10 Ways to Reduce Nasal Congestion Without Meds

Nasal congestion can be one of the most uncomfortable sensations to deal with when you’re sick. There are many ways to take care of it, but maybe you don’t always want to rely on medication. Here are ten great ways to reduce nasal congestion without the use of medication.

1. Massaging The Sinuses

You would be surprised to learn that something as simple as a sinus massage can help you relieve your sinus congestion. There are different kinds of sinus tissues within the sinus cavities, but most sinus massages focus on the areas in the general nose and face area to help relieve the pressure. The aim of a sinus massage is to drain the mucus out of your sinus cavities. One kind of massage you can try is rubbing the area between your cheekbones and jaw, near your nose. Use circular motions for about thirty seconds; this can be repeated as often as you need throughout the day.

2. Steam Inhalation

This is another easy method that can be used as often as you need to relieve any pressure in your sinuses. Lightly simmer some water and pour some into a heatproof bowl. Be sure not to use boiling water as the hot steam can burn your skin. Add some chamomile or peppermint oil to help you relax further. Then just lean over the warm water and inhale deeply. The warmth and moisture can help to relax the membranes inside the nose and provide some temporary relief, as well as help the mucus to drain better.

You can also inhale steam by having a warm shower.

3. Neti Pots

Also called nasal irrigation, neti pots are a great way to achieve sinus relief. With the use of water and a special packet of powder, you can help to flush the sinuses in as short as a minute. Add warm water to a neti pot and add saline powder, swirling the neti pot until it is well combined. Tilt your head to one side over a sink and place the end of the neti pot in the nostril pointed at the ceiling. Start pouring and breathe through your mouth in the meantime. The water from the neti pot should drain out of your other nostril into the sink, taking the mucus with it. Once it is empty, be sure to completely rinse it, and blow your nose into some tissues to get rid of the excess moisture.

4. Humidifiers

You can add a humidifier to the room to help keep your nostrils hydrated and help the mucus loosen more easily. Dry air can actually aggravate your sinuses further and make the pain more unbearable. Always operate a humidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and be sure to clean it after every use. Depending on the size of the room, you may have to invest in a humidifier that’s a bit larger in order to experience the benefits it has to offer.

5. Eucalyptus Oil

This is the oil from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. It has been shown to be an anti-inflammatory, a sedative, an antibacterial agent, and a pain reliever. You can add a few drops of oil into a diffuser to help spread its scent around the room, or a few drops can be added to a bowl of warm water if you want to have a steam bath. Lozenges and certain ointments you can apply to the skin may contain eucalyptus and can help clear your sinuses.

Keep in mind that eucalyptus oil should never be applied to the skin, as it may cause an allergic reaction.

6. Saline Sprays

This is similar to the neti pot solution but is an already-packaged device that you can use. They usually entail inserting the tip of the device into your nostril and pressing a trigger to spray the saline solution into your sinus. Nasal irrigation has been shown to provide some relief to those who have congestion on a regular basis. Saline-only sprays do not contain medication of any kind, so they are generally safe for anyone to use, as often as they like.

7. Hydration

Drinking a lot of water throughout the day is essential when you’re sick. Although there is no evidence that staying hydrated will relieve your congestion symptoms outright, it’s still a good idea so that your body has the fuel it needs to keep fighting off infection. Having warm drinks can further help to soothe your symptoms since the steam from the warm drink will help to soothe your sore sinuses.

8. Warm Compresses

You can create a warm compress for your sinuses with just a washcloth. Soak it in warm water, wring out the excess, and apply it to the nose or forehead area. This will help to relax the muscles in the face so that the pain and pressure are alleviated. The heat may also help to loosen up any mucus so that you can get rid of it more easily.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Many studies suggest adding a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drinking the whole thing. There is limited evidence to show that this can help improve chronic sinus issues, while others swear by it that it has helped to relieve sinus pressure. Adding some honey can make the drink a little more palatable. Others apply apple cider vinegar directly to the area around the sinuses, as the pungent smell of the vinegar can help to loosen the mucus. Keep in mind that apple cider vinegar can cause irritation of the stomach, and can erode tooth enamel over time, so moderate your intake.

10. Eating Spicy Food

If you are able to handle it, having some spicy food for a meal each day can help to loosen up the mucus. Spicy food tends to make our noses run, which can help to drain the sinuses and relieve the pressure. Only eat spicy food at a level you can handle, since overly spicy food can have an adverse effect on your digestive system.

Looking for ways to deal with your nasal congestion without medication can help you find fast relief without the side effects that medications can have. If you are experiencing nasal congestion on a regular basis, be sure to speak to your primary care physician to see what options might be best for you.