6 Simple Ways to Relieve a Stuffy Nose When You Have a Cold

A stuffy nose always seems to strike just as the weather turns chilly or when a cold sets in. If you have tried everything and the congestion still won't let go, take a look at the 6 remedies VN Cooking shares below.

1. Apple cider vinegar with honey

- Many people drink honey mixed with apple cider vinegar to soothe the throat and feel more comfortable when their nose is blocked. The mixture helps clear the nasal passages and prevents rhinitis, so you will soon feel more comfortable.

- Add 2 teaspoons of honey and 10ml of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and stir until everything has dissolved. Drink it on an empty stomach, every day, for the best results and better health.

2. A hot towel

- If your nose is only just starting to block up, a warm towel can help a lot. Hold a warm towel over both ears for 10–15 minutes to ease the congestion and leave your nose clear and comfortable.

- The areas around the ears contain many nerves that regulate blood flow in the nose, so when they are warmed, the blood vessels dilate and blood circulates more freely, which reduces congestion.

- While the hot towel is on, breathe slowly and evenly and relax so your body feels at ease; this helps the remedy work better. And keep an eye on the temperature of the towel.

3. Garlic and turmeric – a perfect pair

- Garlic contains compounds with excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with turmeric, it is at its most effective against a stuffy nose.

- To make garlic and turmeric water you need 3 cloves of finely minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric and 250 ml of water. Bring the water to a boil, add the garlic and turmeric and stir, then turn the heat down low and simmer for about 2 minutes before turning it off. Strain out the solids and drink the liquid.

- Drink half a glass a day for 3 to 4 days to help you feel more comfortable.

4. Fresh ginger

- Ginger is always the first choice for treating respiratory complaints and colds, and it is a natural remedy that helps you feel more comfortable when your nose is blocked. Ginger contains pungent essential oils and gingerol, which decongest the nose, fight the bacteria that cause inflammation, clear mucus from the nose, boost immune function and kill germs.

- As soon as your nose starts to feel sensitive or shows the first signs, drink a glass of fresh ginger water. Choose whole, fresh, pale yellow ginger roots that are not dried out; avoid wrinkled skin, a sign the ginger has been stored too long. Peel the ginger, slice it or crush it lightly, add it to a pot of water and boil for 10 minutes. You can strain it or leave the ginger in, then drink. A little honey and a few slices of lemon make it easier to drink.

5. Basil leaves

- Basil is a fragrant leafy herb, usually eaten raw, served with rolls or used as a seasoning. But it is also effective against a stuffy nose thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds, and it helps you feel more comfortable. Basil leaves help clear mucus from the nose, reduce phlegm, ease bronchitis and restore the flow of oxygen.

- Steep 6 basil leaves in 250ml of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and drink. Have it 3 times a day for the best results.

6. Steam inhalation with eucalyptus leaves

- The essential oil in eucalyptus leaves has a cool, minty scent, and inhaling it with hot steam can help you breathe more easily, while also cleansing the airways and clearing all the mucus from the nose.

- To make the steam, put 6 washed eucalyptus leaves in a pot of water, bring it to a boil and turn off the heat. Drape a large towel or blanket over yourself and the pot, then bring your nose close to the pot so the steam and the essence of the leaves slowly work on your nose. If it is too much at first, sit a little further away and gradually move closer. Make sure you are completely covered and no outside air gets in, or the active compounds will escape.

- Do this every evening before bed for the best effect.

Things to keep in mind when you have a stuffy nose

- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially warm or hot water, to avoid dehydration and reduce the fluid in your nose. Fruit juices or hot tea work just as well.

- Avoid foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, as they will make your congestion worse. It is best to eat plenty of vegetables, whole grains and fish.

- Stay away from irritants that harm the nose, such as cigarette smoke and alcohol, as they will only make you feel worse.

- Wash your bed sheets, blankets and pillowcases regularly to reduce the dust and bacteria that get into your nose, as this is one of the causes of a stuffy nose. Also avoid keeping too many books and stuffed toys in the bedroom, as both are major dust collectors.

- When you sleep, use a higher pillow than usual so your neck is at a 15-degree angle to the bed, which makes breathing through your nose more comfortable.

When a stuffy nose strikes, try these very simple remedies straight away and you will be feeling better in no time. If your stuffy nose lasts more than 10 days, or you have a high fever or difficulty breathing, see a doctor.