5 Quick and Effective Ways to Cure Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is one of the most annoying cold symptoms. We know that it brings you down, but that’s why you need to fight back and not let a cold control your life. There are simple methods to improve your overall well-being without necessarily resorting to medication. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any medication or if the symptoms aren’t going away.

Bright Side would like to present 5 scientifically-backed, natural ways to relieve and soothe your airways more efficiently.

1. Sleep on your side.

A blocked nose means that there is a lot of mucus trapped in your sinuses that prevents you from breathing right. So it’s important that you keep your head elevated during the night by adding a second pillow. It’s also vital that you try and sleep on your side instead of on your back since that will help with the blockage. Your nose will have a much better chance of “draining” itself during the night rather than allowing the build-up of even more mucus.

2. Hydrate with hot soups and teas.

Drinking hot liquids may not help you get rid of your cold faster, but it will bring you some much-needed comfort. Researchers have found that people with a cold who drink hot beverages instead of ones at room temperature feel much better in regard to their condition. Chamomile, green tea, chicken soup, and hot water with lemon and honey can soothe you. The placebo effect that they create is very important so that you feel better and more relieved.

3. Use a warm compress on your sinus.

The way a warm compress works is by reducing the inflammation in your sinuses and unblocking your nasal airways. Just take a clean cloth, dip it in warm (but not hot) water and place it on your upper nose and lower forehead. The warmth of the compress will soothe the inflammation and give you the ability to breathe easier. Make sure you don’t leave the compress on for too long, as you might end up burning your skin.

4. Rinse your nose out with a neti pot.

This might not be the most comfortable thing to do, but it has been proven to be effective in cleaning your sinuses. Just stand over a sink and place the spout of the neti pot in one of your nostrils. The water will enter your nose and it will flow out from the other nostril. You can do this exercise for 1 minute in each nostril.

Keep in mind that you can’t use just any water. The FDA advises that you use distilled or sterile water and not tap water that might be full of impurities.

5. Buy a humidifier.

The cold, dry air that is usually in our houses makes it even worse for your blocked nose. And that’s where a humidifier comes in handy since it releases the much-needed humidity in your room. You can keep it on, day and night, but it is more useful while you sleep since it helps you rest and feel more comfortable. You don’t have to worry about any serious dangers, and you’ll notice a great improvement in your blocked nose very quickly.

What method helped you the most to unblock your nose? Did you feel any better after? What’s your favorite tip to deal with this problem? Share it with us in the comments below.