Effective Home Remedies for Blocked Nose: Quick Ways to Relieve Nasal Congestion

A blocked nose is a common issue, especially with seasonal changes. It can stem from a range of causes, including the common cold, allergies, sinusitis, or a deviated septum. Alongside congestion, symptoms may include sneezing, excess mucus, irritation in the nasal passages, headaches, difficulty breathing, and a reduced sense of smell.

In most cases, nasal congestion caused by colds, flu, or mild viral infections can be treated at home. However, when it’s related to asthma, sinusitis, or rhinitis, a combination of medication, nasal sprays, and home remedies may be necessary for relief.

Let’s explore the most effective and natural remedies to clear a blocked nose.

What Causes a Blocked Nose?

A blocked nose, or nasal congestion, results from inflammation in the nasal passages. It may be caused by:

• Common cold or flu
• Allergies
• Sinus infections (sinusitis)
• Rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal lining)
• Asthma or environmental triggers
• Structural issues like a deviated septum

The severity and duration of congestion vary depending on the underlying cause.

Here is a List of Effective Home Remedies for a Blocked Nose:

1. Use a Humidifier

 A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping  soothe and hydrate the nasal passages and relieve congestion. The dry air causes the nasal passages to become dry and irritated, leading to a blocked nose.

2. Inhale Steam

Inhaling steam can help alleviate a blocked nose by softening and thinning out mucus, reducing irritation, and opening the nasal passages. You can use a facial steamer, take a hot water shower, or take hot water in a container to inhale the steam. You can add a few pinches of menthol crystals to the water. Inhale this steam deeply through your nose for several minutes and repeat this process daily to get quick relief.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids such as water, soups, and herbal teas. Proper hydration helps thin mucus, reduce sinus pressure, and soothe sore throats caused by post-nasal drip.

4. Use a Neti Pot

A neti pot is a small ceramic or plastic pot filled with a saline solution that helps clear mucus from your nose. Here is how you can use a neti pot for nasal congestion:

• Mix 1 cup of warm, sterilised water with 1/4 teaspoon salt in the neti pot.
• Tilt your head to one side over a sink.
• The nozzle of the neti pot should be inserted into one nostril, and gently pump the saline solution into the nostril.
• The solution will flow  through the other nostril.
• Repeat the same procedure on another nostril.

5. Use a Warm Compression

Applying a warm compress over your nose and forehead improves circulation and helps reduce swelling. Use a cloth bag filled with rice or beans, warm it slightly, and place it over the nasal bridge for 10–15 minutes. Repeat several times a day.  Here is how you can take a warm compression for a blocked nose:

• Fill a cloth bag with rice, wheat, or beans.
• Heat this bag in a saucepan until it is warm but not hot. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 60 seconds.
• Place this warm bag over your nose, applying gentle pressure.
• Leave the bag for about 10-15 minutes.
• Repeat the process several times a day to relieve severe congestion.
• You can also use a warm water pad instead of a cloth bag.

6. Use Saline Spray or Saline Water to Rinse

Over-the-counter saline sprays or saline water prepared at home helps moisturise the mucous membranes, thinning out the mucus, and making it easier to clear. It also helps wash away irritants, such as pollen, dust, and other allergens, that may be causing inflammation and contributing to nasal congestion.

Both of these things can help  clear up the stuff in your nose. Here is how you can prepare saltwater at home:

• Mix the salt and baking soda in a cup or bowl.
• Add boiled or sterilised water to the cup till the contents are completely dissolved.
• Use a dropper or a nasal spray bottle to apply this solution to your nostrils.
• Lean your head forward slightly and sniff the solution into one nostril at a time.
• Now blow your nose gently to remove mucus or solution in the nostril.

7. Use Mentholated Salve

Apply mentholated balm to the chest or under the nose (not inside). The menthol creates a cooling sensation, which can ease breathing and reduce congestion. However, it’s important to note that mentholated salves should not be used inside the nostrils, as they can cause irritation and other adverse effects.

8. Wear a Nasal Strip During Sleep

Nasal strips are adhesive strips that you can place on the outside of your nose to open up your nasal passages and breathe in nasal congestion. These work by gently pulling the sides of your nose apart, which helps  increase the diameter of your nasal passages and improve airflow. It helps you sleep better if you   have a common cold, allergies, or sinusitis.

9. Spice Inhalation

Spice inhalation is a method of using aromatic spices to help clear a congested or blocked nose. The idea behind this technique is that inhaling the steam and aroma of herbs, such as eucalyptus, menthol, peppermint, or thyme, can help  relieve nasal congestion by loosening mucus and opening up the nasal passages. Here’s how you can perform spice inhalation to help clear a blocked nose:

• Boil 2-3 cups of water in a vessel
• Turn off the flame when the water starts boiling, and add 1-2 tsp of your chosen herbs or spices.
• Cover the pot and let the spices steep for a few minutes to release their aroma and essential oils.
• Hold your face over the pot, and cover it with a towel to trap the steam and concentrate the aroma.
• Inhale deeply for several minutes and repeat this process twice a day.

10. Drink Herbal Teas

Drinking herbal tea made with fenugreek, holy basil, or ginger can help  reduce inflammation and unclog your nose.

Here are some of the best herbal teas for a blocked nose:

• Peppermint tea: Peppermint is a natural decongestant and has menthol, which helps  soothe the nasal passages and relieve nasal congestion.
• Ginger tea: Ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help  reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
• Eucalyptus tea: Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol, which helps cool and soothe nasal passages and helps  relieve nasal congestion.

11. Elevate Your Head and How It Works

Sleeping with your head elevated is a simple yet effective way to relieve nasal congestion. When your head is raised, gravity helps mucus drain from the sinuses instead of accumulating and blocking airways. This position also reduces blood flow to the nasal passages, decreasing inflammation and swelling. Use an adjustable bed, wedge pillow, or an extra regular pillow to maintain a comfortable angle while sleeping. This method is especially beneficial for nighttime relief, improving sleep quality.

12. Hot Shower and How It Works

The steam from a hot shower helps clear sinuses and moisturises nasal tissues. Breathing deeply in a warm, steamy environment reduces inflammation and loosens mucus. Add essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus for extra relief. 

13. Nasal Sprays: Which OTC Nasal Spray Helps and How It Works

Over-the-counter nasal sprays can effectively address nasal congestion. Saline sprays hydrate dry nasal passages, wash away mucus, and flush out allergens, offering gentle, everyday relief. Decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline work by constricting swollen blood vessels in the nasal lining, providing quick relief from congestion. However, decongestant sprays should be used sparingly (no longer than three consecutive days) to prevent rebound congestion. Saline sprays, on the other hand, are safe for long-term use and help maintain nasal moisture.

14. Drain Your Sinuses: Ways to Drain Sinuses

• Gentle facial massages can encourage lymphatic drainage:
• Forehead massage (frontal sinuses): Massage above your eyebrows towards your temples
• Cheek massage (maxillary sinuses): Massage below your cheekbones towards your ears
• Warm your hands first for comfort and better results.

15. Ginger and How It Works

Ginger has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe nasal tissues and promote mucus drainage. Drink ginger tea with lemon and honey for added benefits. 

16. OTC Medicines and How They Work

Over-the-counter medications provide targeted relief for nasal congestion. Decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, shrink swollen blood vessels in the nasal lining, allowing for easier airflow. Antihistamines, such as cetirizine, are effective for allergy-induced congestion, blocking histamines that trigger inflammation. Pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, address sinus headaches and reduce inflammation. Always read the label for proper dosing and avoid prolonged use of decongestants to prevent rebound congestion. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

17. Chicken Soup and How It Works

Chicken soup is a time-tested remedy for colds and nasal congestion. Its warmth and hydration help loosen mucus and soothe irritated nasal tissues. The steam from the soup clears nasal passages, while the soup itself contains compounds like cysteine, an amino acid that reduces inflammation in the respiratory system. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, chicken soup boosts immune function, helping the body fight off infections more effectively and speeding up recovery.

It’s important to note that these home remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment. These remedies can only help relieve mild congestion due to a common cold or viral. However, chronic nasal conditions, such as sinuses, deviated septum, allergies, nasal tumours, and nasal polyps, need proper medical diagnosis and treatment.

Get your generic and branded medicines for blocked nose by uploading your prescription on Truemeds and avail yourself of a free teleconsultation from our expert doctors on our online pharmacy – Truemeds. You can also download our Truemeds app and save up to 72% on your medicine purchase by choosing the best alternative, as recommended by our expert doctors.

Disclaimer: The information given in this article is true to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend you consult your doctor first before taking any treatment for a blocked nose mentioned in this article. Also, it is important to note that some remedies may not be suitable for everyone, so it’s best to consult your doctor before trying a new treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• Coughs and colds: medicines or home remedies? (2021). Pediatric Patient Education. https://doi.org/10.1542/ppe_schmitt_061
• Farrer, F. (2011, June). Blocked nose and sinus headaches: Clinical. SA Pharmacist’s Assistant, 11(4). https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/EJC81101
• Worsnop, C. J., Miseski, S., & Rochford, P. D. (2009). Routine use of humidification with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Internal Medicine Journal, 40(9), 650–656. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1445-5994.2009.01969.x
• Ryan, S., Doherty, L. S., Nolan, G. M., & McNicholas, W. T. (2009). Effects of Heated Humidification and Topical Steroids on Compliance, Nasal Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Using Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 05(05), 422–427. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.27596