6 natural remedies to cure a runny nose
A runny nose can be very annoying and is sure to leave you in a sour mood. It will have you reaching for the tissue every few minutes and leave you with a bruised nose. While you don’t think you need to visit the doctor for just that, there are a few runny nose remedies you can try at home to feel better.
Why you get a runny nose?
Excess mucus secretion in the sinus and nasal passages causes a runny nose.
While there are medicines that can help cure it, they may have some side effects. Instead, you can go for home remedies that are a healthier option. A natural runny nose remedy will also give you instant relief without any other side effects.
Here are a few safe methods you could try at home to get rid of a runny nose. These runny nose remedies will help you recover much sooner and save a trip to the doctor.
- Saltwater solution
Saltwater is the first solution any person would suggest if you complain of a runny nose. This solution works like magic and clears all the congestion in just a few hours. It is indeed the best and the simplest runny nose remedy. The salt water helps in thinning the mucus layer, hence, making it easier to expel the mucus. This clears nasal passage and stops any irritation.
You need to add one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm boiled water. Tilt your head back and put few drops of this solution in each nostril. Inhale and let the solution into the nasal passage and then blow your nose.
You will feel that you can get rid of the mucus more easily now. Repeat this a couple of times and you will feel fresh and will be able to breathe easily. - Neti pot
This is an old Ayurvedic technique that is the best runny nose remedy. It is similar to the salt solution method mentioned above. The neti pot has a spout and a handle on either side of it. It is specifically designed as a runny nose remedy.
The pot should be filled with hot water mixed with a pinch of salt. Tilt your head and hold the stout at your upper nostril. Let the solution flow through your nasal cavity and exit from the lower nostril. - Inhale steam
Steam is the next best runny nose remedy. It will help prevent cold and the sneezes as well. It is a very simple method, and you can get it done in no time.
Boil some hot water and when it is steaming, place it on a surface and fetch a towel. Then keep your face close to the surface of the water and cover your head and the bowl. Inhale the steam for 10 minutes 3 to 4 times a day.
Eucalyptus oil or Vicks VapoRub can also be added to the water to speed up the recovery. - Turmeric
Used as an essential ingredient in cooking, turmeric also has various health-related healing properties. A lesser-known fact is that turmeric also has several medicinal benefits. It is a herb that has antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These elements are just what you need to clear your runny nose.
Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder and linseed oil. Heat the mixture, and you will see smoke emitting from it. Inhale the smoke slowly, one nostril at a time. Ensure that you follow this process twice a day for immediate relief.
You can even have the turmeric mixed with water or milk and consume it directly. Ensure that the mixture is warm and drink it before bed. You will find yourself feeling much better overnight. - Ginger
Like turmeric, ginger has several medicinal properties. The antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal properties will help cure the symptoms of a runny nose. You can include ginger in your food or use it raw for quick relief. Directly chewing raw pieces of ginger mixed with salt throughout the day is sure to help with the congestion. You can even opt for ginger tea. - Flavored tea
All the runny nose remedies do not have to be bad to taste. You can even opt for warm herbal tea without milk. Add honey to the mixture to improve the flavor. Besides, honey also has antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can opt for any flavor of your choice.
The ingredients that have the best effects are ginger, garlic, lemon, and cinnamon. Avoid caffeine and milk in this tea. Have a cup 2 to 3 times a day, and you will feel yourself getting much better over time.