinus pain and pressure. That said, having a humidifier around your room can help. The decongesting effect may not result immediately like in taking a shower but a humidifier may provide long-lasting relief.

#9. Saline spray

Improving moisture in the nasal passages is one of the ways that can help rid of the congested feeling. What better way to introduce moisture than by spraying it directly inside the nose. Saline, which is basically a mixture of sodium chloride (salt) and water, helps reduce sinus inflammation, thin out mucus, and flush excess fluids from your sinuses. There are many OTC saline sprays available if you don’t want to go on mixing the right proportions of salt and water.