Nasal obstruction is also known as nasal congestion, stuffy nose, or blocked nose. When the swelling in your nasal cavity leads to a buildup of mucus, then this leads to nasal obstruction. This is a reason why you breathe with difficulty.
Allergic reactions, flu, and colds are problems that are associated with nasal obstruction. When you have nasal congestion that lasts longer than one week, then this can be due to excessive tobacco smoke, thyroid disorders, stress, pregnancy, occupational asthma, hay fever, hormonal changes in the body, dry air, and acute sinusitis.
Polyps or tumors are also causes of nasal obstruction, but they are less common. A minor headache, a hoarse voice, watery eyes, swollen nasal tissues, mucus buildup, and sinus pain are symptoms of nasal congestion.
Nasal congestion can be accompanied by a runny nose or a nasal discharge, but it may not be. This is a very annoying condition. In many cases, our sleep is disturbed. It is very important to treat this condition as soon as possible because it can lead to other problems such as restless sleep, ear infections, and so on.
8 Home remedies for nasal obstruction
Contents
Garlic
Garlic can help you to reduce nasal obstruction [1]. This vegetable has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which can help you to fight the respiratory infection which is causing nasal obstruction. It can prevent infection and also helps control the overproduction of mucus. It can promote a quick recovery because this home remedy is a natural immune booster.
In one cup of water, you should boil two to three garlic cloves. You should also mix in ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder. You should drink this home remedy two times per day until the congestion clears.
Also, when you eat fresh garlic cloves, then this can help you to get relief from discomfort and stuffiness. Also, you can take garlic supplements on a regular basis because this can help you to prevent or reduce the frequency of nasal congestion. You should always talk with your doctor before you start using some kind of supplement.
Spicy tomato tea
This is a very effective home remedy for getting relief from nasal congestion because it can help improve the flow of mucus through the nasal passages. You should boil one cup of tomato juice along with a pinch of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of hot sauce (if you do not have any hot sauce at your home, then you can use ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper), two to three teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and two chopped garlic cloves. You should drink this tea slowly while it is hot. Drink it two times per day for a period of a few days.
Cayenne pepper
This is a very effective nasal obstruction home remedy for relieving blocked sinuses and nasal congestion. Cayenne pepper has capsaicin which works as a natural decongestant to provide you relief from the inflammation in your nasal passages [2].
Also, this home remedy has a fiery effect, which induces a runny nose to get rid of the allergens and mucus in the sinuses. This will give you relief from the blocked nose.
You should add ½ teaspoon of cayenne powder to one tablespoon of raw honey, and you should eat this home remedy a few times per day. Also, you can dip the tip of a cotton swab into cayenne pepper. You should carefully insert the cotton swab into your nose to clear the sinuses and induce sneezing. In the first moments, there will be a burning sensation, but this feeling will pass quickly, and it will help you to get relief from pain and sinus pressure. You should do this natural treatment two or three times per day.
Steam inhalation
This is a very popular nasal obstruction home remedy for getting instant relief from nasal obstruction. This home remedy works as a natural expectorant to clear the congestion, and it lubricates your irritated respiratory tract [3]. You should use any of the mentioned home remedies two to four times per day.
You should keep your head about an arm’s length away from the water and a towel over your head because, in this way, you will trap the steam. To boil water, you should add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil, and you should inhale the steam for ten minutes. In boiling water, you should add one tablespoon of crushed carom seeds. You should inhale this steam for ten minutes. Also, when you inhale the steam from a hot bath or a humidifier, then this can help you to decrease nasal congestion.
Steam inhalation is not recommended for children below 12 years of age because there is a risk of scalding. Also, this natural treatment is not recommended for pregnant women and people who suffer from central nervous disorders, heart conditions, and high blood pressure.
Apple cider vinegar
This is one of the best home remedies which can help you to clear your stuffy nose very quickly. This home remedy works as a natural decongestant which can help break up congested mucous, and it will give you relief from a stuffy and blocked nose.
Apple cider vinegar has potassium which can help dry a runny nose. Also, it is rich in several nutrients, and this is a good home remedy for your immunity and overall health. In one cup of warm water, you should mix one tablespoon of raw honey and two tablespoons of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You should drink this home remedy two or three times per day for a period of a few days.
Also, you can pour equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water into a pan. You should bring this pan to a boil, and then you should inhale the steam. You should close your eyes because if they are open, they will sting your eyes. You should do this natural treatment two or three times per day or as long as you need.
Ginger root
Ginger is easy and effective nasal obstruction home remedy for a blocked nose. It is rich in antioxidants which help inhibit the secretion of mucus [1]. Also, it helps maintain normal nasal ciliary motility, which is an important element of sinus health. You should drink two to three cups of ginger tea every day.
To make ginger tea, you should boil two cups of water over low heat and you should add one tablespoon of fresh ginger slices in it. You should let it simmer for five to ten minutes. You should strain this home remedy. Then, you should mix in some fresh raw honey and lemon juice, and then you should drink it. Also, you can chew small pieces of raw ginger sprinkled with salt several times per day because this can help you to treat a blocked nose and nasty cough. Also, you can take ginger in the form of lozenges which are available in markets around the world.
Eucalyptus oil
People who suffer from nasal obstruction can use eucalyptus oil as their natural treatment because it possesses anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties [4]. It can clear your airways of mucus, and also it works as a natural cough suppressant.
You should add three to five drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water in a large pot. You should use a towel to cover your head, and you should slowly inhale the steam through your nose for no more than two minutes at a time. You should keep your eyes closed. You should do this natural treatment two times per day.
Also, you can put one to two drops of eucalyptus oil in a fresh handkerchief, and you should inhale the aroma a few times per day. Also, you can put a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on your pillow so you can inhale it even when you are in your deep sleep. If you want to have an aromatherapy bath, then you should add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your bathwater, and you should enjoy your bath for fifteen minutes once per day.
Turmeric
This natural cure has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which makes it one of the best home remedies for nasal congestion [5]. It has curcumin which can help you to reduce the swelling and inflammation in your nasal passages. This will give you quick relief from the symptoms of nasal obstruction.
Also, this will boost your immune system. You should heat one glass of milk. Add one teaspoon of turmeric in it. You should let it boil and then simmer for five minutes. You should pour it into a cup. Add a small amount of raw honey to it. Drink this home remedy two times per day to speed up the healing process. Also, you can mix together a pinch of cayenne pepper, one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of turmeric juice. You should consume this nasal obstruction natural cure once or twice per day.
References
[1] Baraniuk JN. Subjective nasal fullness and objective congestion. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society. 2011;8(1).
[2] Blom HM, Severijnen LAWFM, van Rijswijk JB, et al. The long-term effects of capsaicin aqueous spray on the nasal mucosa. Clinical and Experimental Allergy. 1998;28:1351-58.
[3] Vathanophas V, Pattamakajonpong P, Assanasen P, Suwanwech T. The effect of steam inhalation on nasal obstruction in patients with allergic rhinitis. Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology. 2019.
[4] Sadlon AE, Lamson DW. Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15(1):33-47.
[5] Wu S, Xiao D. Effect of curcumin on nasal symptoms and airflow in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2016;117(6):697-702.
Hi great article