How to Avoid Using Decongestants

Decongestants are pharmaceutical drugs used to treat nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is the swelling of the membranes in your nose when you have a cold or allergy. Decongestants commonly come in pill form, liquid syrups and nasal sprays. They work by constricting the blood vessels in your nasal passages, thereby reducing the swelling and irritation. There are many side effects associated with these drugs such as change in blood pressure, hyper-acidity, insomnia and behavioral changes. Prolonged use of decongestants can make your congestion worse and lead to severe side effects. However, there are numerous natural remedies you can use that will help eliminate your nasal congestion.

Things You'll Need

• Oranges Onions Cayenne peppers Ginger Steam Stuffy nose

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Instructions

Natural Steps for Congestion

• 1

  Eat mandarin oranges. This sweet fruit contains an active compound called synephrine which naturally clears nasal congestion due to colds and allergies. Eat two to three mandarin oranges every day.

• 2

  Consume onions. This common vegetable contains sulfur compounds that can immediately loosen mucus and phlegm upon contact. Add onions to salads or other dishes every day to clear up nasal congestion.

• 3

  Consume cayenne pepper. This common pepper contains a potent ingredient called capsaicin which can instantly clear your nasal congestion when eaten. Add cayenne pepper to your dishes and salads daily.

• 4

  Eat ginger. This vegetable is a natural remedy that contains the compound 6-gingerol which clears your nasal passages while assisting your immune system in fighting infection. Add ginger to your dishes every day.

• 5

  Do steam inhalation. Steam when added with essential oils like eucalyptus can naturally clear your nasal congestion. Add five drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of boiling water. Cover your head with a thick towel and inhale for 15 minutes.