Stuffy nose is also known as nasal congestion is the increased removal of mucus and other nasal secretions. A stuffy nose may be pretty irritating for people experiencing it. A stuffy nose may affect anybody of any age who is exposed to the factors that cause it as shown below.

Stuffy nose has various causes, these causes are; nasal polyps thus benign tumors in the nasal cavity, allergies, deviated septum, chemical exposure and environmental irritants. Long-time sinus infection may also be another legitimate cause of stuffy nose or nasal congestion. Nasal polyps are noncancerous growth in the nasal passages. This is normal tea drop-shaped growth. They are painless and they may lead to loss of sense of smell. Nasal polyps usually appear in the lining of the nose and frequently develop from the nasal sinuses. The symptoms of nasal polyps include trouble breathing through the nose, loss of the sense of test and more of the sense of smell not forgetting a runny nose. Deviated septum is a physical disorder of the nose. This is where the septum of the nose is swiftly shifted from its midline. it may be caused by chronic sinusitis.

The symptoms of this deviated septum are nasal congestion, frequent sinus infection and noisy breathing. These patients with deviated septum may also undergo frequent nose bleedings. Chemical exposure may be a result of irritating dust particles. It can affect any individual of any age or sex. Stuffy nose or nasal congestion may be caused by industrial gases and fumes, ammonia exposure and the smoke of tobacco whether active or passive.
Nasal congestions affect the sense of smell as it reduces it. The nose is a vital organ that processes and traps the air that passes through it on its way to the lung trapping dirty particles that go straight into the lungs, it should be taken care of often.

The nose filters the air we breathe and leaves it almost one hundred percent clear. So with the presence of nasal congestion in the nose, the nose may not be able to save its function which may lead to the effect on the lungs, a vital delicate and important organ of the body. The effect on any part of the lung may lead to the absorption of dirt particles into the bloodstream which may lead to a worsening situation or rather disease.

A stuffy nose may be difficult to prevent and so one has to stay away from the factors that cause it that have been indicated above. But if stuffy noses catch up with you there are some natural remedies one can resolve. One may use apple cider vinegar, which may resolve to steam inhalation, nasal irrigating as explained below, warm compress, cayenne pepper and garlic.

The following are the recommended home remedies for a stuffy nose:

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains several organic properties that may heal sinus infections. Some of the natural proteins are; vitamin B1, B2, and E, potassium calcium and magnesium which helps to reduce allergy symptoms and clear sinus cavities. Apple cider vinegar should be taken orally, apple cider vinegar has high pH levels that when taken orally, it breaks up mucus and gets rid of sinus infections as it clears the airways. Apple cider vinegar also rinses the sinuses and dilutes the bacteria.

Apple cider vinegar also prevents the release and production of histamines as it acts as a natural antihistamine. Apple cider vinegar also relieves sinus pains as it has both basic and alkaline properties. Apple cider vinegar is also immune as it has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.

There are many forms where apple cider vinegar may be applied so as to get satisfactory results. This includes apple cider vinegar direct consumption, where, you take one spoon of apple cider vinegar three times a day. This will cure the infection and prevent it from coming again. Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women should avoid taking direct apple cider vinegar for it may harm the baby.

Apple cider vinegar nasal rinse. This method rinses the nasal sinus cavity and gives you relief almost immediately. For one to make this apple vinegar rinse, you need two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one cup of warm water. The ingredients are then mixed thoroughly. Then take one tablespoon on your palm and press one nostril with your figure, sniff the apple cider Vinegar in one go and then tilt your head to let it run down your nose. For the rinse always use raw apple cider vinegar that is unpasteurized.

One can also opt for apple cider vinegar spray. This thins the mucus and gives you instant relief too. To make the apple cider spray you will need five to six drops of apple cider vinegar, distilled water, and an empty nasal sprayer. Mix the water with the drops of apple cider vinegar, pour the mixture into the sprayer then sniff it. Use it almost three times a day. Apple cider vinegar and honey drink where you have to add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of honey and water to make the drink.

Apple cider vinegar has been in use by many people and its results have been the best for instant relief not only on stuffy nose but even for other medical issues.

2. Steam inhalation

Steam inhalation may be defined as a method of letting moist warm air into the lungs through the nose for therapeutic purposes. The nasal passages are moistened and softened by the steam thus clearing the blocked or congested nose. Steam inhalation is known to be highly effective in instantly relieving a stuffy or congested nose whether infused with herbs or plain steam. Working as a natural expectorant, steam inhalation works to clear this nasal cavity. There are three ways in which one may use steam as a stuffy nose remedy. For once, one can use a humidifier in their bedroom. Also, moisture from a hot shower with the door closed in the bathroom is also another remedy.

Inhaling the steam directly is another method where you can use steam to clear a stuffy nose. To prepare steam for inhalation you first have to boil water until hot in a small pan, peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil is then added to the water. This is optional. You may or may not use it. Cover your head with a towel holding it just above the head this is to avoid the steam from escaping and then lean over the pan with the water producing the steam. Breathe in and out slowly and inhale the steam. This should be done two to four times a day. If at any time during the steaming process you experience discomfort or a burning sensation, immediately, take off the towel and release the steam unless you feel relieved do not inhale the steam, on the persistence of the irritation, discontinue the treatment.

Pregnant women are not advised to use this method for it may affect the fetus in the womb. Children under the age of twelve years too should not use this method to radiate nasal congestion for it might affect them. People with central nervous system disorders, blood pressure, and heart conditions too should not use this method because it may be dangerous for their health.

Steam may also be used with essential oils to clear a stuffy nose. This is basil, eucalyptus, and pine. Steam may have its side effects for it may leave one with severe burns. This is especially in children. Here the usual occurrence is usually the overturning of the bowls leaving behind big scars that may be permanent the steam may also be harmful to the lungs. This is as the scientists have proven. Much as steam may serve as a remedy for a stuffy nose the user must be very careful when using it so as to avoid injuries and burns.

3. Nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation is also known as nasal douche or nasal lavage. This is a homeopathic and yogic-based ancient technique. Nasal irrigation is a culture where the normal crudity is flushed. This is normally used to provide relief when it comes to allergies, colds and stuffy nose. This is a hygiene practice where excess mucus and nasal discharge are flushed off the nose. Nasal irrigation is done to clean the whole nasal cavity although the same methods used are not efficient enough to play the fiction to satisfaction. Nasal irrigation can be done using various rinsing devices.

These rinsing devices are a squeeze bottle, a battery-operated pulsed water device a net pot and a bulb syringe. one can use a saline solution which is equal to salt solution. Most people don’t use this method, the nasal irrigation method of dealing with a stuffy nose. Nasal irrigation thins out the mucus and helps break up the congestion in your nose. nasal irrigation also helps with inflammation where bacteria allergies and viruses which may cause allergy is removed.

Before using nasal irrigation one should ensure that his or her hands are washed with soap, cleaned and rinsed before holding the treated water to be used for irrigation. Cleaning and treatment of nasal irrigation devices should be mandatory. Before use, one should follow the manufactures instruction on the device before use.

Topical antibiotics and steroids is an examples of medication combined with saline irrigation. This is made to improve delivery into that nose. For safe and effective nasal irrigation hygiene is a major factor. One should ensure that the water source and the irrigation device used are both clean and that they cannot cause a more serious complication. The water used should be thoroughly sterilized and boiled or distilled because the water source may be contaminated. This is just for the effective use of irrigation.

Although nasal irrigation or nasal lavage as some people may refer to it is a better option in the treatment of a stuffy nose, it has its own disadvantages. This is; the water used may be infested by harmful microorganisms. This is not an exclusion to drinking water for it may not have been treated, infected or even filtered. This may lead to micro-organisms in the body that may go to the brain leading to severe brain disorder which causes inflammation and eventual destruction of the brain and its lining.

The safe type of water for nasal irrigation is boiled and cooled water and distilled or sterilized water. Tap water which is chlorinated is never safe for nasal irrigation.one has to be very careful when using this method to get rid of nasal congestion as it may lead to serious conditions.

4. Warm compress

A towel and warm water can also work the magic of getting rid of nasal congestion. This is how. A warm compress can be applied on the forehead, upper cheek or even the nose. This can help one to relieve nasal congestion by opening the nasal passages from the outside.

The congestion in the nose is reduced by the warmth in the warm compressor you are using. For better result, you can add salt to the hot water to form a salt solution and use it for the warm compress. The congestion is then cleared by the hypertonicity of the salt solution or saline formed. The compressor also provides comfort from any pain.

For one to make a compressor, one should soak a towel in a bowl of hot water. Then squeeze the excess water out of the towel. Then fold it and place it over your head, cheek or nose. Repeat this as often as it may be required. Meaning that as often as the towel may get colder. The towel should be hot in order to this the mucus in the nasal cavity. It may take a longer time or more rounds of reheating the towel you are using to compress. So you have to be patient to get the desired result.

One should also be extra careful while using the warm compressor because the water may overturn and burn causing an even long-term injury.

5. Cayenne pepper

For over nine thousand years, cayenne pepper has been used both for medication and flavoring purposes. This is according to Maryland medical Centre University, It is used for various purposes including topical and oral purposes.

It has capsaicin spices that have the capability to unclog a stuffy nose. This capsaicin normally dries up mucus in the nasal passages thereby making it easier to breathe. This decreases the puffiness feeling in the nose due to its anti-lavatory nature. A home remedy such as a steamy shower or an over-the-counter medication may be used as an alternative if recommended by a physician.

In order to prepare cayenne pepper for purposes of a stuffy nose, you need one-quarter of lemon juice and a quarter cup of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Mix these ingredients in a pot and allow it to simmer. While simmering, add a half teaspoon each of powdered ginger and cayenne pepper. Add two tablespoons of raw organic honey then mix thoroughly.

Another procedure you can use to make this cayenne paper is by adding one-half of cayenne pepper to a cup full of hot water and then sips it all through the day. You can also add the cayenne pepper or sprinkle it on your favorite meal.

Although using cayenne pepper may seem efficient in treating nasal congestion, it also has its own disadvantages. For instance, it may cause allergic reactions. An allergic reaction may be assumed but it may be very dangerous at some point, for instance, the cayenne reaction should be taken very seriously. A medical emergency should be considered quickly when a person experiences an allergic reaction due to the cayenne pepper. Some of the signs of this resulting from cayenne pepper include skin rashes, hives, itchy and swollen skin and finally tightness in the chest and the throat excessive consumption of cayenne pepper may cause damage to the kidney and the liver.

Breastfeeding mothers are advised not to consume cayenne pepper because it can affect some breastfeeding babies who may end up developing skin conditions after their mother’s consumption of cayenne pepper. This skin condition may end up being very serious and affecting the baby even in adulthood.

People suffering from peptic ulcers should shun using cayenne pepper because the capsaicin in the cayenne paper produces a lot of acids in the stomach which are very dangerous to the stomach. For instance, People suffering from asthma or blood thinning should avoid using cayenne pepper as it causes bleeding risks.

6. Garlic

Making you save a lot of money, garlic is cheap, readily available and the easiest remedy for healing nasal congestion. Garlic has many health benefits and It is also used for the stuffy nose and many other health, beauty and culinary issues This is a cheap method whereby one does not have to need a doctor’s appointment to acquire it or have an expert knowledge to use it.

Garlic has various properties that make it good or rather perfect for relieving stuffy nose and also nasal synapse and other nasal infections. Garlic is a natural antibiotic when used raw so this compound is very essential for curing sinus infection. Regular intake reduces inflammatory symptoms.

One can use various methods of garlic preparation in order to get rid of stuffy nose. One can make garlic oil for the stuffy nose. Garlic water is another form of garlic where you can use garlic for this purpose of treatment. Here, you need two garlic cloves, water, and salt. So; you remove the skin from the garlic, cut it into small cubes and place the small cubes of garlic in water. Allow it to boil then strain the water into a glass, add a pinch of salt and stir thoroughly. Skip the garlic water to relieve your nasal congestion.

Garlic juice is another way where garlic can be consumed to relieve one from stuffy nose. This is a more efficient method because the garlic used will still be in its fresh form. This garlic juice can be prepared at home following the following recipe. You need fresh and best garlic cloves, a plastic garlic peeler, a spatula, a coffee strainer muslin cloth and an airtight glass container. When you have the whole ingredients, skin the garlic as many as possible and place them in a blender, blend them finely to make a garlic puree. Place muslin clothes over a bowl and strain the garlic into the bowl. Or use a coffee strainer to strain it into the bowl. Transfer this puree into an airtight glass container and store in a refrigerator.

You can also opt for garlic with honey. What is needed here is five garlic cloves and honey. Blend the garlic, add honey in it and mash it to make a fine paste. Take this mixture as you like preferably before meals. Another method is by using a garlic inhaler which is made by using six raw garlic cloves and water. To make it water, you place the raw garlic cloves in water and allow it to soak for ten minutes. Remove in water and crush into a fine paste. Take the garlic paste and place it close to your nose and start inhaling.

Garlic with tomato juice is another recipe for making garlic for a stuffy nose. Here you need one tablespoon of chopped garlic, tomato juice, lemon juice, hot sauce and a hot saucepan. Take the saucepan and pour tomato juice in it and boil for a few minutes. Stir it well and allow it to boil for another few minutes. Pour this hot mixture into a glass and drink it to get relief.

7. Ginger

Ginger not only helps you to get rid of a stuffy nose but also helps you to get rid of colds and flu. It contains high anti-inflammatory staff that may help reduce congested nose problems.

Ginger also gives an immune to immune system. To make this ginger drink to do away with a stuffy nose you need to grate one ginger or slice it, put the ginger in two cups of water put it on fire and let the mixture simmer. Drink the warm ginger and eat the ginger slices. This will help clear the stuffy nose almost immediately. Ginger hanging roll is a natural anti- feretory that may be used to relieve a stuffy nose. Gingerly also suppresses the production of mucus giving relief to the mucous membrane.

You can also make ginger tea which is both appealing to the mouth and medicinal. This is often made with fresh ginger. This helps relieve the stuffy nose. Ginger has been proven to be the best self-prescribed medicine. It is also cheap because ginger is easily available at marketplaces all around the world. Ginger is very safe when taken in moderate amounts.

This is as compared to over-the-counter drugs and other methods of suppressing g stuffy nose. In the remaining ginger water, soak a clean piece of cloth and rinse the water, lie on an elevated pillow and apply the ginger to the nose and forehead by rubbing it on the areas. One can also just make a paste from ginger paste and honey to be taken three times a day.

Ginger also has its effect just as any good thing as its bad side. For once, ginger is laxative but mildly. Ginger tea may cause diarrhea if taken in large amounts. Ginger may cause low blood sugar as it is known to lower sugar level. Blood thinners, for those who are on blood thinning medication ginger tea, may also affect you.

8. Peppermint

For many years, peppermint has been a staple drug in people’s drug cabinets. Peppermint, as it is to be noted is far more concentrated and intense as compared to many other organic oils. It is a plant extract that contains menthol in the entire stem leaves and roots. Peppermint also contains antiviral antisepticise, antibacterial and carminative properties. There are recommended methods where peppermint may be taken as recommended by doctors worldwide. They are peppermint tea, inhalation, nasal ointments, and other topical ointments.

For colds and stuffy nose, you can have a menthol steam bath which soothes nasal congestion. When nasal congestion brings about a headache or even any pain, peppermint may be rubbed on the forehead as it relieves all muscle pains. Peppermint can also be rubbed on the chest as it reduces causes through its vaporization. But here one should use it very sparingly. One can also make peppermint tea which not only relieves nasal congestion but also heals stomach upsets. Peppermint is also great for treating nausea.
For more effective results, peppermint is used with eucalyptus oils and pine oils. This creates a steam birth that may soothe children’s nasal cavities.

This should be used very cautiously on children as it may abuse coughing from its pungent smell. This peppermint because of its intense menthol smell should be used in small quantities and mostly should be used by adults. This may be dropped on ten tongues and inhaled for more efficacy. Also, a few drops of peppermint on your handkerchief and sneezing may be as efficient.

Unless under the guidelines of a physician, peppermint oil is prohibited for pregnant women and children for it may bring adverse side effects to them. Death may be caused as a result of the Injection of peppermint. Peppermint may also bring about body ale although these reactions are usually very rare. Peppermint also should not be applied immediately to the nasal cavity of children because it might cause difficulty in breathing. Peppermint, as we have seen, is one of the best plants or essential oil that may be used to clear a stuffy nose as first as possible.

9. Massage therapy

This is a therapy applied on the face to induce the pressure points on the face in order to clear up a stuffed nose by increasing circulation to the affected area and thinning out the mucus. Here the index figure is used to apply pressure to the acupressure points in pairs for at least ten seconds at a time for each pair. A gentle pressure should be produced by slightly rotating your figures on the acupressure points.

The most affected areas when you have nasal congestion are the most affected area. Joints near the eye socket and the bridge of the nose should be massaged thoroughly to get effective results. More pressure, though, is created when these two points are massaged simultaneously. The facial massage will also get rid of the nasal congestion and the pain that may result from a stuffy nose.

Another place to massage for a better result is the skull base. This is done by holding your head and your thumb just behind your ears. Massage gently with your thumbs rotating behind the ear and the base of the skull until you feel better. This should d be a daily routine. Another place is above the upper breast and the collarbone. Stretch your hands to touch both this area and massage gently.

The thumb and the index figure is another acupressure point. Hold the joint between the index figure and the thumb and hard-press it. This may reduce the pain and nasal irritation as a result of nasal congestion.

10. Humidifier

A humidifier is an equipment is rather an appliance used to regulate humidity in a home. As we know humidity, whether high or low may come with its effects and discomfort, we need something to regulate it hence the humidifier.

A humidifier, for instance, may bring back the humidity level when it is dry. This is very vital because the air we breathe is too dry then the nasal mucus tends to dry hence leading to clogging of mucus leading to stuffy nose.

Humidifiers are used by most families in their homes to counteract dryness in the noses and to get more moisture in the air. Most are built it the central home where the air conditioners are stationed. Excess moisture may cause allergy as a result of an increase in the number of dirt mites in the homes. Humidifiers provide more humidity and moisture in the nose hence can help nasal congestion.

More methods of dealing with stuffy nose

There are several other methods other than the above-discussed that may be used to relieve a stuffy nose. Some of these methods are as efficient as possible and when used they give instant results. Below are some of the other methods that may be used. Chicken soup. As onions, ginger, and pepper are staples in chicken soup, it becomes one of the remedies for a stuffy nose.

Turmeric also used is rich in anti-inflammatory action. With a lot of spices used in its preparation, chicken soup definitely becomes one of the remedies that can be used to deal with a stuffy nose. For anyone addicted to smoking, this is one time you should consider putting your figurate down until you can feel better. Tobacco smoke and sudden temperature changes should also be avoided at a greater cost for they may affect the victim in a negative way. These are some of the aggravations that one must avoid when having a stuffy nose when or when not undergoing treatment. This is a cheap method where buy one does not have to need a doctor’s appointment to acquire it or have the expert and knowledge to use it.

Consumption of a lot of water is also very important when you have a stuffed nose. This will keep your body hydrated and may also break the nasal congestion and keep your throat moist. Sniffing mucus back into your head is also very dangerous to your health. Try to avoid it as much as possible. Instead of sniffing the mucus back to the head; gently blow it out into a peppermint-infused handkerchief.

Warm water and other soothing warm beverages should be taken in order to soothe and relax the head when you have a stuffy nose. Also, try to relieve nasal passages when congested by using a pillow thus sleeping with your head slightly elevated. Don’t sit back at home if natural remedies don’t work for you for more than three weeks. If it exceeds this period then go to see a doctor in the hospital. Only after consulting your doctor should you use medications recommended for allergy, antihistamine, and decongestant. Using this medication without the go-ahead of a medical physician may lead to a terrible outcome, much more than the irritation brought about by a stuffy nose. When you the first hit with a cold get a rest that is lying enough to soothe and relax your body.