Nasal congestion is one of the most annoying symptoms of a cold. We know that it depresses you, but that is why you must fight and not let the cold control your life. From hot drinks to inhaling steam, there are many things you can do at home without necessarily resorting to medication.
We would like to introduce you to 6 scientifically proven and natural ways to clear your airways faster and more efficiently.
How to Clear a Stuffy Nose and Congestion
Sleep On Your Side
A stuffy nose means that there is a large amount of mucus trapped in your sinuses that prevents you from breathing properly. This is why it is important to keep your head elevated at night by adding a second pillow.
It is also vital that you try to sleep on your side rather than on your back as this will help with the blockage. Your nose will have a much better chance of “draining” at night, rather than allowing even more mucus to build up.
Hydrate With Hot Soups And Teas
Drinking hot liquids may not help you get rid of the cold any faster, but it will ease the bothersome symptoms. Researchers have found that people who drink hot beverages instead of room temperature ones feel much better about their condition.
Chamomile, green tea, chicken soup, and hot water with lemon and honey can effectively soothe you. The placebo effect they create is very important to make you feel better and more relieved.
Use A Warm Compress On Your Sinus
The way a warm compress works is by reducing inflammation in the sinuses and unblocking the nasal airways. Take a clean cloth, dip it in warm (but not hot) water, and place it over the top of your nose and the bottom of your forehead.
The heat from the compress will make your nostrils open and you can breathe easier. Make sure you don’t leave the compress on for too long, as it can burn your skin.
Rinse Your Nose Out With A Neti Pot
This may not be the most comfortable thing to do, but it has been shown to be effective in clearing the sinuses. Just stand in front of a sink and place the tip of the Neti pot in one of your nostrils.
The water will enter your nose and flow through the other nostril. You can do this exercise for 1 minute in each nostril.
Remember that you cannot use water. The FDA recommends that you use distilled or sterile water, not tap water, which can be full of salt and other harmful elements.
Buy A Humidifier
The cold and dry air that usually enters our homes makes nasal congestion even worse. And that’s where a humidifier comes in handy, releasing the necessary moisture into your environment.
You can keep it day and night, but it is most useful while you sleep, as it helps you rest and feels more comfortable. You don’t have to worry about serious dangers and you will notice a great improvement in nasal congestion very quickly.
Inhale The Steam From Boiling Garlic
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Garlic is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it can do very well for you when you have a cold. You can eat it or (preferably) boil it in some water and inhale its steam, avoiding stinky breath.
You can wear a towel over your head to keep as much steam as possible trapped. However, you don’t want to get too close to the pot of garlic water; preferably keep your distance an arm’s length away.
What method helped you unblock your nose without resorting to medication? You can share your tips with us.