A stuffy nose is caused by inflamed and irritated blood vessels in the sinuses. These irritations are usually triggered by a cold, the flu, allergies, or a sinus infection. Here are a few ways to help clear up your stuffy nose naturally, without or before using medication.
Stay hydrated
Drink enough fluids. It helps to break up congestion and keeps your throat moist. Drink lots of water, sports drinks, herbal teas, fruit drinks and fruits rich in water like cucumber.
Steam up
Hold your head over a pot of boiling water and breathe slowly through your nose. But be careful. Don’t let the heat burn your nose. Letting in steam may help loosen up your stuffy nose. A hot steamy bath can also clear the debris lodged in your nostrils.
Rinse with warm salt water
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle four times a day. It helps to moisten sore or scratchy throat
Spice it up
Taking spicy meals like chicken or goat meat pepper soup may also help in clearing up the nasal passage. You can also add extra spice to your usual meals.
Plump up your pillows
Lying down with your head raised is a great way to relieve blocked nasal passages . Ensure you have plump pillows or add a second one if needed.
Use a warm compressor
Using a warm compressor is another way to help relieve a stuffy nose; it opens the nasal passages from the outside. To make a warm compressor, soak a towel in warm water, squeeze the water out of the towel, then fold it and place it over your nose and forehead.
