Nasal Congestion

There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to breathe properly, especially when we are ill.

Nasal congestion is commonly associated with a cold or flu, but allergy sufferers know that it can become a year-round ailment depending on their individual circumstances and environment.

There is no medication that can eliminate a blocked nose instantly, but there are many home remedies and natural cures that can help to reduce the symptoms associated with it.

Causes of Nasal Congestion:

A blocked nose can be triggered by various things including:

• Allergies or hay fever
• Cold
• Flu
• Sinus Infection
• Spending extended amounts of time upside down
• Pregnancy can also increase nasal congestion

Symptoms of Nasal Congestion:

Using a home remedy can often relieve a blocked nose; however there are some more severe symptoms to watch out for.

If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended that you visit a doctor as soon as possible:

• Swelling on the face around the eyes, nose and forehead
• Redness surrounding the sinuses
• Double vision
• Facial numbness
• Bleeding nose
• Swelling in the mouth and gums

Natural Cures for Nasal Congestion:

Fluids:

Nasal congestion is simply a blockage of fluids in the upper sinuses. Drinking lots of fluids will help to unblock the congested areas and drain the excess trapped fluids.

Water, tea, and juice are the recommended liquids to drink to help get rid of nasal congestion.

Basil Tea:

Basil tea is a home remedy that has been used for ages to treat nasal congestion.

Simply drink a cup of this herbal tea whenever nasal congestion is being experienced.

Stay Upright:

We all know how frustrating nasal congestion can be when we are trying to sleep.

Prop pillows behind your head at night and try to sleep in a semi-reclined position rather that flat out and nasal congestion will be reduced.

Salt:

A natural cure for blocked noses is to make a warm saline solution that can be used to irrigate the nose.

Combine ½ tsp of salt (non-iodized) with one cup of warm water (do not use tap water, it must be distilled water) and spray into the nose.

A neti pot can also be used to irrigate the nose with saline solution.

Vinegar:

Add 3 tbsp of vinegar to a hot water vaporizer for an effective natural cure to stop nasal congestion.

Spicy Foods:

Another popular home remedy is to eat spicy food to unblock the sinuses.

If you are wondering how to remove nasal congestion and enjoy great food at the same time, this is the perfect answer!

Hot Shower:

One of the easier home remedies to relieve nasal congestion is to have a hot shower.

The steam will unblock the most congested nose in no time.