Categories: Home Remedies

43 Best Natural Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion in Adults

Nasal congestion that is also called stuffy nose or blocked nose makes you difficult to breathe. It not only blocks your nose with a thick mucus layer but also causes all kinds of discomforts that include a headache and pressure around your nose. Generally, this problem is caused by inflammation of the membranes which line your nasal passage. In addition, allergies, common flu, cold, sinusitis, hay fever, deviated nasal septum, and nasal polyps, etc, are also reasons for the nasal congestion.

If you are finding out some solution for this issue, you can read the article. In the framework of this writing, AllRemedies.com will introduce to you the best natural home remedies for nasal congestion in adults safely and effectively from reliable sources. Nevertheless, it is only for the informational purpose and it is not aimed to give medical advice. Continue reading this article to understand more!

Top 43 Best Natural Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion In Adults

When you suffer from nasal congestion, you may find difficult to breathe. The membranes of your nasal passages get irritated and inflamed. The stuffed-up feeling makes you uncomfortable. Some people may think that dry air can alleviate a runny nose; however, the effect is opposite. If you get diagnosed with nasal congestion and have a stuffed-up nose, you should keep your sinuses and nasal passages moist. There is a number of prescribed and over the counter drugs that can help to relieve nasal congestion and stuffy nose. These drugs need taking under the doctor’s advice. However, sometimes these treatments result in some unwanted side effects. The good news for someone who does not like using prescribed and over the counter drugs is that natural home remedies for nasal congestion and easy-to-use, effective, and affordable. Using natural home remedies for nasal congestion in adults, you never face serious side effects. They can help to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms like a runny nose, headache, and stuffed-up feeling within 3 to 4 days.

Read this article below to know more information.

1. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion Using Humidifier

If you look for the natural home remedies for nasal congestion, you should not ignore the help of a humidifier. Using a humidifier is a quick, easy and effective solution that gives you a significant relief for a stuffy nose and sinus pain. The machine increases the humidity of your room by converting water to moisture. It is recommended using a humidifier in your bedroom if the nasal congestion makes you difficult to sleep. The humidifier can help to reduce irritated tissues and alleviate swollen blood vessels in your sinuses and nose, thereby making you breathe more easily and more comfortably. It keeps your sinuses moist and removes the difficulty in breathing. It helps to cure the inflammation caused by nasal congestion.

2. Take A Shower

The treatment on how to treat nasal congestion naturally in adults sounds simple but it is effective. Many people with nasal congestion and a stuffy nose found that they feel better and breathe more easily after taking a hot shower. This is because that the team coming from a hot shower may thin out the mucus in the nose and treat inflammation causing nasal congestion. A hot shower can facilitate your breathing and makes it become normal, at least for a little while.

Moreover, if you hesitate to take a hot shower, you can use the steam from the hot water in a sink as an excellent alternative.

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Do this:

  • Fill the hot water in a bathroom sink
  • Place a large towel over the head
  • Lean over the sink
  • Breathe in and out deeply

When you do this treatment, you should be careful in order not to burn your face with the hot water or steam.

3. Drink Liquids

When you suffer from sickness, cough or other health problems like nasal congestion, it is important for you to keep your body hydrated. You can drink a variety liquids such as water, juice and sports drinks. These fluids are beneficial in thinning the mucus in the nasal passages, removing the fluids stuck in your nose and alleviating the pressure in the sinuses. The pressure may result in irritation and inflammation.

If you suffer from a sore throat that is caused by nasal congestion, a bowl hot soup or a cup of warm tea is recommended to ease the discomfort and pain in your throat.

4. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Warm Compress

A warm compress is also recommended as one of natural home remedies for nasal congestion. A warm compress can help to open the nasal passages; thereby unclogging a stuffy nose. The warmth of this compress can give you a significant relief for the pain by providing comfort. Moreover, it also reduces the inflammation in your nostrils. You should repeat this treatment several times a week for a few days until you get better.

Here is the instruction on how to use a warm compress for nasal congestion relief.

  • Put the warm water in a large bowl
  • Dip a towel in the warm water
  • Squeeze the towel to remove the excess water
  • Place it over your forehead and your nose
  • Leave it for a few minutes
  • Repeat the process again to find a significant relief for the discomfort

You can alternate hot and cold compress to relieve nasal congestion and pain.

Do this:

  • Apply a warm damp washcloth over your eyes and nose for at least 5 minutes
  • Remove the warm washcloth and switch to a cold one for 30 seconds
  • Repeat it a couple of times to help you get better

Alternating hot and cold compress is beneficial in loosening mucus and relieving the pain.

Read also: 39 Natural Home Remedies for Sore Throat Pain

5. Massage

Massage refers to the use of your fingers to relieve congestion. It provides the comfort and significant relief for the pain without using any stimulants or medications. Therefore, self-massaging is also one of natural home remedies for nasal congestion that I would like to introduce to you in this article.

Here is the instruction.

Method 1:

  • Place your index fingers on the side of the eye cavity lying above your nose and below the brow
  • Massage gently your sinuses around the nose with your fingers in circle
  • Do the process for 20 to 30 seconds
  • Relax
  • Try it again

Method 2:

  • Press gently your index fingers right below your eyes
  • Use fingers to massage the sinuses around your eyes
  • Keep massaging in circles for 20 to 30 seconds
  • Relax
  • Try it again to get a relief

Method 3:

  • Place your thumbs on your cheek bone
  • Massage gently in outward circles by using your thumbs
  • Massage for 20 to 30 seconds and then relax
  • Repeat it again
6. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Exercise

When you suffer from nasal congestion, do not stay in your bed for all day. Doing nothing may make you more tired and worsen your condition. The best way on how to relieve nasal congestion and fasten the recovering process is moving around. It is recommended doing twenty push-ups to relieve the congestion fast. For the optimum benefits and a satisfactory result, when you do push-ups, you should breathe through your nose only. It sends the signals of needing more air to your brain. As a result, that can help to thin mucus and alleviate nasal swelling. You should repeat this treatment for 3 to 4 days.

Learn more: 12 Natural Home Remedies for Post Nasal Drip and Cough

7. Relax And Sleep

When you suffer from nasal congestion, you should take a few days off from your school or your work and try to relax comfortably at home until you get better. Although relaxing and sleeping is not what you want, they can provide your body enough time to heal the problem and recover. You need an 8-hour sleep at night. If you find difficult to sleep due to nasal congestion, try a number of solutions like medication, a hot shower, a cup of hot milk or a humidifier. It is alright for you to breathe through the mouth. Use a chapstick before bedtime because breathing through your mouth may make your lips become dry.

8. Hot Tea With Pepper

Hot tea with pepper is also one of natural home remedies for nasal congestion that I would like to introduce to you in this article. Drinking hot tea can help to alleviate nasal congestion. When you sip the hot tea, the vapors can get into your nostrils and make your sinuses moist. Moreover, the hot tea contains bioactive compounds that can give you a relief for nasal congestion too.

The flavonoids present in the hot water contain the powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The green tea is rich in flavonoids; however, the black tea can work too. In order to enhance the effects of black tea and green tea on treating nasal congestion, you can add honey and pepper into this hot tea.

9. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Chicken Soup

It is a traditional remedy for cold. Although chicken soup does not cure a cold completely, it can reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of this health problem, especially a blocked nose. Chicken is one of the healthy foods which are easily digestible and nutritious. The nutrition packed in chicken soup is beneficial in improving your body’s immune system and increase the natural defense of your body. Therefore, people who eat chicken regularly are less likely to suffer from diseases caused by microbes. Chicken soup is one of home remedies for nasal congestion that I would like to share with you in this article.

The common ingredients used in the chicken soup are pepper, ginger, and onions. Many people also add cloves and thyme to the chicken soup to enhance the health benefits and increase the tasty flavor. These ingredients contain bioactive compounds that can alleviate sinus inflammation. Pepper can fasten the recovering process for a cold and nasal congestion because it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric is also included in a list of home remedies for nasal congestion. Turmeric is a delicious, tasty spice that is often added to a variety of cooked meals like curries for flavor. However, turmeric is used to treat many health problems including nasal congestion. This is because turmeric contains a decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant properties.

If you have nasal congestion, you should add turmeric in your foods. You can take turmeric supplements. However, if you want to use turmeric for the medical condition, you should consult your doctor first.

If used in high doses, turmeric can cause unwanted side effects such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea symptom. Some people may have an allergic reaction after using turmeric supplements. If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, hives, lightheadedness, you need to stop taking turmeric supplement immediately and see your doctor.

Read more: home remedies for vomiting

11. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is another warm drink that can help to alleviate nasal congestion. The menthol present in peppermint tea has the calming properties that can help to remove the inflamed mucous membranes in your sinuses and throat. Drinking peppermint tea can thin the mucous and give you the comfort. Peppermint tea contains decongestant properties. Breathing the steam of peppermint tea can alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of nasal congestion. Cups of hot peppermint tea is highly recommended if you suffer from nasal congestion, seasonal allergies and a cold. Peppermint tea also cures stomach upset, stress, menstrual cramps, skin disorders, and colic. Moreover, it reduces travel sickness, stimulates fat burning, and alleviate bad breath.

Do this:

  • Put some fresh or dried peppermint leaves in a mug
  • Pour the boiling water in this mug
  • Cover it well and let it steep for a few minutes
  • Let it cool down
  • Sip it slowly

It is a great idea if you add a teaspoon of honey or a teaspoon of lemon juice in the peppermint tea. That can enhance the flavor and give extra soothing properties.

12. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Coconut Oil

Looking for natural home remedies for nasal congestion, you should not ignore coconut oil. Patients with chronic nasal congestion often find a significant relief after doing oil pulling with coconut oil regularly. Many studies and research have been conducted to give a possible explanation for its effect. Some studies found that the lauric acid in this oil and its antimicrobial properties are responsible for it.

Although how topical application of coconut oil gives you a significant relief for the stuffed nose and nasal congestion still remains unknown, many people report it works. It is safe remedy infants and young children can use.

Do this:

  • Make a teaspoon of coconut oil warm
  • Rub this oil on sides of your nose
  • Leave it for a couple of minutes

You should repeat this treatment daily until you get better.

13. Eucalyptus Oil

Suffering from the blocked nose, fever, itchy throat and nasal congestion, you can find eucalyptus oil as an excellent remedy. Eucalyptus oil that is extracted from the eucalyptus tree contains numerous health benefits. Eucalyptus oil is packed with powerful antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, analgesic, antispasmodic and expectorant properties.

The use of eucalyptus oil can help to remove phlegm as well as decongests from the airways. Eucalyptus oil can boost the immune system; therefore, it fastens the recovering process.

Method 1;

Do this:

  • Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a pot filled with boiling water
  • Place a towel over your head
  • Lean over and try to inhale the steam deeply
  • Do this treatment two or three times daily to get a good result

Method 2:

Do this:

  • Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a cloth
  • Keep it under your pillow
  • Do this treatment before bedtime

This treatment can give you a significant relief for the blocked nose and help you to sleep better

Alternatively, you can apply a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your handkerchief. When you feel uncomfortable, you just need to sniff that handkerchief to get better.

14. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is one of effective home remedies for nasal congestion in adults as it contains antiviral and antibacterial properties. Therefore, lemon balm has the ability to fight against bacterial causing nasal congestion.

You can gargle with lemon balm solution or drink a cup of lemon balm tea on a daily process.

Method 1: Gargle with lemon balm solution

Do this:

  • Mix lemon balm with a glass of lukewarm water
  • Gargle with it several times daily to get a significant relief for nasal congestion

Method 2: Drink lemon balm tea

First, you should make lemon balm tea blend by mixing 2 tablespoons of dried lemon balm, 1 tablespoon of dried oatstraw, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried orange peel, 2 teaspoons of dried rosehips, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender. Store this mixture in airtight container.

And then do this:

  • Take one teaspoon of the tea blend and put it in a mug
  • Pour one cup of boiling water over the tea blend
  • Cover it and let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes
  • Strain the tea
  • Add a little honey for flavor
  • Sip it slowly

It is recommended sipping 4 cups of lemon balm tea daily to get better.

15. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is one of natural home remedies for nasal congestion I would like to introduce to you in this article. This spice is native to Central America. It is often added in a variety of foods for flavor. Capsaicin, an active compound in cayenne pepper, is responsible for the fiery taste of the pepper. Moreover, capsaicin is considered as a pain inhibitor and it is beneficial in alleviating nasal congestion.

If you want to use cayenne pepper to treat nasal congestion, you just need to add cayenne pepper to your diet. Moreover, you can take cayenne pepper in capsule form after meals for a couple of days. For the safety, it is important for you to consult your doctor before using cayenne pepper for medical purposes.

16. Diet Plan

If you want to treat nasal congestion, you should not ignore a healthy diet plan. A healthy diet plays the important role in promoting the overall health. Eating right can help to fasten the healing process and prevent the reoccurrence.

  • Add garlic, ginger, hot chilies and onion to your cooked meals. They can help to clear nasal passages
  • Drink herbal tea daily to remove toxin and reduce mucus
  • Consume foods rich in vitamin A such as mangoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and broccoli
  • Consume foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties
  • Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine
  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water during the day
  • Avoid processed and dairy foods
  • Avoid consuming too much flour and sugar
  • Eat a plenty of vegetables and fruits

It is important for you to include vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in your daily diet.

17. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Acupressure

Use your fingertips to press both sides of your nose and between the eyebrows. The acupressure is beneficial in alleviating pain, improving blood circulation, relieving inflammation, and removing the membrane in your sinuses. It is important for you to consult your doctor or a specialist before using acupressure. Make sure that you apply the pressure to the right areas.

18. Ginger And Turmeric Tea

Both ginger and turmeric tea contain anti-inflammatory properties. The lemon juice contains a great source of vitamin C. The black pepper is packed with antioxidants that can help to increase the effects of turmeric. If you suffer from the blocked nose, you can combine ginger, turmeric, lemon juice, and black pepper to make an effective tea for nasal congestion. That is also one of home remedies for nasal congestion.

You will need:

  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 2-inch piece grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • A little ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces of hot water

Do this:

  • Add turmeric, grated ginger, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground cayenne pepper, ground black pepper in 8 ounces of hot water
  • Let all these ingredients steep for a couple of minutes
  • Sip it slowly
19. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Nasal Rinse

Neti pots are often used a natural safe way to clear nasal passages and alleviate nasal congestion. You can make a nasal rinse at home with natural ingredients that are available in your kitchen board. However, make sure that you combine them in the right ratio to avoid irritation.

You will need:

  • 8 ounces of water
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt

Do this:

  • Combine water, baking soda, and kosher salt together
  • Use this mixture to rinse both nostrils

It may give you a satisfactory result if you repeat this treatment twice daily – in the morning and in the afternoon.

20. Vitamin C

It is recommended increasing vitamin C intake if you suffer from a cold or flu. Moreover, vitamin C is also one of home remedies for nasal congestion. Vitamin C is available in a variety of foods like citrus fruits. But if you get diagnosed with a cold, flu or nasal congestion, you should take vitamin C supplement. Before taking 1000mcg of vitamin C for treating nasal congestion as well as other health problems, you should consult your doctor carefully. Vitamin C plays the important role in boosting your immune system and your natural body’s defense against the flu, colds, and nasal congestion.

21. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is one of home remedies for nasal congestion I would like to introduce in this article. It is due to thymol, an antiseptic ingredient in thyme oil. Moreover, thyme oil also contains antibacterial properties that are responsible for that benefit.

Method 1:

You will need:

  • A few drops of thyme oil ( 15 to 20 drops of thyme oil is enough )
  • Warm water
  • Towel
  • Bottle

Do this:

  • Add a few drops of thyme oil in a bottle filled with warm water
  • Pour four drops of this solution per your nostril
  • Cover your head with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping

Method 2:

You will need:

Do this:

  • Combine tea tree oil, thyme oil, lemon essential oil and eucalyptus oil together
  • Add the oil mixture into your bathtub filled with warm water
  • Relax in the bath for a few minutes
  • Inhale the steam of the oil mixture to get a significant relief for nasal congestion
  • Repeat this treatment daily to get a satisfactory result

Tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus oil can enhance the effectiveness of thyme oil. If you have high blood pressure or hypertension, you should avoid using this treatment because of some unwanted side effects. Use in large quantities, thyme oil can cause skin irritation. If you see that symptom, stop using it immediately.

22. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion With Beetroot

Beetroot is a nutritious vegetable that was first grown by Romans. Today it is a common vegetable in commercial markets of the USA, France, Russia, Germany, and Poland. Both beetroot leaves and root are edible. The leaves are bitter while the round root possesses a sweet taste. Because this vegetable has a high sugar content, the delicious beetroot can be eaten raw. People also cook and pickle beetroot.

Beetroot can cure nasal congestion. It is recommended using beetroot for a couple of days until the symptoms of nasal congestion are cured completely.

You will need:

  • Water
  • Beetroot
  • Bottle

Do this:

  • Put water and beetroot in a pan
  • Boil this solution for 20 minutes
  • Remove the heat and let it warm
  • Pour the liquid in a bottle
  • Use this remedy to wash the internal areas of your nostrils

For the optimum benefits, you should use this remedy when the water is warm.

23. Tea Tree Essential Oil

The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make tea tree essential oil become one of effective home remedies for nasal congestion. Moreover, tea tree oil can cure many health problems and illnesses such as chickenpox, earache, bacterial infections, cold sores, respiratory tract infections, bad breath and fungal infections. Some people may be sensitive to this oil. Therefore, if you cannot use undiluted tea tree oil, the purest form of tea tree essential oil is highly recommended. Tea tree essential oil is beneficial in curing sore throat, cough, irritated throat and congestion.

Do this:

  • Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to your chest and neck as well as your sinuses
  • Rub it gently
  • Repeat this treatment 5 or 6 times a day to relieve the stuffed feeling

Tea tree essential oil makes you breathe easily and this oil benefits your lungs.

24. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil works against a cold and nasal congestion because it contains antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil encourages white corpuscles, thereby boosting the body’s natural defense against illnesses and bacterial infections. Lemon essential oil is one of effective home remedies for nasal. However, it is important for you to know that lemon essential oil is phototoxic and it may result in skin irritation if used in large quantities. When you use lemon essential oil, stay at home.

To use lemon essential oil for nasal congestion, you just need to rub a few drops of lemon oil on your chest, cheekbone and your sinuses.

25. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is beneficial in curing nasal congestion because of its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Rosemary oil has numerous health benefits such as treating indigestion, boosting hair growth, preventing hair loss, boosting mental activities, reducing stress, boosting the immune system, and relieving pain.

Here is how to use rosemary essential oil for nasal congestion.

  • Combine rosemary, lemon, and eucalyptus oil together
  • Massage your nose, cheekbones, and temples with this mixture to relieve cold and nasal congestion symptoms

It is undeniable that rosemary essential oil is packed with numerous benefits. However, pregnant women should avoid using it. So do patients with high blood pressure.

26. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Pine Essential Oil

Pine oil is widely used because it is packed with numerous health benefits. Particularly, pine essential oil is beneficial in reducing redness and swelling, fighting viral agents, treating skin infections, alleviating urinary tract infections, and preventing colds. Those benefits of pine oil are due to its disinfectant and germ-fighting properties. Moreover, the antibacterial, antiseptic and expectorant effects of the pine oil can help to clear the nasal passages and alleviate congestion. That makes pine essential oil become one of effective home remedies for nasal congestion in adults. Moreover, this oil is also effective in relieving sore throat and clearing catarrh.

Do this:

  • Rub a few drops of pine oil over your cheekbone and your nose to get a significant relief and help you to breathe more easily

Repeat this treatment several times until you get better

27. Saline Water

In fact, saline water that is the combination of salt and warm water is known as one of the best home remedies for nasal congestion. When you allow salt water to enter the nasal passage, it will mix up with the mucus and help in drawing out the water from the swollen membranes.

You will need:

  • 1 cup of warm water
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • A dropper

Directions:

  • You mix salt and warm water together and then you stir them properly so that it can dissolve completely.
  • Next, you fill the dropper with this salt water. You have to make sure that your dropper is clean as well as not used by another person.
  • Then, you tilt your head towards one side and you drop the solution in the nostril that lays upwards.
  • You wait for at least about 30 seconds to allow the salt water to go deep down and act.
  • After that, you put the head forward in a way which this salt water can be drained out of your nostril.
  • You should repeat these above steps with the other nostril.

28. Mandarin Orange With Lemon, Apple, Ginger Root, And Cayenne

Mandarin oranges contain a chemical that is called ‘synephrine’. Actually, it is a compound that is similar to ephedrine is used for getting temporary relief from chest congestion, wheezing, and shortness of breath due to bronchial asthma. In addition, it also works as a good decongestant which can reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels in your nasal passages. Mandarin oranges have about seven times more synephrine than the other citrus fruits. This comparison comes because the citrus fruits like lemons, lemon juice and of course, oranges can help to loosen up the mucus. Therefore, they became one of the simplest home remedies for nasal congestion in adults.

You will need:

  • An orange (peeled)
  • Half a lemon (peeled and de-seeded)
  • An apple (chopped)
  • An inch piece of fresh ginger root (peeled)
  • 1 to 2 pinches of cayenne
  • A juicer
  • A glass

Directions:

  • You chop the ginger and apple.
  • Then, you place the peeled lemon and orange along with the chopped ginger and apple in your juicer to make a juice.
  • Now you pour the juice in the glass and you sprinkle cayenne spice over it.
  • Finally, you consume this juice.

If it is too strong, you can take one more apple and add it to your juice.

29. Steam With Eucalyptus Oil

One of other home remedies for nasal congestion is inhaling the steam.

Warmth will help to loosen up the mucus, which blocks your nose.

In addition, when you add the eucalyptus oil into your hot steaming water, they will give you instant relief from nasal blockage

You will need:

  • 1 bowl of hot water
  • 3 to 6 drops of eucalyptus oil
  • A towel

Directions:

  • You add the eucalyptus oil into the hot water.
  • Then, you lean forward in a manner which the head is over this bowl, at some distance.
  • Next, you use the towel to cover your head so that the steam does not scatter.
  • After that, you inhale the hot steam that is coming out of this water.
  • You should do this for at least about 5 to 10 minutes.
  • You can take a break in between if needed.
  • Finally, you blow your nose to remove the mucus in it.
  • You should repeat this remedy once more if you feel that your nose has not opened up completely.


30. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Ginger Root

Being a healthy herb spice, ginger contains various components and volatile oils which can treat your blocked nose. Some volatile oils in it that can relieve nasal congestion include gingerol, shogoal, and zingiberene. Furthermore, they also contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are very beneficial for you if you are getting a cold and flu. It will promote the drainage of mucus and the anti-inflammatory properties in it will ease the swelling of your nasal membranes.

You will need:

  • 1 to 2 inches pieces of fresh ginger root
  • 1 to 2 cups of hot water
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey (optional)
  • A pot

Directions:

  • First of all, you wash, peel and cut the ginger root into thick slices.
  • Then, you place them in the pot.
  • Next, you pour hot water over these slices.
  • You allow it to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes.
  • If you want to have a stronger tea, you can boil the water along with these ginger pieces for about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • After that, you strain the tea and add honey.
  • Finally, you consume it.
  • While sipping the ginger tea, you can inhale the steam that is coming out of this tea for faster relief.

31. Onion

Onion is one of the quick home remedies for nasal congestion in adults because it can loosen up the thick mucus.

Way 1: Raw onion

Directions:

  • You can add onions to your salads and chew them.
  • Or you just chop or cut onions, which will make you cry as well as make your nose drain out the mucus.
  • Another option, you add some onion slices in hot water and you inhale the steam that is coming out of it.

Way 2: Onion juice

You will need:

  • 1 to 2 onions
  • Honey or sugar

Directions:

  • First of all, you grate onions and then you extract juice from their pulp.
  • Next, you warm up 2 to 3 tablespoons of onion juice.
  • After that, you add a little sugar or honey into it if you cannot have it alone.
  • Finally, you swallow this warm onion juice.
  • You should repeat this way regularly to get relief from this problem instantly.

32. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Garlic

Garlic can make the mucus thin so that it can be drained off your nose. In addition, garlic has an active ingredient that is known as n-allyl thiosulfinate. It contains a decongestant activity in spite of a short-lived one. You can eat fresh cloves of garlic to relieve nasal congestion. However, if you cannot do so, you can follow other home remedies for nasal congestion like adding garlic cloves to your gravies and soups. Nevertheless, garlic in raw form has better results than cooked form when it comes to getting relief from nasal blockage.

Method 1:

You will need:

Directions:

  • You crush the garlic cloves lightly.
  • Then, you add them into the water and you boil them.
  • You should boil this garlic water on low flame for about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • After that, you turn off the flame and you add turmeric to this.
  • You leave the garlic to chew them while consuming the drink.
  • You should have this garlic drink for 1 to 2 times per day until you got rid of nasal congestion.

Method 2:

You will need:

  • Garlic cloves
  • Boiling water
  • A pot and towel

Do this:

  • Pour the boiling water into a pot
  • Add 4 crushed garlic cloves in the pot
  • Drape the towel over your head to prevent the steam of the boiling water from escaping
  • Lean over and inhale the steam
  • Repeat it daily

Alternatively, you can chew some raw crushed garlic cloves or eat garlic bread or pizza. That also helps to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of nasal congestion.

33. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are mucokinetic, it means that they contain mucus thinning properties. You will not need much explanation to clear this. You just think of how you have a runny nose and how your eyes water when you consume really hot and spicy food! Curry spices, Chili pepper, black pepper can give you instant relief from a stuffy nose by loosening the mucus so that it can be drained out. The component ‘capsaicin’ present in peppers can cause inflammation in the nerves and promote the thin mucus production in your nose. This will help to loosen up the thick mucus that then drains off. Therefore, this is one of the simplest home remedies for nasal congestion in adults.

How to have spicy foods:

  • You make a soup (vegetable or chicken soup) with a lot of spices, particularly chili peppers.
  • You can make hot gravies.
  • Or, you can add spices and peppers into your salads.
  • Another option, you can add cayenne pepper into your juices.
  • Or, you can also add black pepper into your tea.

Note: If you have a blocked nose due to sinus issues, you should consult your doctor before consuming spicy foods because this can aggravate your sinus problem. Moreover, you also do not use this way for your kids.

Read also: Natural Remedies To Cure Sinus Headache

34. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Black Pepper

Black pepper is also a mucokinetic food that can loosen up the mucus to relieve congestion. While you can add it to your gravies, soups, and teas, you can also inhale its smoke. This is one of other home remedies for nasal congestion.

You will need:

  • 6 to 8 black peppercorns
  • A pan

Directions:

  • First of all, you crush the black peppercorns to make a coarse powder.
  • Then, you place this powder in the pan.
  • Now you heat the pan a little until smoke is released from this black pepper powder.
  • After that, you put off the flame.
  • Next, you lean forward to inhale this smoke.
  • This may initially make you sneeze and maybe that’s why you will get relief from blocked nose.
  • The mucus becomes thin due to mucokinetic properties and sneezing allows all of it to drain out of your nose.

35. Apple Cider Vinegar

In fact, this vinegar has been a magical potion for all issues related to health! This is also true for the nasal congestion in adults. The high pH levels in apple cider vinegar can break up the mucus as well as clear it off the airways in order that you can breathe properly. Furthermore, apple cider vinegar also contains antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that will help decrease swelling to ease your blocked nose. Besides, it also boosts your immune system so that you do not get a cold and allergies easily.

Here are two home remedies for nasal congestion using apple cider vinegar you should try!

Way 1: Apple cider vinegar with warm water

You will need:

  • 2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar
  • ¾ cup of warm water

Directions:

  • First of all, you add this vinegar into the warm water.
  • Then, you stir them well and have it.
  • You should have it for about 1 to 2 times per day until you get rid of this problem.

Way 2: Apple cider vinegar with honey and warm water

You will need:

  • 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 cup of warm water

Directions:

  • First of all, you mix apple cider vinegar and honey together.
  • Then, you pour warm water over this.
  • Next, you stir them well and have it.
  • You should drink this water for about 2 to 3 times per day.

Way 3: Steam from the combination of apple cider vinegar and the boiling water

You will need:

  • 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • Boiling water
  • A pot and towel

Do this:

  • Fill the pot with boiling water
  • Add 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar into water
  • Cover your head with a towel
  • Lean over the pot
  • Inhale the steam of apple cider vinegar deeply
  • Use this treatment regularly for the better results


36. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Tomato Tea And Soup

Tomato is a very healthy food and rich in vitamin C and A that help to relieve the symptoms of flu and cold by boosting your immune system. So you can have it to prevent all these symptoms including congestion. Furthermore, tomato also contains some anti-inflammatory properties that will assist you in reducing the swelling of nasal membranes. Hence, when you add some spicy components into a tomato soup and tea, it will become one of the best home remedies for nasal congestion.

Way 1: Tomato soup

You will need:

  • 3 tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon of black pepper powder
  • ½ teaspoon of garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon of clarified butter (or butter)
  • 1 glass of water

Directions:

  • First of all, you grind the tomatoes.
  • Then, you boil water and you add the tomato pulp into this.
  • You allow it to boil on low flame for about 10 minutes.
  • After that, you add butter, garlic paste, and black pepper powder into this and mix them well.
  • You should have this soup for about 2 to 3 times per day until you can keep this problem away.

Way 2: Spicy tomato tea

You will need:

  • 2 cups of tomato juice
  • 2 to 5 cloves of garlic (crushed)
  • ½ tablespoon of hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions:

  • First of all, you boil the tomato juice.
  • When it starts boiling, you add all the above ingredients into this.
  • Then, you mix them well and allow it to boil for a few minutes.
  • Finally, you turn off the flame and have it.
  • You should consume this tea for about 2 to 3 times per day.
37. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract will help fight fungi and bacteria in the sinus cavity which cause inflammation of your nasal membranes and congestion there. Thanks to its excellent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, the extract of grapefruit seeds can prove to be one of the best home remedies for nasal congestion caused by a sinus infection.

Way 1: Inhale the steam

You will need:

  • Grapefruit seed extract – a few drops
  • Warm water – ½ cup

Directions:

  • First of all, you add the extract of grapefruit seeds into the warm water.
  • Then, you inhale the steam that is coming from it.
  • You should repeat this way for about 2 to 3 times per day.

Way 2:

You will need:

  • Grapefruit seed extract – 3 to 4 drops
  • Sea salt – ¼ teaspoon
  • Warm water – 1 cup

Directions:

  • You add grapefruit seed extract and sea salt into the warm water.
  • Then, you stir them well to dissolve the sea salt in the water.
  • After that, you use a neti pot that is filled with this solution to irrigate your nasal cavities.
  • You can fill this solution into a nasal spray bottle and then you use it for your stuffy nose.
38. Carom Seeds (Or Ajwain)

Carom seeds have a strong aroma and pungent flavor. Because it is spicy, it can help to loosen up the mucous. Moreover, carom seeds have high levels of thymol that contain anti-bacterial, antifungal, and anesthetic properties. It is very useful for bronchial and respiratory diseases because it can also relieve congestion.

Way 1:

You will need:

  • Carom seeds – a handful of them
  • A clean cotton cloth

Directions:

  • First of all, you grind these carom seeds to make a fine powder.
  • Then, you tie this powder in the cotton cloth.
  • After that, you place it near your pillow while you sleep to ease congestion and get a better sleep.

Way 2:

You will need:

  • Carom seeds – 2 tablespoons
  • A clean cloth

Directions:

  • You crush the carom seeds finely.
  • Then, you tie them up in the cloth.
  • Finally, you inhale it deeply by holding it close to your nose.
  • You do this process for a few minutes.
  • You should repeat this way for about 3 to 4 times per day.
39. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are also one of the great home remedies for nasal congestion thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce swelling of your nasal membranes. Here are directions of making tea with these seeds. The moisture and heat which come out from this hot tea help to thin the mucus.

You will need:

  • 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds (crushed)
  • 1 glass of water

Directions:

  • First of all, you add these crushed fenugreek seeds to water.
  • Then, you boil this water for about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • After that, you strain this tea and have it while it is still lukewarm.
  • While you are sipping the tea, you can inhale its steam.
  • You should have 2 to 3 cups of this tea per day to treat the blocked nose.
40. Horseradish

Being a mucokinetic food, horseradish can also make the mucus thin so that it will be expelled out of the body quickly. Horseradish is one of the effective home remedies for nasal congestion due to a cold, flu, and sinus infection because it contains mild antibiotic properties.

You will need:

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons of horseradish (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • A toast

Directions:

  • First of all, you mix the grated horseradish, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Then, you spread the mixture on the toast.
  • Finally, you eat this toast slowly.
  • Remember that while eating the toast you should inhale deeply to get its fragrance through your stuffy nose.
41. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is one of the established home remedies for nasal congestion and respiratory congestion thanks to its components such as isomenthone, menthone, menthol, and acetate. You should use this oil during the daytime to relieve congestion. However, if you use it at night, it will keep you awake because peppermint oil contains stimulating properties.

You will need:

  • 2 drops of peppermint oil
  • A cotton ball

Directions:

  • You pour the peppermint oil on the cotton ball.
  • Then, you hold this cotton close to the nose and you inhale deeply.
  • You can take a break and repeat the process for about 5 to 8 times.
  • You can do this way whenever you need to ease congestion of your nose.
  • Or you can also add 2 to 3 drops of this oil to warm water and you inhale its steam.
42. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Oregano Oil

This oil is derived from a herb called oregano and it is one of the powerful herbal home remedies for nasal congestion. You can buy it in all health food stores and nutrition stores.

Oregano oil is very helpful in boosting up your immune system and is also an excellent natural remedy for lung.

You will need:

  • Oregano oil – a few drops
  • Warm water or juice

Directions:

  • First of all, you pour the oregano oil in warm water or juice.
  • Next, you mix them well and then have it.
  • You should consume this water for about 2 to 3 times per day.


43. Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion – Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular herb that is known as one of the useful home remedies for nasal congestion. The rosemary leaves have a spicy and cool flavor that can help to treat flu, cold, headaches, inflammation and finally cure nasal congestion. This herb will work like wonders when it is combined with chamomile and Angelica.

You will need:

  • 1 teaspoon of rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon of chamomile
  • 2 teaspoons of Angelica
  • ½ teaspoon of licorice
  • 1 cup of hot water

Directions:

  • First of all, you add all these above ingredients in a cup.
  • Then, pour hot water over them to make a tea.
  • Next, you allow this tea to steep for about 15 – 20 minutes and drink it.
  • You should have this tea for about 2 to 3 times per day and you can treat this problem within a couple of days.

Read more: home remedies for headaches

If you want to know more about natural, at home remedies for other diseases and conditions go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of top 43 best natural home remedies for nasal congestion in adults, hope that it can help you find out the best solution to get rid of nasal congestion quickly and easily. However, the article is only for the informational purpose, thus, you should meet your doctor to get advice before applying any at home remedy.

All Remedies

I'm Huyen My - I believe that majority of diseases can be cured with natural home remedies. My goal with All Remedies is to help you cure your diseases with 100% natural ingredients and herbs in the comfort of your home

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