Nasal congestion or blocked nose is associated with difficulty in breathing, fever, and headache. A blocked nose is caused by several factors. Most cases of blocked nose are due to viral infection resulting to common cold, allergy, or flu and the swelling of nasal membranes. The swelling of nasal membranes results in the dripping of mucus from the sinus cavities. Because the mucus has nowhere to go, it goes back up to the sinus cavities. When the swelling ends, the mucus can finally be expelled.
Home Remedies and Cures for Nasal Congestion and Blocked Nose
Nasal congestion is the effect of common upper respiratory tract infections.
- Drink plenty of fluid. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day would help expel the mucus build up and relieve you of nasal congestion.
- Vitamin C. Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C would help strengthen your immune system to ward off viral infections and other diseases
- Steam up. You can speed up the evaporation of the mucus that blocks your nose by boiling water.You can add a few leaves of eucalyptus to the boiling water and inhale the vapors once you can already take the heat. The menthol brought by the eucalyptus leaves will help soothe your chest and help melt the mucus.
- Rest. Taking enough bed rest is an effective way of treating viral infections. By sleeping, you allow your body to regenerate and heal its tired organs and damaged cells.
- Herbal teas are known for its medicinal properties. In fact, herbal teas have been used since the dawn of time due to its healing capacities. You can take basil tea or other organic teas for immediate and safe relief from nasal congestion.
- Spicy foods. Chicken broth with large amount of pepper would help expel the mucus including other spicy and hot dishes. For variation, you can take Indian, Mexican, and Chinese dishes because they are known to use chilies, pepper, and other natural spices that could help drain out the mucus in your sinuses.
- Some nasal congestion are not caused by viral infection, some of it are caused by allergies or allergic reactions to the environment. So it is advisable for you to rest in an air-conditioned area or at least in areas free of pollutants and allergens.