Nasal congestion and sinus congestion can be brought on by the common cold, flu, allergies or sinus infections. Fortunately, it is possible to treat congestion without medicine as there are many natural treatments and home remedies for head congestion. The key to relieving nasal congestion and sinus congestion is to thin mucus secretions with fluids that are applied to the nasal passages and with proper hydration.
Congestion Remedy Used for Centuries
For centuries the neti pot has been used as a means of relieving nasal congestion. Neti pots are becoming increasingly popular these days as people seek natural treatments that can provide relief without medicine. Neti pots look like teapots with extra-long spouts and are usually made of ceramic.
Neti pots are generally safe and effective, according to the article “Nasal Saline Irrigation and Neti Pots,” on WebMD. Neti pots are filled with a saline solution and then the liquid is poured into one nostril. When the head is held in the proper position, the liquid will run out of the other nostril.
Using nasal saline irrigation works to thin and flush out the nasal secretion while helping the cilia work more effectively, Dr. David Rabago told WebMD. Rabago is assistant professor in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and a leading researcher on nasal irrigation.
Homemade Nasal Congestion Remedy
For those who find using a neti pot unsavory, there are alternatives for nasal irrigation. Saline nose sprays are inexpensive and available over the counter. Another option is to create a homemade nasal wash, according to “Experts’ Top Natural Cures” in the Novemeber 2009 Prevention magazine.
Dr. Sezelle Gereau Haddon provided Prevention with the following recipe for homemade nasal irrigation solution: Mix 1 quart of water with 2 to 3 teaspoons of kosher pickling salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda. The water should be distilled water or water that has been boiled and then allowed to cool. The saline wash can then be added to a squirt bottle and used to clear the nasal passages.
Steam is a Nasal Congestion Remedy
In addition to using saline irrigation to flush congested nasal passages, steam can help to relieve head congestion. Congestion sufferers who already have humidifiers may find they provide relief but other natural treatments include taking a shower or breathing steam from boiling water, according to WebMD’s article, “Home Remedies for Colds.” To use steam without a humidifier, boil a pot of water and carefully breathe in the steam. “If the steam burns your nose, breathe in more slowly,” WebMD cautions.
Another effective way to use steam is to boil a pot of water and then pour it into a bathroom sink. Lean over the sink and then cover the head and sink basin with a towel to trap the steam. Breathe slowly and deeply to get the most benefit from the steam treatment.
Natural Healing with Liquids
Nasal and sinus congestion can be treated effectively by clearing the nasal passages with saline or steam, but being well hydrated is just as important to ease head congestion. Drinking fluids like water, sports drinks and herbal teas will help loosen congestion, according to WebMD.
Chicken soup, long touted for its natural healing properties, has been proven effective for natural cold and congestion relief, according to the December 2009 Prevention article, “Flu-Proof Your Winter” by Nancy Kalish. “The soup thins mucus and calms the symptoms of a stuffed-up nose and wracking cough,” Kalish states. Being properly hydrated also plays a role in thinning mucus and flushing out toxins.
Home remedies for nasal congestion relief focus on thinning head congestion. To provide congestion relief without medicine the key is to use fluids both externally and internally. Nasal and sinus congestion can be treated effectively with neti pots or saline wash. Steam may help to reduce sinus congestion. For natural healing to be effective, the body needs to be well hydrated with fluids like water and chicken soup.
Resources:
“Home Remedies for Colds,” WebMD. Accessed March 9, 2010.
“Experts’ Top Natural Cures,” Prevention. November 2009.
Kalish, Nancy. “Flu-Proof Your Winter,” Prevention. December 2009.
“Nasal Saline Irrigation and Neti Pots,” WebMD. Accessed March 9, 2010.
Genna Cockerham - Genna Cockerham has been writing online since November 2008. She served as Marriage Feature Writer from December 2008 to February ...
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