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Herbal Treatments for Stopped Up Noses & Ears

When you are sick, your nose, ears, or both, can get clogged or stopped up due to mucus buildup in the head. Mucus can cause congestion in the head and chest, causing your head to get that "clogged" feeling. Sometimes you cannot get this feeling to go away, even after blowing your nose repeatedly. You can clear your nose and ears by inhaling or ingesting strong herbal treatments, which will cause the mucus to thin and be blown or coughed out of the body.

  1. Peppermint Steam Inhalation

    • Fill your kitchen or bathroom sink with hot tap water. If your water heater does not allow water to get hot enough for steam to come out of the water, add water that is boiled over the stove to the water in the sink. Place two peppermint tea bags into the water and mix them with a spoon. You can purchase peppermint tea bags at your local grocery store or health food store. Leave the tea bags in the water. Place a large bath towel over the back of your head, and as you lean over the sink, stretch the towel around you so you are inside a steam tent. Inhale and exhale slowly through your nose, and turn your head so the steam is flowing directly into both of your ears. Breathe deeply through your mouth to open up your lungs. Repeat every few hours, as needed.

    Oil of Oregano

    • A few drops of oil of oregano under the tongue can clear up sinuses and unplug clogged ears. You can purchase oil of oregano at your local drugstore or health food store. You can also mix a few drops of the oil of oregano with water or juice, and drink it in one sitting. After about 15 minutes, you will begin to expectorate. Spit out any mucus that comes out when you cough, or blow your nose. Continue taking the oil of oregano twice a day until symptoms subside.

    Butterbur

    • Butturbur is a mucus-reducing herb that is scientifically known as "petasites hybridus." According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, some studies show that butterbur has similar effects as over-the-counter antihistamine drugs. It is recommended that you take 500 grams of butterbur a day for no longer than 12 weeks to alleviate symptoms. If your symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, see a doctor. Side effects of butterbur include headache, upset stomach and drowsiness. If these side effects outweigh the benefits of the medication, discontinue use immediately.

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