Some Effective Natural Decongestants

23 Dec 2010 Nasal congestion is the result of common cold and cough, viral infection or some allergy. This is a common problem faced by many. Though there are many OTC decongestants available in the market, there are some effective natural remedies for nasal congestion. Let us check out some effective natural decongestants:

This is one of the most common method of relieving one from nasal congestion. Steam is a natural decongestant. The best part is that there is no side effects. Just use a steam vaporize. Add some essential oils in it if you want to. Or else, plain water is sufficient. If you don't have one, then simply take a large vessel and put some steaming hot water into it. Cover your head and the vessel and inhale the steam. Let the steam envelope your face. Alternatively, you can also use steaming hot towels. Place them on your face, and wet them in the hot water as they get cooled. You will see your congestion disappearing.

This is another effective natural decongestant. Take about 8 ounces of water and add a half tablespoon of salt. Use a dropper to put a few drops of this salt water into your nose. Or else simply cup your hand and pour a little saltwater into your palm. Breathe in the saltwater through one nostril. Then you need to to tilt your head back. After a few seconds, lean your head back down over a basin and let the saltwater drain back out. Repeat with the other nostril. Even if some saltwater drain down your throat, it is not harmful.

Onions are natural decongestants and expectorants. For many patients, simply cutting up a raw onion can help in loosening phlegm and mucus. Even eating raw onions with food is helpful. For people who don't like to eat onions, you can store onion slices and honey mixed together in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Whenever there is a problem of congestion, simply swallow a 2-3 spoonfuls of this natural decongestant remedy.

Garlic is another food that can help in relieving congestion. Add a few cloves of garlic to your morning tea and see the immediate relief. You can also eat raw garlic if you like the taste of it.

Another natural decongestant is apple cider vinegar. Take a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water and inhale the fumes that comes out. This gives instant relief.

Honey is another effective remedy. Just take a little bit of honey in some hot water. It can clear up a stuffy nose.

Some other useful home remedies that can help you relief your nasal congestion is consumption of foods that are spicy or pungent. Try having spicy foods like chili, salsa, wasabi, which have natural decongestant components that helps in breathing. Hot chicken soup with black pepper corns is also a very effective decongestant.