Regardless of the cause of your nasal congestion, a stuffy nose and having trouble breathing can take it out of you. Nasal congestion or head congestion is typically a result of the swelling of the nasal passages and surrounding blood vessels accompanied by an overproduction of mucus. This mucus buildup in the nasal cavity and in the lungs can also cause chest congestion which can also lead to breathing difficulties.
Given that most chest and nasal congestion cases are results of infections such as the flu or the common cold, the standard treatment options are limited such as using over-the-counter nasal decongestants. However, there are also some natural nasal congestion treatment options that can also work and cost a lot less than medicines.
Fresh Garlic
Garlic is a very effective natural relief option due to its natural antiviral and antifungal composition that can defend your body against the infection that may be the cause of your nasal congestion. You can eat some garlic cloves daily or add it to your meals. You can also steep a few cloves in boiling water to drink it once a day.
Steam
Steam works by dissolving and flushing out mucus to relieve nasal congestion. You can take a hot shower and breathe in the steam or you can also fill a bowl with scalding water and cover your head over it with a towel to inhale.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar also helps in relieving nasal congestion by loosening mucus. Apple cider vinegar is also high in ingredients that can strengthen your immune system to fight off infections. An excellent way to consume it is by mixing in a cup of warm water with a tablespoon of honey.
Raw Honey
Honey can also soften the mucus in the lungs and the nasal cavity which facilitates its elimination. Honey also has antioxidant and antiviral properties that can aid in fending off infection. Consuming a teaspoon of raw, organic honey or adding it to a cup of warm water can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint and its main ingredient menthol are nature’s decongestants, meaning they can loosen mucus and make flushing out gunk easier to improve congestion and breathing. You can have 4-5 cups of peppermint tea a day as a natural nasal congestion remedy.
Black Pepper
Black pepper can also work as a way to improve nasal congestion as it naturally urges sneezing, which can help you flush out the irritants and mucus causing your congestion. Just smelling black pepper may be enough to make you want to sneeze and get some temporary relief.
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