How to Get Rid of Stuffy Nose?

Everyone suffers from a stuffy nose occasionally, some much more than others. Unless the cause of the congestion requires serious medical attention you may be able to get rid of stuffy nose with some home remedies, over-the-counter medications and a few changes in lifestyle.

Spray? Maybe Not!
When occasional stuffy nose visits us it is tempting to run to the store or the medicine cabinet and pull out that small bottle of nasal spray. These products often give us quick relief but there are two problems with spray methods. The first problem is that this relief is temporary. In fact, the nose clears up for a few minutes at best and then you are right back where you started. The second problem is that these nasal sprays contain small amounts of strong medication. These are somewhat expensive. They may dry out and damage the sensitive tissue inside the nasal passages. Use spray in moderation.

Try steam and vapor. These home remedies have been used for years and may be the best simple remedy you will find. Take a hot shower so the steam builds up and you breathe this in for several minutes. Concentrate on breathing through your nose. You may have seen people in the movies leaning over a bowl of steaming water then placing a towel over their head and the bowl to capture the steam. Try it. It may work for you.

Touch and Exercise
It is possible to clear up some nasal congestion with gentle massage of the nose and the face, especially around the eyes. This is a temporary fix, as are nasal sprays, but this one will cause no irritation to the nasal passages. You may also want to try some mild exercise or yoga. Even some low-impact stretching can help stimulate your system and may help move the stuff clogging your nose. Both the facial massage and exercise are free!

Medicine and Salt
Some people use a simple water/salt spray to help clear the nose. This may be better than medicated sprays from the store. However, you should use this method in moderation as well, as the salt can irritate that sensitive nasal tissue too. You may have to resort to making a trip to the store for one of the commercial products that help fight stuffy nose. Some of the retail medicines will help dry up or clear up the stuffed nasal passages and may even help clear the sinus cavities.

If none of these methods help clear up your stuffy nose you might try adding some hot soups to your diet for a day or two. Sometimes eating hotter foods will help stimulate the system and get those unwanted juices moving. Ginger has been touted as a natural product with some value in reducing the inflammation and swelling of a clogged nose. Check out this natural remedy! Finally, you may want to look into onions and cardamom seeds. These may provide some relief as well.

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