How to Cure a Stuffy Nose Naturally

Almost all people will have a stuffy nose at some point in their lives. A stuffy nose can be caused by a respiratory infection such as the flu, a sinus infection or allergies. Although medication can be taken to help alleviate a stuffed-up nose, medications may have side effects. Some cold and allergy medications are not recommended for people with certain medical conditions or during pregnancy. For individuals hoping to relieve a stuffy nose without taking medication, there are natural remedies that may help.

Instructions

• 1

  Breathe in steam. Breathing in the steam from a hot shower may help the nose run and reduce stuffiness. If you don't want to take a shower, heat a pot of water and place your face over it with a towel draped over your head to help keep the steam in. Placing a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the pot may help relieve a stuffy nose. Be careful to avoid burning yourself. Inhale the steam two or three times a day for about 10 minutes each time.

• 2

  Drink something hot. Hot herb tea or hot chicken broth may help unblock the nose. The hot beverages help the mucus drain from the nose. Drinking a lot of liquids also helps thin the mucus, which may make it flow out easier.

• 3

  Place a breathing strip on your nose. One side of the strip has an adhesive, which is placed over the bridge of the nose. Breathing strips work by holding the nasal passages open. Various brands of breathing strips are available over the counter, including strips sized for children. Although they may not completely unblock your nose, they don't have side effects and may help reduce the stuffiness.

• 4

  Use a neti pot. Fill the pot with warm salt water. Tilt your head over a sink and pour some of the water into one nostril. The saltwater solution should flow out the other nostril. This helps rinse your sinuses, which may help trapped mucus be released.

• 5

  Sleep with your head raised. Lying flat while sleeping may add to nasal congestion and stuffiness. Raise the angle you sleep at by placing several pillows under your head to raise it to at least a 30-degree angle. This may help the mucus drain from the nose.

• 6

  Eat spicy foods. Spicy foods, such as chili peppers, can make the nose run and ease a stuffy nose.

• 7

  Take vitamins. Certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and zinc, are believed to help reduce nasal congestion and may help prevent it. The recommended dose is 50 mg of zinc and 500 mg of vitamin C daily.