5 Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion

A stuffy nose and clogged sinuses are no fun. I know how easy it is to reach for an over-the-counter medication to alleviate the symptoms but I encourage you to hold off on that. Not because those OTCs won’t work (most of the time they will), but because treating symptoms in unnatural ways can lead to all sorts of other issues. Instead, give these natural nasal congestion remedies a shot.

Chew on garlic

Garlic has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that make it useful in addressing a number of health-related issues like nasal congestion. If you can stand to eat a raw clove or two while you’re sick, go for it. But for many, it’s too pungent on its own. So another option is to saute it with some nutrient-rich vegetables or even breathe in garlic steam.

Take a vitamin C supplement

Although vitamin C won’t provide instant nasal congestion relief, it will help you to get over your symptoms faster. But what most people don’t know is that oranges aren’t the best source for it, so a glass of OJ shouldn’t be the go-to. Instead, pick a high-quality, whole food vitamin C supplement and make sure to take it daily. (I like Standard Process products best.) These are some other great sources of vitamin C.

Give your bedroom a little makeover

As you’ve probably experienced, nasal congestion is often the worst at night. It’s a pretty nasty cycle, because we need good, restorative sleep to help fight off colds. But the congestion from the cold makes it difficult to fall asleep. You can fix that issue with a few small changes in the bedroom. First, put an extra pillow or two under your head to help drain your sinuses. Next, get yourself a good humidifier and run it nightly to help thin out the mucus.

Sip apple cider vinegar

Raw, unprocessed apple cider vinegar should be a staple in every home. It can help thin out mucus and even prevent bacteria growth. It’s very strong though, and a little goes a long way. I recommend mixing a spoonful with some warm water. Then sip slowly.

Eat cayenne pepper

As an anti-inflammatory spice, cayenne pepper can decrease stuffy feelings in the nose. But it’s the capsaicin in cayenne that makes it really beneficial when you’re coping with nasal congestion because it dries up mucus. Try sprinkling some on your food or drink a spicy tea. Better yet, mix a tiny bit with some water, apple cider vinegar, and raw honey. Not the tastiest drink, but it’s one of the most effective in providing relief from nasal congestion.