Combat Nasal Congestion With These 5 Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies practiced for years serve to relieve congestion, promote expectoration and eliminate phlegm.
Not sure how to fight nasal congestion? This symptom is caused by inflammation and obstruction of the nasal passages due to an excess production of mucus. It is common in respiratory problems such as colds and flu, although it also appears in allergies.
Medical consultation is essential; since it makes it difficult for oxygen to pass into the lungs, interfering with the respiratory process. It is also accompanied by dense or watery phlegm that falls from the nose by its own inertia. So if you want to know how to deal with this annoyance with natural remedies, read on.
Natural remedies to combat nasal congestion
Nowadays, specialists have developed a wide variety of treatments that allow to combat nasal congestion and keep it under control while relieving the condition that causes it.
However, there are also remedies of natural origin that, due to their properties, are capable of exerting similar effects. That being said, we present you some of them.
1. Eucalyptus leaves
The natural extracts of eucalyptus leaves have an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effect. Thus favoring the reduction of nasal congestion.
In addition, according to an article published in 2017 by the Journal of Food and Agriculture Science , its oil is recognized in the world of medicine for serving as a natural treatment against respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders.
Likewise, its use through steam therapies would help unclog the airways and eliminate excess mucus that causes this symptom.
Ingredients
- 6 eucalyptus leaves.
- 4 cups of water (1 liter).
Preparation
- First, add several eucalyptus leaves to a pot of water and bring to a boil.
- When it begins to evaporate, inhale the vapors; covering the head with a towel.
- Once done, repeat the treatment every night before sleeping until the nasal congestion is relieved.
2. Honey and apple cider vinegar
The combination of honey and apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy that has long been used to fight viruses and bacteria that affect respiratory health.
In this sense, both ingredients concentrate anti-inflammatory and analgesic active ingredients that help to alleviate the discomfort caused by the flu and the cold.
Ingredients
- Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (10 milliliters).
- Tablespoon of honey (25 grams).
- 1 glass of warm water (200 milliliters).
Preparation
- To start, add the apple cider vinegar and honey to a glass of warm water. Then stir until the mixture is well dissolved.
- After obtaining a homogeneous drink, consume it on an empty stomach. Repeating the process every day until the problem is alleviated.
3. Garlic and turmeric
The antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agents in garlic have been used since ancient times as part of the treatment of nasal congestion. Likewise, several researchers from the University of Medical Sciences of Mashhad (India) have also endorsed the presence of these properties in turmeric.
For this reason, both ingredients are able to strengthen the immune system to provide effective relief from respiratory problems.
Ingredients
- 3 minced garlic cloves.
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder (2 grams).
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters).
Preparation
- First, bring the water to a boil and, when it comes to a boil, add the crushed garlic and turmeric powder.
- Remove the drink from the heat, let it rest and pass it through a strainer before ingesting it.
- Afterwards, you only have to drink half a cup for three to four days to combat congestion.
4. Basil leaves
As demonstrated by research published in 2015 by the Baba Farid University Nursing Journal , the cooling and antibacterial action of basil is an effective solution against agents that obstruct the respiratory passages.
This would produce a slight expectorant effect; promoting the elimination of phlegm that clogs the nose. By the way, it deflates the bronchi and helps to restore the oxygenation process.
Ingredients
- 6 basil leaves.
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters).
Preparation
- To start, add the basil leaves to a cup of boiling water. Then let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the infusion and drink it up to three times a day.
- Optionally, you can chew four basil leaves in the morning and before bed.
5. Ginger and lemon to fight congestion
The classic infusion of fresh ginger with lemon continues to be one of the best natural remedies to promote relief of the airways and lungs.
In fact, a study published by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology revealed that this spicy spice contains an active substance known as gingerol; which gives it an antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect.
In turn, it has vitamins and minerals that improve immune function in the presence of germs. Therefore, its intake supports the elimination of phlegm and calms irritation.
Ingredients
- Teaspoon of fresh ginger (5 grams).
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters).
- Tablespoon of lemon juice (5 milliliters).
- Tablespoon of honey (25 grams).
Preparation
- First, add the fresh ginger to a cup of hot water. Once done, mix it with the lemon juice and honey.
- Take two cups of infusion a day, for a week.
Effective remedies to combat nasal congestion?
Keep in mind that these natural remedies can act in different ways in each case, depending on the severity of the nasal congestion. For this reason, it is advisable to consult a doctor to find out the origin of this symptom.
Also, support early recovery by drinking enough water and eating healthy. And you? Have you ever heard of these natural remedies? What is the option that works the most for you?
