It is a common misconception that a stuffy nose is caused by excess mucus in the nasal passages. But no matter how much you blow, nothing comes out. That’s because the feeling of a clogged or stuffy nose actually comes from inflammation in the blood vessels of the nasal passages. This inflammation may be traced to allergies, a sinus infection, or a regular old cold or flu. Fortunately, there are some natural ways to find relief from a stuffy nose.
3 Stuffy Nose Breathe-In Steamers
A pot of bowling water, a towel, and some simple ingredients may help you breathe better. Eucalyptus has long been associated with better breathing and can help soothe irritated blood vessels. Begin by putting several eucalyptus leaves in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Boil the leaves for five minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the pot. Bend over the pot at a safe distance and use a towel over your head like a tent. Take long, deep breaths until you feel less stuffy. This method will also leave your kitchen smelling better.
If eucalyptus doesn’t do the trick or you don’t have access to a stove, try apple cider vinegar. Find a microwave-safe container and pour in half a cup of apple cider vinegar and an equal amount of water. Heat on high until the water gets steamy. Use a towel to make a tent over the container and breathe in the steam. This should cause your nose to clear up quickly. Have some tissues handy in case your nose starts to run.
For a hardcore problem, gather some chili powder, horseradish, and jalapeno pepper juice – all things known to clear up those sinuses. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/3 cup jalapeno juice, a tbsp of horseradish, and two tbsp of chili powder. Add water until the pan is ¾ full. Finally, put in a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Make a towel tent and breathe in the steam until the water cools enough that there isn’t any steam left.
Salt Water Solutions to Clear a Stuffy Nose
If steam isn’t up to the challenge, try a saline solution. Fill a squirt bottle with sterilized saltwater and lie on your back. Either hang your head off the edge of a bed or try to use the back of a chair to get the same effect. Use your finger to close one nostril while you spray the saltwater into the other. Breathe through your mouth. Then, close off the other nostril and spritz the open one.
Keep alternating nostrils as you breathe through mouth and feel free to use a lot of water. Wait a few minutes before sitting up and blowing your nose.
If none of these solutions work independently, try them back to back. They’re much better for you than nasal sprays and decongestants.
Alignlife doctors also recommend Sine-Aid from Aceva to help bust up mucus. Not only does it thin the mucus and reduce inflammation, one of its key ingredients (N-Acetyl Cysteine) stops viruses from replicating which helps you get back on track faster.
