Home Remedies and Herbs for Congestion (Nasal Congestion)

Nasal congestion is the blockage or swelling of the nasal membranes, adjacent tissues and blood vessels lining the nose. It causes the nasal passageways to become inflamed which reduces airflow and makes breathing difficult. ^1,2
 
Nasal congestion is known by many names. Runny nose, rhinorrhea, stuffy nose, blocked nasal passage, nasal obstruction and plugged nose are common terms for nasal congestion.

While most cases of nasal congestion are temporary, chronic nasal congestion can lead to serious breathing problems including sleep apnea, headache, earache, interference with hearing and speech as well as severe snoring. ^2,3

Nasal congestion is common in children and often is the result of swollen tonsils and adenoids which require their surgical removal. In infants, nasal congestion can be extremely dangerous and has been known to stop the baby’s breathing. ³

What Causes Congestion (Nasal Congestion)?

Nasal congestion causes can be from many reasons. Most commonly is the common cold but it can also be from allergies, asthma, infections of the nasal way, sinusitis, aerosol irritants including tobacco smoke, dry air, thyroid disorders, stress and even a foreign body lodged in the nose. ⁴

Some people have a continually blocked and runny nose. This chronic condition has no apparent reason and is called non-allergenic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis (VMR). ¹

Congestion (Nasal Congestion) Symptoms

Nasal congestion symptoms are primarily a difficulty in breathing through the nose but can also include:¹

• Stuffy feeling

• Headache

• Earache

• Difficulty hearing

• Altered voice tone

• Dripping nose

• Coughing

• Snoring

• Redness and swelling of the nose

• Redness and weeping of the eyes

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Nasal Congestion
 

Although there are many prescription medications in the form of pills, inhalers and nasal sprays, some of the best and most effective remedies for nasal congestion relief come from common products found in home treatment. Some of the best forms of natural congestion relief are:

 
• Ginger:  Ginger is a naturally growing plant with medicinal properties in the leaves and especially in the root. It’s a staple in Asian cooking and popular in the west. A small piece of raw ginger root can be chewed or added to a bowl of hot water for inhaling. It can also be swallowed as a drink made of water, honey and black pepper.
• Ginger Tea:  Ginger root and leaves can be boiled into a tea and ingested. This form of nasal congestion treatment has been known for thousands of years as one of the most effective ways to clear a blocked nose.
• Licorice Root Tea:  The licorice plant is native to Asia and southern Europe. Like ginger, licorice tea is made from the roots of the plant and drank as a tea. It has a distinctive sweet flavor all of its own and is widely available for nasal congestion relief.
• Eucalyptus Oil:  Oil from the Australian eucalyptus tree is distilled from the leaves and has a wide array of medicinal uses including being a nasal congestion natural remedy. It’s best boiled with water and inhaled, never ingested orally.
• Honey, Ginger, Cinnamon and Lemon:  This combination is an age-old, foolproof natural remedy for all sort of ear, nose and throat ailments. A drink mixture of honey with ginger, cinnamon and lemon is a soothing way to open blocked nasal passages.
• Onion:  Onions are often overlooked for their medicinal value. Chewing and swallowing raw onion is effective for nasal congestion relief. It can also be boiled in water for inhalation.

 
References

1.http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nasal-congestion/basics/definition/sym-20050644
2.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003049.htm
3.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000813.htm
4.http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/nasal-congestion