11 home remedies to cure a nose blockage
Nose blockage is a common symptom experienced, especially during the cold and flu season. Several factors, like viral infections, environmental irritants, food sensitivities, or allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet hair, can cause a runny nose. The condition is often curable, and the right treatments and home remedies can help relieve one from the uncomfortable symptoms within a few days. Here are some tried-and-tested natural remedies that alleviate nose blockage and promote quick recovery.
Try facial steam
Steam inhalation is one of the oldest and most effective home remedies for relieving nose blockage. The warm, moist air helps open nasal passages, reduce congestion, and soothe irritated nasal membranes. Additionally, it does not use any ingredients except water, so it is one of the safest methods for quick relief from nasal congestion. To try this, boil a pot of water, lean over the bowl with a towel draped over one’s head, and inhale the steam for about 10-15 minutes. One should be careful not to get too close to the bowl to prevent burns. Using a steamer is another option.
Add moisture to the air
Nasal congestion causes dryness in the nasal passages, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and difficulty draining the mucus. Utilizing a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer can be an effective remedy for this. When one breathes in air infused with moisture, it can soothe the irritated membranes, promote easier breathing, and improve respiratory comfort. Warm-mist humidifiers provide heated moisture, while cool-mist vaporizers disperse room-temperature moisture. The latter is often recommended for children due to safety concerns related to hot steam.
Consider saline nasal rinse
Saline nasal rinses are a simple yet highly effective method for clearing mucus and allergens from the nasal passages. One can use a store-bought saline rinse or make one’s own by dissolving half a teaspoon of iodide-free salt in a cup of warm distilled water.