How to approach nasal congestion?

It's not the most pleasant feeling to be congested. We are low in energy, don't feel like eating much or doing anything, might have a headache and/or sore throat, even fever. In order to approach nasal congestion on a mind/body level, it's necessary to understand that congestion is the body's self-defense mechanism against germs. When there are germs in the nasal passages, the mucus membranes produce mucus (that is the congestion) to surround the bacteria or virus. This way, the body can get rid of the invaders.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• echinacea
• thyme
• eucalyptus
• water
• citrus fruits
• garlic
• onion
• raw, unprocessed honey
• red clove
• astragalus
• mullein
• Vitamin C, A, B complex
• Oscillococcinum
• chicken broth
• potato peeling broth

1. Vitamin A helps heal inflamed mucus membranes and strengthens immune system. Vitamin C fights cold viruses, but use the buffered vitamin C or calcium ascorbate form. Vitamin B complex reduces stress. Being sick, having germs that produce symptoms is a stress for the body. Plus, it helps to work off outside stress as well.

2. Eucalyptus oil can be dropped in hot water to inhale with for few minutes under a towel. Thyme works well, too. This will liquify mucus so it will be easier to blow it out. It's also useful to put 5-6 drops into hot bath.

3. At the first sign of cold, you can try alcohol-free Echinacea extract to boost your immune system. It will keep viruses from multiplying.

4. Sip hot (but not burning hot!) chicken broth, or potato peeling broth every day. You can add celery, carrot, garlic, onion. If you like herb teas like chamomile tea or ginger tea, drink it sip by sip. You can add raw, unprocessed honey and lemon. (If you are allergic to ragweed, don't drink chamomile tea, it belongs to ragweed family). Eat raw onion and garlic with honey on it that kills germs. After chopping onions, garlic into a cup, put honey on it, let it sit for couple of hours, then drink from its juice. It's not bad at all! (better to use organic garlic and onion). Consuming green leafy vegetables aid in improving respiratory illnesses.

5. Stay active, it loosens up mucus. If you have no fever, do some brisk walk or other moderate exercise you enjoy.

6. Blow your nose after steam inhalation. Don't strain. If it's hard, keep working on liquifying mucus first. After blowing your nose, always discard the used tissue, and wash your hands. Cold viruses can survive for a few hours outside of the body.

7. Walking in the sun, breathing in ocean breeze, or even taking a quick dip in the salty sea water (in summer or when the water is really warm) can bring big relief in congestion.

8. Astragalus (from China) aids in white cell production that fights infection. Maitake or shiitake or reishi medicinal mushroom extracts fight viruses by making your immune system stronger.

9. Increase your water intake which will contribute to loosening mucus, and flushing out toxins from the body.

10. Mullein herb is good for congestion. It has antibiotic qualities. Red clover clears accumulated toxins that might be accountable for congestion. A great homeopathic remedy is Oscillococcinum (can be purchased at health food stores) that should be taken right at the very first signs of cold. If you follow the directions, you most likely will wake up next day with no more cold symptoms at all! It has worked for me always, but you must take it right when you begin feeling weird.

11. Stay away from processed food, milk and dairy that produces mucus even in the healthy body, sweets, heavy foods that requires more digestion taking away the body's energy from self-healing. These foods are great burden on the digestive system and add toxins to your body. Toxins clog your lymphatic system, impair your organs, hinder nutrient-absorption.

12. Have quality sleep and go to sleep 2-3 hours before midnight to ensure your body can focus on healing and elimination.
    Create a positive atmosphere around you or the sick one, support with love and care. Relax.

13. Intimacy (intercourse) actually opens up nasal passages. It works pretty much every time. Intimacy also brings us closer to our partner, makes us feel special, happy, boost our self-esteem and therefore, our immune system and healing as well.

14. Do not take decongestants! They suppress the body's own healing mechanism. The body produces the nasal discharge (mucus) because it identified foreign organisms (viruses) in the system. The mucus traps them, and this way you can expel them from your body. Besides, most OTC cold medicines interact with each other. For example, acetaminophen usually increases nasal congestion, while decongestants decrease it. So they work against each other. If you really want to take decongestant, take it alone, but prepare for a longer sickness, because with it, you'll delay the self-healing of your body.

Tips & Warnings

• The nasal discharge goes through different stages: first it might be clear, whitish, then it turns to yellow, then green and sticky. By improving, it becomes easier to blow it and in color, gets clear again towards the end of the illness.
• If you have high fever or other symptoms that make you very uncomfortable, see the doctor!
• Also, if you won't notice any improvement in your condition, don't ' hesitate to share that with your physician.

[2besure]

on 10/23/2008 I suffer with so many allergies, and I do take anti- histimines. I don't know what else to do.

[Uri-architect]

on 10/8/2008 I've never seen such a detailed article on this subject. I like the narural approach. 5 stars!