5 Home Remedies To Reduce Nasal Congestion

Although these home remedies are effective in relieving nasal congestion, be sure to see your doctor if these symptoms continue

Nasal congestion is an uncomfortable symptom that occurs when nasal tissues and blood vessels become inflamed due to excess fluids. It is a transient condition, often related to respiratory diseases, which can be accompanied by discharge or “runny nose.”

It can affect people of all ages, although, in the case of children and babies, it tends to produce complications that prevent them from resting.

While there are many medical treatments designed to control it, there are also home remedies that can help create a sense of relief.

Next, we want to review its main causes before unveiling 5 solutions that can help reduce its severity.

Causes of nasal congestion

Nasal congestion can be caused by some type of contact with substances that cause irritation of the nasal tissues.

It is also one of the main symptoms of infections that compromise respiratory health, such as colds and flu.

In fewer cases, this discomfort indicates the presence of nasal polyps or growths.

Related factors include:

• Acute and chronic sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps
• Exposure to allergen particles or tobacco smoke
• Common cold, influenza (flu)
• Overuse of nasal spray
• Deviated nasal septum
• Drug addiction (substance use disorder)
• Exposure to dry air
• Hormonal changes, thyroid disorders
• Use of some medications (such as drugs for high blood pressure)
• Asthma
• Stress

Home remedies to reduce nasal congestion

Home remedies to reduce nasal congestion use anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and mucolytic ingredients that can help reduce irritation and blockage caused by excess mucus.

However, it is important to mention that, although they calm the symptom, they are not enough to combat the conditions that influence its appearance.

1. Mint and licorice infusion

The combination of plants that we make in this infusion gives us an anti-inflammatory and mucolytic remedy that helps us dissolve mucus to reduce nasal congestion.

Therefore, its consumption in moderate amounts clears the airways and helps reduce irritation of the nasal passages.

Ingredients

• Dried mint leaves (5 g)
• Licorice root (5 g)
• Lemon juice (5 ml)
• 1 glass of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• First, add the dried mint and licorice root to a cup of boiling water.
• Then, cover the drink and, when it rests, strain it and add a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Consumption mode

• Enjoy this infusion in the morning and before going to bed.

2. Black pepper tea

The flavonoids in black pepper tea are beneficial in reducing the symptoms of congestion, since they act as powerful anti-inflammatories.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of black tea (5 g)
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper (1 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Add the black tea and black pepper to a cup of boiling water.
• Cover the drink, let it rest for 10 minutes and strain it.

Consumption mode

• Swallow the infusion at any sign of nasal congestion.
• Take it maximum 2 times a day.

3. Saline solution

The classic homemade saline remedy continues to be used as an alternative to clear the nasal passages and remove excess mucus.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of sea salt (5 g)
• 1 cup of distilled water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Dilute a teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm distilled water.

How to use

• Pour the liquid into a dropper and apply the solution to each nostril.
• If necessary, repeat its use 2 times a day.

4. Infusion of mallow and propolis

This remedy not only helps to dissolve the mucus that causes nasal congestion, but also clears the airways and helps to increase the defenses to fight against the pathogens that cause the respiratory condition.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of mallow leaves (5 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon of propolis (1 g)

Preparation

• Pour the mallow leaves into a cup of boiling water and add the propolis.
• Cover the drink and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

Consumption mode

• Take the infusion warm, before going to bed.

5. Horseradish juice

Finally, horseradish juice produces a sensation of body heat that helps reduce nasal congestion caused by excessive production of phlegm.

Ingredients

• 1 horseradish
• ½ cup of water (125 ml)

Preparation

• Wash and chop a horseradish, and process it in the blender with half a cup of water.
• Make sure you get a smooth drink and serve it instantly.

Consumption mode

• Consume the juice once a day for a week or until the congestion is relieved.

Are you having trouble breathing normally due to a stuffy nose? Try any of the mentioned remedies and reduce this discomfort naturally.