How to Unclog a Stuffy Nose
There's nothing worse than having a stuffy nose, and trying to unclog it can be a pain. Aside from all the over-the-counter nasal and oral decongestants that can cost a pretty penny and come with unpleasant side effects, there are simple and effective home remedies that can unclog a stuffy nose and get you breathing easier again. Whether your stuffiness is caused by a cold or allergies, follow these steps to unclog your nose and get on the road back to nasal health.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Peeled onion
- Spicy foods
- Chicken soup
- Lemon tea
- Hot shower
- Humidifier
- Distilled water
- Saline spray
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Water
- Vitamin C
- Zinc supplement
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1
Smell a peeled onion. It has the same effect as menthol and eucalyptus remedies that stimulate the nasal passages and get the nose running. Of course, your eyes may start tearing, too, but bring on the tissues and blow that nose.
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2
Eat spicy foods, such as hot chili peppers or meals prepared with cayenne pepper that get your nose running. A runny nose gets rid of the irritants that caused your nose to become stuffy in the first place.
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3
Sip homemade chicken soup or any other hot, steamy liquid to unclog your stuffy nose and get rid of excess mucus. Hot lemon tea or plain old hot water are also excellent decongestants that are easy to fix.
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4
Take a shower as hot as you can stand it and breathe in the steam. This is the easiest way to break down mucus and keep it from getting any thicker. Lift your face up to the water and let the hot spray run directly over your face.
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5
Buy a humidifier to moisten the air in your bedroom while you sleep. Use distilled water in the machine to keep the air pure. You can also humidify the air throughout your home by placing pans of water by the stove or the heat ducts, but be sure to change the water frequently to keep it clean.
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6
Spritz the inside of your stuffy nose with a saline spray. Although saline sprays don't cure congestion, they moisten and soothe mucus membranes, making it easier to breathe. Saline sprays can be used over and over again and are not addictive.
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7
Elevate the head of your bed or sleep on a few pillows to help drain your nose. If you lie flat on your back, mucus will block your head instead of giving it a chance to drain, so the more you keep your head raised while lying down the better you'll be able to breathe.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Mix ¼ teaspoon salt with ¼ teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces water for a handy homemade saline solution.
Taking Vitamin C and zinc supplements might help to relieve a stuffy nose.
Over-the-counter nasal decongestants are addictive and should be used sparingly.
Overuse of nasal sprays can damage the cells lining the inside of the nose.
Over-the-counter oral decongestants shouldn't be used by people with heart or urinary tract problems, or those suffering from high blood pressure.
