What a lot of people don’t realize is that stuffy noses are not actually caused by mucus buildup. This is hard to believe, especially when in the midst of a cold when you have what seems to be the never ending supply of mucus. In truth, a stuffy nose is a result of inflamed blood vessels. The three most common causes of stuffy noses are as follows: Although, stuffy nose symptoms will, as a general rule, dissipate on their own within a week (or two), that doesn’t help relieve discomfort in the moment. Here are some remedies that you can use to help clear the sinuses and reduce inflammation.
Eucalyptus
There’s a reason I put this one first. This is my favorite remedy to relieve stuffy nose symptoms. Studies have shown that eucalyptus oils have extreme health benefits, including increased circulation, decreased bacterial cells, and being a decongestant for the stuffy nose. The University of Maryland Medical Centre explains that oil from the eucalyptus tree are often found in over the counter remedies such as cough syrup, vapor rubs, and other such cold products designed to relieve congestions. There are many ways to use this essential oil to relieve your stuffy nose. An aromatic diffuser is extremely helpful. A diffuser is similar to a humidifier, but it works a little different. I like to put a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in my diffuser and let it do its thing. The diffuser creates a fine mist of essential oils. Aromatherapy also has a lot of health benefits besides relieving your stuffy nose as does the eucalyptus, so no matter how you look at it, it’s a good practice. You can also use the essential oil to create a facial steam or simply set it beside your bed and let it sooth you to sleep. Although, the latter two methods may not be as effective as the aroma diffuser for your stuffy nose, it certainly does help.
Ginger with honey and lemon
Here again is another natural remedy to help ease your stuffy nose. Ginger is an amazing natural herb that can help clear your nasal passages. Ginger is incredible, everyone should eat it. Did you know that ginger has cancer fighting properties? Because ginger is packed full with antioxidants that ward off free radicals, it will work hard to rid your viral infection. You can either use freshly grated ginger or you can buy a ginger tea. Both methods are equally effective, although I prefer the fresh. When paired with honey and lemon (both of which are also very good at relieving stuffy noses) it’s an unbeatable task force. Oh, and one more thing: try adding a touch of cinnamon. It might not rid your stuffy nose, but is sure does taste good. Oh! And it helps lower blood sugar too.
Mint
I love mint. It smells so good and it’s super easy to grow. You might wonder how it helps a stuffy nose? Mint is another one of those herbs that has many benefits, however, the most notable here is that mint clears the nasal passages, reduces inflammation within the respiratory tract, and eases symptoms of asthma resulting in relaxed breathing. There are many ways to use mint to relieve a stuffy nose. Here are just a few ideas. The poet Giovanni Papini said, “Breathing is the greatest pleasure in life.” When you have a stuffy nose it robs you of this pleasure. If you find yourself suffering from stuffy nose symptoms, try one of the above natural remedies. In the long term, remember rest is key to fighting off any problem in the body. Eat healthy, stay hydrated, and create a relaxing and stress free environment. When your body speaks to you, you know it’s time to take special care. Featured photo credit: BY VIKTOR HANACEK/https://picjumbo.com via picjumbo.com
