Have you ever felt the discomfort of nasal congestion to breathe or fall asleep? The following methods can help you calm that awkward feeling.Home remedies for nasal congestion
One of the most uncomfortable things that can happen to us is to have the sensation of a ‘stuffy nose’, which prevents us from breathing normally. This phenomenon, the famous nasal congestion, is especially common when winter or spring arrives, because of allergies.
It is a problem that manifests itself throughout the day, but it is especially annoying in the hours of sleep since it produces snoring and continuous feeling of discomfort in the throat. Next, we tell you the best home remedies for nasal congestion.
Causes and symptoms of nasal congestion
This symptom, which many people suffer, is probably due to being immersed in a cold process. However, we must pay attention to this congestion if it becomes chronic, since there are other factors that trigger it.
Nasal congestion occurs when the membrane lining the nose becomes inflamed, but not by the accumulation of mucus as is commonly believed. It is not a disease in itself, but it is a symptom of another disorder, the cold, which usually appears in the autumn and winter months when the temperature drops.
It may be caused by flu, a common cold or acute sinusitis; In most cases, it lasts about a week. The sensation in those days is of discomfort, discomfort, and excessive mucus; however, it is not serious because, when cured, the nose clears.
Nasal congestion may also be caused by allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis or anatomical problems, such as the formation of polyps or the deviation of the nasal septum. Other factors are the inhalation of cigarette smoke, irritants, enclosed environments or environmental pollution.
The most frequent symptoms that accompany nasal congestion are: plugged ear or feeling of deafness, headache, fatigue and snoring when sleeping.
Measures to prevent or treat nasal congestion
Some recommendations to avoid or relieve nasal congestion are:
- Avoid consumption of dairy or chocolate: These cause increased mucus production.
- Do not go to the pool: Chlorinated water irritates the mucous membranes of the nose and worsens the condition.
- Do not use mentholated ointments, because they cause more irritation.
- If you suffer severe headaches and nasal congestion at the same time, see a doctor because it may be a sinusitis condition.
- Drink plenty of fluids daily: Water, natural juices or broths are always good ideas.
- Follow a diet rich in vitamin C: It should include orange, lemon, tomato, kiwi, spinach, etc.
- Stop smoking or minimize tobacco.
- Sleep with a higher pillow or with two stacked.
- Avoid the intake of medications, drops or decongestant sprays: These shrink blood vessels and their excessive use causes even more congestion.
- Use humidifiers in the rooms or environments of the home or work: Thus, the nasal mucosa is prevented from drying out.
Home remedies for nasal congestion
Next, different extremely simple and inexpensive home remedies to end this problem are detailed. It is worth noting that they are not substitutes for medical consultation, which is more than recommended.
- Peel a clove of garlic, chew it and swallow it carefully. Repeat before bed each day.
- Pour a tablespoon of sea salt into two cups of warm distilled water. Apply to the nostrils with a dropper; You can breathe much better.
- Eat a bowl of hot soup. This serves to hydrate the mucous membranes; the steam also helps deflate.
- Apply hot water compresses with a cloth over the nose and sinuses. Repeat three times a day and keep five minutes in each application.
- Squeeze the juice of a tomato and mix with a clove of raw and chopped garlic. Add half a teaspoon of hot sauce and drink when the first symptoms of discomfort appear.
- Place a handful of flax seeds on the coals and breathe that smoke for a few minutes.
- Place a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water (better boiling). Approach the face as close as possible and let the vapors enter your nose; cover the head with a towel and keep for a few minutes.
- Wash and chop a horseradish. Place in the blender with a little water, mix well and drink once a day for a week or as long as the congestion lasts.
- Place some water in a saucepan until it boils; Then, pour a handful of lavender leaves and flowers and a handful of mint leaves. Boil a little more, turn off the heat and cover. Place the pot on the table, cover the head with a towel and vacuum the vapors.
- Pour a tablespoon of grated ginger root into a cup of boiling water. Drink two to three cups per day.
- Boil a cup of water and remove from heat; then, add a pinch of marjoram, another of chamomile and a third of thyme. Cover and let stand ten minutes; immediately strain and drink. Up to four cups a day are recommended and can be sweetened with a tablespoon of honey.
- Place in a bowl vinegar and water in equal parts and add half a clove of garlic. Heat over low heat and, when it starts to boil, inhale the vapors for a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Boil 12 tablespoons of eucalyptus oil and 12 hemp oil in a pot. Breathe the mist; The fire should be very low, to prevent burning.
- Make an infusion of bay leaf, sage, and cinnamon with hot water. Drink calmly once you strain it.
With these simple all-natural solutions you can improve your condition gradually. Remember that not all methods work for all people; Consult your doctor about the possible contraindications of the remedy that you choose according to your state of health.
