12 Natural Decongestants to Relieve Sinus Pressure, Nasal Congestion
Sinus can be a pain in the nose. Excuse that terrible pun, but sinus can act as a hindrance to our daily tasks. Nasal congestion can be extremely annoying, but there are some best natural decongestants that can help you get rid of the congestion.
Because of the cold weather and less time on our hands to look after ourselves, flu making frequent rounds is common.
This can cause a lot of discomforts and not mention, the pain associated with nasal congestion can be particularly annoying.
And over the counter, nasal decongestants can make you make you fidgety or just straight out knock you out.
So I’m going to talk about some natural decongestants to help you through the sinus pressure.
Related Reading: 10 Essential Oils for Cough or Cold and How to Use Them
12 Natural Decongestants to Get Rid of Congestion and Stuffy Nose
Following are the 12 best natural decongestants that you can use to treat nasal congestion and stuffy nose.
1. Tomato Tea
The first on the list is a recipe that has received incredible reviews as a natural decongestant. You will need the following for this recipe:
- 2 cups V8 Juice
- 2-3 cloves Garlic crushed
- 2 T lemon juice
- Hot sauce
Mix the ingredients and heat in a pan. Sip and re-warm to get the maximum benefit. Let it rest in the back of your throat. Drink as much as you feel like until you are sure that the infection is gone.
Related Read: 10+ Health Benefits of Fennel Tea and Potential Side Effects
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural decongestants.
Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2-4 teaspoons honey in 6 ounces of water. Stir the mixture well. For maximum effect, make sure to drink this mix warm every six to eight hours.
3. Steam
If you don’t have enough free time for a long hot, steamy shower, then you can always make do with a bowl of boiling water and a towel.
You can add dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, eucalyptus or peppermint along with whichever essential oil that suits you the best in the water. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and inhale as much as you can.
4. Hot Tea-Herbal or Regular
Hot tea with lemon works wonders for congestion. You can also try herbal tea such as mullein, sage, ginger, peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, wild thyme, and blackberry.
Herbal tea is an incredible natural decongestant and can provide a lot of relief to your nose.
For preparing herbal tea, cover ¼ cup fresh leaves with 1 cup boiling water, steep for five to ten minutes, then strain and savor every last sip of it.
Related Reading: Benefits of Drinking Green Tea before Bed
5. Foods That Clear Congestion
Certain foods can also work as natural decongestants. Foods that can help fight sinus congestion are as followed:
- Pineapple
- Omega 3 fatty acids (cold water fish, nuts, eggs, fish oil)
- Garlic
- Fluids like hot tea
- Spices and herbs such as horseradish, hot mustard, and cayenne pepper
- Vitamin C
- Apple Cider Vinegar
6. Avoiding Foods That Make Congestion Worse
Because of the ravishing variety of foods available in the market, it is easy to make choices that can make your sinus congestion worse.
Here are some foods that you should avoid if you have a sinus problem:
- Dairy products
- Sugar
- Grains
- Potatoes and other starchy root vegetables
7. DIY Vapor Rub
If you’re looking for easy-to-use natural decongestants, DIY vapor rub can be the option.
Take a small amount of coconut oil or palm shortening (about an ounce) and 7-10 to drops of any essential oil and mix well. Spread on the chest area. You could also dab under the nose.
Please note that eucalyptus and rosemary essential oil should not be used for children under 10. You should not use mint essential oils for children under 6. Pine, spruce, fir, and cypress are safer substitutes for children over 2.
Related Reading: Chest Pain That Comes and Goes Treatments
8. Oil Pulling
Not something that you should count on for severe congestion, but it can help with mild congestion. Oil pulling method can work as natural decongestants.
All you have to do is take a spoonful of good quality oil, such as coconut or sesame, put it in your mouth and squash for about 10-15 minutes.
This might not be the idol choice for you if you’re having trouble breathing, but it will help loosen mild congestion.
Related Read: Essential Oils for Eczema and How to Use Them
9. Warm Salt Water Gargle
This natural decongestant works best for mild congestion and will help you with any irritation in the throat caused by nasal drainage or the heat.
10. Pressure Points
Another efficient way to help with congestion would be to practice acupressure. Acupressure is one of the best natural decongestants method.
Hitting specific pressure points can reduce blockage and swelling in the nasal passages and increase the flow of air from the nose.
11. Hot and Cold Compresses
Placing hot and cold compresses across your sinuses can help relieve the pain caused by nasal congestion.
It is recommended that you use a hot pack for about three minutes and then a cold compress for 30 seconds. You should do this at least three times per treatment, two to four times a day.
12. Give Yoga a Try
Considering you are tired and don’t feel like getting out of the bed, grabbing a yoga mat might be the last thing you would like to do.
However, yoga can do wonders for the nasal congestion and work as natural decongestants. Five particular poses are especially effective when it comes to a blocked head—the bridge pose, camel pose, plow pose, bow pose, and headstand.
Conclusion
Nasal congestion can cause a lot of problems in day to day life. Hence, it is very important to do whatever you can to relieve the discomfort caused by it.
As we’ve established, natural decongestants can act like a godsend. I hope this article helped you with some useful ways to relieve sinus pressure.
Sources:
“9 Home Remedies for Congestion – Natural Decongestants that work”, Commonsense home web site, https://commonsensehome.com/home-remedies-for-congestion/, last accessed March 11, 2018
“13 Effective Home Remedies to Instantly Ease Congestion”, Natural living ideas web site, http://www.naturallivingideas.com/13-home-remedies-to-ease-congestion/, last accessed March 11, 2018
