24 Natural at Home Remedies for Runny Nose in Adults & Children

A runny nose (or also called rhinorrhea) is a common and annoying condition. It often occurs when there is an unusual amount of mucus in the nasal cavity. The increased production of mucus fluid is a way so that the body can flush out cold or flu viruses, allergens, and irritants. People with a runny nose often experience some common causes such as the common cold, a sinus infection, a sudden weather change, and an allergic reaction. If it is not treated timely, it will lead to coughing, headaches, earaches, and other problems.

If you are finding out some methods for this problem, then you can read the article. In the framework of this writing, AllRemedies.com will introduce to you top 24 natural at home remedies for runny nose in adults & children without any side effect. This writing listed the best treatments to get rid of runny nose problem effectively & safely 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 24 Natural At Home Remedies For Runny Nose In Adults & Children

1. Salt Water

Salt water in a saline spray form is recommended by doctors in order to help you expel the mucus out of your nose easily. It loosens the mucus and helps it to come out quickly so that you can remove all the irritants. Moreover, this way is also safe for babies and kids. You can buy the saline spray or make the salt water rinse at your home.

You will need:

• ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of warm water
• A suction bulb or dropper

Directions:

• You dissolve the salt in warm water.
• Then, you use the dropper or suction bulb to pour a little salt water in your nostril.
• Now, you gently blow your nose in order to expel this salt water and the mucus.
• You repeat the way with the other nostril.
• You should do this process for about 2 to 3 times per day or whenever you feel necessary.

See more: 12 natural home treatments for flu symptoms

2. Turmeric

Turmeric works as an antidote for many conditions related to health, especially respiratory problems that include this runny nose. Besides, it also contains strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties which make it become one of natural home remedies for runny nose you should follow!

Way 1: Turmeric and linseed oil

You will need:

• Dry, ground turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
• Linseed oil – 1 cup

Directions:

• First of all, you mix turmeric powder with linseed oil to make a fine mixture.
• Then, you allow this mixture to soak for a few minutes.
• After that, you heat the mixture till it starts smoking and you will turn off the heat.
• Next, you inhale its smoke slowly through your nostril and then through the other.
• You should repeat this way for about 2 to 3 times per day.

Way 2: Turmeric and water

You will need:

• Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
• Water

Directions:

• You mix turmeric powder in a sufficient amount of water to make a solution.
• And then you can drink this solution.
• You should take it for about 1 to 2 times per day to thin the mucus in your body.

Way 3: Turmeric powder, milk, black pepper, and honey

You will need:

• 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
• 2 cups of milk
• 5 to 6 black peppercorns (crushed)
• 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey

Directions:

• First of all, you add turmeric powder and crushed black pepper to milk.
• Then, you bring this mixture to a boil.
• Next, you reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
• After that, you put off the heat and allow the milk cool down till it is just warm.
• You strain the milk.
• Finally, you add honey into it and have this.

Way 4: Turmeric, cinnamon, clove, ginger, water, and honey

You will need:

• ½ to 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• A pinch of clove (powdered)
• 1 teaspoon of ginger (grated)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey
• 1 to 2 cups of water

Directions:

• You mix turmeric, cinnamon, clove, ginger, and water well to make a fine mixture.
• Then, you allow this mixture to simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes.
• After that, you strain and add honey into it.
• You have this tea for about 1 to 2 times per day.

See more: 20 natural home treatments for allergies in adults & children

3. Mustard Oil

Mustard oil has antibiotic, antihistamine, and antiviral properties which can help to provide instant relief from runny nose as well as its symptoms.

Way 1:

You will need:

• Mustard oil
• A dropper

Directions:

• First of all, you heat a little mustard oil until it becomes slightly warm.
• Then, you add this oil into the dropper.
• Next, you pour 1 or 2 drops this oil in one nostril and you allow the nostril to absorb for about 1 to 2 minutes.
• After that, you repeat this way for the other.
• Finally, you blow your nose to remove the mucus.
• You should repeat this process for about 2 or 3 times per day to reduce runny nose along with its symptoms.

Way 2:

You will need:

• Mustard oil – 2 to 3 tablespoons
• Caraway seeds – 1 tablespoon
• Boiling water – 1 pot

Directions:

• You mix mustard oil and caraway seeds well to make a mixture.
• Then, you pour this mixture in boiling water.
• You breathe the steam. The strong aroma of the mustard oil will clean the respiratory system and thus give you instant relief from runny nose.
• You should repeat this way for about 2 to 3 times per day.
• Or simply you can also add mustard oil in cooking.

See more: 30 best natural home treatments for sinus infection in adults

4. Ginger

Ginger is one of other home remedies for runny nose you should try because it contains antiviral, anti toxic, antifungal, and antioxidants properties.

Way 1: Raw ginger

You will need:

• A fresh ginger
• Salt

Directions:

• First of all, you peel a fresh ginger off.
• Then, you cut it into pieces and you sprinkle a little salt on these pieces.
• Finally, you chew the salt ginger pieces for a few times per day.

Way 2: Ginger tea

You will need:

• A fresh ginger root
• A cup of water
• Honey

Directions:

• You cut a fresh ginger root into thin slices.
• Then, you put them in water and you boil them for a few minutes.
• After that, you strain the tea and you add a little honey into it.
• Finally, you drink this tea.
• You should take this tea for about 3 to 4 times per day.

Way 3:

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
• 2 cups of hot water

Directions:

• First of all, you add the ginger powder in hot water and you bring them to a boil.
• Then, you inhale the steam for a few minutes.
• Another option, you can also use it in the lozenge form which is available in drug stores to get instant relief from runny nose.

5. Garlic

One of other effective home remedies for runny nose is garlic because it contains strong and natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Way 1: Garlic soup

You will need:

• 3 to 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of water
• Sugar

Directions:

• You add cloves of garlic in water and you boil this mixture for a few minutes.
• After that, you strain the solution and you add a little sugar into it.
• Finally, you drink this soup.
• You should take it for about 1 to 2 times per day.

Way 2: Garlic, onion, and salt

You will need:

• 2 to 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups of water
• A small onion
• A pinch of salt

Directions:

• First of all, you cut the cloves of garlic and you add them into the water.
• You allow this water to boil.
• Then, you grate the onion and you extract its juice.
• Next, you add this onion juice into the boiling water.
• And then you add salt.
• Finally, you have this soup for about 1 to 2 times per day.

Way 3:

You will need:

• A small clove of garlic

Directions:

• You can chew garlic for about 3 to 4 times per day to warm up the body
• You should do this simple way to cure your runny nose.
• Another option, you can also take garlic supplements regularly.

6. Onion

If you have a runny nose due to sinus infection or sinusitis, use onion to treat it.

Onion contains sulfur that has strong antibacterial properties. This sulfur will always make you cry when you chop onion. This will assist you in thinning the mucus to expel the fluid easily. Apart from smelling a small piece of onion, you can also make a tea that you can inhale its steam while drinking it.

You will need:

• 1 to 2 onions
• 1 to 2 cups of water
• A pot

Directions:

• First of all, you cut the onions into thin slices.
• Then, you boil the water in the pot.
• Next, you add these onion slices into the boiling water.
• You allow this mixture to boil for at least about 5 minutes.
• After that, you pour the hot liquid into a cup.
• You inhale the steam for several minutes.
• You should drink the onion tea regularly to treat this problem.

7. Steam

This is one of the traditional home remedies for runny nose you should try! When you inhale steam, this will help to loosen up the mucus in your nose so that you can blow your nose easily.

You will need:

• A bowl
• Hot water
• A towel
• Eucalyptus

Directions:

• You pour hot water into the bowl.
• Then, you add some drops of eucalyptus oil into hot water bowl.
• Next, you drape the towel over the head and you start inhaling the steam for at least about 10 minutes.
• Finally, you blow your nose to remove the mucus.
• You should repeat this way for about 3 to 4 times each day.
• Or you can take hot water bath or shower regularly to treat this condition.

8. Acupressure

In fact, acupressure is one of other home remedies for runny nose you should follow!

Directions:

• You can gently apply pressure on the corner of the nose. This pressure point will help to alleviate sinus congestion as well as headaches.
• Remember that you have to close the nose each time when applying pressure to this area.
• You should repeat this way for about 10 times on both your nostrils.
• You also apply mild pressure on the area above your eyes.
• You should also do this same process for 10 times on both your eyes.

9. Basil Leaves

Using basil leaves is one of other effective home remedies for runny nose thanks to their antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

Way 1:

You will need:

• 3 to 4 fresh basil leaves

Directions:

• You can chew and swallow these leaves in the early morning when your stomach is still empty and at night before you go to bed.
• You should repeat this way regularly give complete relief from the runny nose.

Way 2:

You will need:

• 8 to 10 basil leaves
• 5 ground cloves
• 1 cup of water
• Sugar

Directions:

• You add basil leaves and ground cloves into the cup of water.
• Then, you boil this mixture for about 10 minutes.
• After that, you add a little sugar to it.
• You allow it to cool down and then you drink this solution for about 2 times per day.
• Or you add jaggery into the basil leaves and then you eat these leaves for about 2 times per day.

10. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil works as a decongestant and gives you instant relief from runny nose as well as its symptoms.

You will need:

• A bowl of water
• 7 drops of eucalyptus oil
• 4 drops of lavender oil
• 4 drops of peppermint oil
• A towel

Directions:

• First of all, you add eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil into the bowl of water.
• Then, you cover the towel over your head and the bowl.
• Next, you inhale the steam.
• You should follow this way for about 2 or 3 times each day.

11. Salt Water Gargle

To remove the toxins from your nose as well as to relieve the runny nose, you can use salt water to gargle.

You will need:

• Warm water
• A small bowl
• A pinch of salt

Directions:

• First of all, you pour warm water in this small bowl and then you add salt into it.
• Next, you mix them well and you use this mixture to gargle for a few minutes.
• After that, you swish it out and you can wash your nostrils with the salt water solution.
• You should repeat this way for about 2 to 3 times per day.

12. Honey

Honey is one of other natural home remedies for runny nose thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Way 1: Honey, cinnamon powder, and lemon juice

You will need:

• Honey – 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon powder – a pinch
• Lemon juice – ½ tablespoon

Directions:

• You add all these above ingredients into a cup.
• Then, you stir them well.
• Finally, you take this mixture for about 2 to 3 times per day.
• Another option, you can also consume the combination of honey (2 teaspoons) and warm water (1 glass) for about 2 to 3 times per day.

Way 2: Honey, lemon juice

You will need:

• Honey – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice – 3 to 4 drops
• Warm water – 1 glass

Directions:

• First of all, you add honey and lemon juice in warm water.
• Then, you mix them well and drink this mixture while it is still warm.
• Finally, you should consume this solution for about 2 to 3 times each day.
• This process will boost your immunity system which in turn helps to treat runny nose quickly.

13. Tissue

The tissue is one of the simple home remedies for runny nose you should try!

Directions:

• First of all, you rip a tissue into equal halves.
• Then, you roll these tissue pieces into a small ball that is in a size of the nostril.
• Next, you place these tissue balls gently inside your nostrils.
• Then, you relax yourself and breathe gently so that these tissues will absorb the mucus fluids that come out of your nose
• You should repeat this way regularly to get rid of this condition.

14. Herbal Tea

If you are finding out something that can cure your runny nose with the good taste, you can try this following herbal tea.

You will need:

• ½ teaspoon of garlic (crushed)
• ½ teaspoon of ginger (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• A tea bag (caffeine free)
• 1 to 2 cups of water

Directions:

• You add ginger, garlic, and cinnamon into the water.
• Then, you boil this mixture for about 5 minutes.
• After that, you strain this mixture and then you add lemon juice and honey into it.
• You put the tea bag into this mixture to make a tea.
• Next, you allow it to steep for a few minutes.
• Now you can sip this hot tea slowly to get relief from your runny nose.
• You should have 2 to 3 cups of the herbal tea per day.

15. Horseradish

Besides the volatile oils, horseradish contains antimicrobial properties which can treat runny nose effectively. In addition, horseradish also has a high content of sulfur that makes it have antibacterial properties. There are various ways in order to consume horseradish, but you can try three effective ways below.

Way 1: Fresh horseradish root

You will need:

• ½ to 1 teaspoon of fresh horseradish root (grated)

Directions:

• First of all, you place the grated horseradish in your mouth.
• Then, you allow it to hold in your mouth until its flavor dissipates.
• After that, you swallow it. This process will also remove the mucus from the throat.

Precaution: You should start using a pinch of the grated horseradish because it is very strong. But if it does not seem to work, you can increase the amount to 1 teaspoon.

Way 2: Horseradish root, honey, and water

You will need:

• A horseradish root
• 4 tablespoons of honey
• Water
• A gauze

Directions:

• You grate the horseradish root.
• Then, you add honey into the grated horseradish root and you mix them well to make a mixture.
• You allow this mixture to soak for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• After that, you use the gauze to strain it to get syrup of horseradish.
• Now you put the residue into a pot and you pour water over them.
• You boil this water along with horseradish residue for several minutes.
• After that, you strain this water again and you allow it to get cool.
• After that, you mix it with the syrup which you got by dipping it in honey.
• Finally, you store this mixture in a bottle.
• You take 3 to 4 teaspoons of the horseradish syrup to swallow it slowly.
• You should take this for about 2 to 3 times each day.

In addition, you can also use horseradish tincture to gargle. For this way, you add 3 teaspoons of horseradish tincture into ¼ cup of water.

Way 3: Horseradish, onion, and water

You will need:

• ¼ cup of onion (chopped)
• 1/8 cup of horseradish (grated)
• 1 cup of water

Directions:

• First of all, you add onion and horseradish into the water to make a mixture.
• Then, you allow this mixture to boil for about 5 minutes.
• After that, you strain this tea and have it.
• You can also chew the residue which is left after you strain the tea.
• You should have it for about 3 to 4 times per day.

16. Stinging Nettle

If you have a runny nose caused by some allergic reactions such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), you can use stinging nettle. This herb has natural anti-histamine and thus it has an ability to reduce the significant amount of histamine in the body that is produced in the process of reaction to allergens.

You will need:

• ½ cup of fresh nettle leaves
• Or 1 teaspoon of dried nettle herb
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)

Directions:

• You add nettle herb into the water.
• Then, you bring them to a boil and then you allow them to simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes.
• After that, you strain them and add honey if you use.
• You should have the tea for about 2 to 3 times each day.

17. Sage Leaves And Honey

Sage is one of other effective home remedies for runny nose you should try! In addition, sage is a good herb for a lot of medical conditions thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves
• 1 cup of hot water
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• A pot

Directions:

• First of all, you place sage leaves in the pot.
• Then, you pour hot water over them.
• You allow these leaves to steep for about 5 to 8 minutes.
• After that, you strain this tea and add honey into it.
• You should have this tea for about 1 time per day.

18. Astragalus Root

Astragalus root is used to cure and prevent cold and flu in traditional Chinese medicine. Astragalus contains antiviral and antioxidant properties which can boost your immune system. Furthermore, it also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it become one of other natural home remedies for runny nose.

Way 1: astragalus tea

You will need:

• ¼ cup of fresh astragalus root
• Or 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried astragalus
• 2 cups of water

Directions:

• First of all, you add astragalus into the water.
• Then, you bring the mixture to a boil and then you allow it to simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes.
• After that, you strain this tea and have it.
• You should have this tea regularly to get relief from this problem completely.

Way 2:  Astragalus soup

You will need:

• Astragalus roots
• Water
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

• You add astragalus roots into the water.
• Then, you allow them to boil for few minutes.
• After that, you add a little salt and pepper into them to make a soup.
• Finally, you can consume it while it is still warm.

19. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is one of other natural home remedies for runny nose thanks to its aroma as well as its healing and curing powers.

You will need:

• Water – 1 cup
• Bruised lemongrass – a few stalks

Directions:

• First of all, you boil water and then you add the bruised lemongrass into it.
• Next, you continue boiling this mixture for a minute.
• After that, you turn off the heat.
• Next, you strain the tea and you allow it to cool down for about 10 minutes.
• Finally, you drink it when it is still warm.
• You should drink three cups per day.

20. Amla

Amla is one of other herbal home remedies for runny nose that you should try because it contains antioxidant properties.

You will need:

• A fresh amla
• A cup of hot water
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Directions:

• First of all, you grate the fresh amla and you add it into the hot water
• Then, you allow it to steep for about 5 minutes.
• After that, you add honey into it and you can sip the amla mixture slowly without straining.
• You should take it for about 2 to 3 times each day.
  

21. Carom Leaves (Or Ajwain)

Carom leaves have antiseptic and decongestant properties that will soothe your mucous membranes and thus the discharge will stop. In addition, it will also treat the body aches as well as headaches and make you feel more comfortable.

You will need:

• A few carom leaves
• 1 to 2 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Directions:

• You add carom leaves into the water.
• Then, you boil the mixture until the flavor of these leaves is imparted into the water.
• After that, you strain this water and you add honey into it.
• You drink this hot tea for about 2 to 3 times per day.

22. Betel Leaf

Betel leaf has a particular phenol that has exceptional antiseptic properties. Betel leaf is one of other home remedies for runny nose thanks to its aroma as well as its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties.

You will need:

• A few betel leaves
• 2 teaspoons of honey

Directions:

• You crush these betel leaves to extract the juice.
• Then, you take this juice (1 teaspoon) and you mix it with honey.
• Next, you warm the mixture slightly for a few minutes.
• After that, you drink it.
• You should take this water for about 2 times each day, once in the morning and once at night for about a few days.

23. Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of other home remedies for runny nose you should follow!

You will need:

• 5 drops of castor oil
• 1 glass of juice or water

Directions:

• First of all, you add castor oil into this glass of juice or water.
• Then, you can consume it to get relief from this problem.
• You should take this in the morning when your stomach is still empty for the best results.

24. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint contains a cooling action that makes it become one of the quick home remedies for runny nose.

You will need:

• Peppermint leaves – 1 teaspoon
• Water – 1 cup

Directions:

• First of all, you put the peppermint leaves into the water to make a tea.
• Then, you allow the tea to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• After that, you strain this tea and then drink it.
• You should take it for about two times per day.

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 24 natural at home remedies for runny nose in adults & children, hope that it can help you find out the best solution to get rid of runny nose 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. If you have any question, or you know other natural at home remedies for runny nose, please leave them below.