How to Get Your Nose Unstuffed

A stuffy nose is caused by inflammation in the membranes and blood vessels inside of the nose. It can be very hard to breathe when your nose is stuffed, especially if there is mucus trapped inside. The inflammation that causes a stuffy nose is most commonly caused by upper respiratory infections -- like the common cold -- or allergies. There are a few things you can do to gain temporary relief as you wait for the underlying condition to resolve itself.

Things You'll Need

• Menthol or camphor oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Salt
• Over-the-counter decongestant and antihistamine

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Put three to five drops of eucalyptus oil in your bathtub. Turn on the hot water and leave it on until the bathroom gets steamy, about five minutes. Sit in the bathroom for three to five minutes. The combination of moist heat and eucalyptus oil will ease the congestion.

• 2

  Mix together a tsp. of salt and a quart of lukewarm water. Suck the mixture up into an eyedropper. Tilt your head back and drop 2 to 3 drops of the mixture into one nostril. Wait for a minute before blowing your nose. Repeat the process with the other nostril.

• 3

  Eat spicy foods, like peppers, if you have a stuffed nose due to sinus problems. The heat in them can clear clogged sinuses.

• 4

  Rub a dime-sized amount of camphor or menthol oil onto your chest before bed.

• 5

  Use over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines. Decongestants help shrink the inflamed blood vessels while antihistamines reduce mucus production. Follow the instructions carefully and do not use them for longer than three days.

• 6

  Keep your head propped up slightly when you sleep to prevent your stuffy nose from getting worse.