Over the counter medicines are a blessing in disguise. They have helped many of you get through the days when you couldn’t even think of getting out of bed. Dramatic as it may sound, the cold and flu season can get rough on the body.But if the cough and cold is persistent, it is best to turn to home remedies that can help prevent and combat the condition.
Following are some natural home remedies for nasal congestion that have proven effective over the years.

1. Steam
   Steam is one of the best natural remedies for nasal congestion. We don’t really need to tell you how much better a steaming hot shower or a bath makes you feel when you are down with cold. That is because inhaling the steam opens up your nasal passages and provides relief from the stuffiness. But it’s not really possible to hop in the sower every time you want to relieve the pressure on your sinuses. In such times, make use of personal steamers, or a big bowl of hot water to inhale steam. Add in a few drops of essential oils of herbs for better results.
2. Humidifier
   Dry air can often lead to inflammation of nasal passages and worsen the stuffy nose. To ensure that does not happen, make sure the air surrounding you is humid. Keep a humidifier in your house and it will help soothe the nasal congestion. Alternatively, a warm shower can do the trick as well.
3. Nasal massage
   It might sound unconventional and weird to some, but fact is, massaging your sinuses works as an effective and natural remedy for nasal congestion. The massage increases the blood flow to the sinuses, which means better circulation. The better circulation ultimately results in relief from pain and from congestion. All one has to do is apply pressure at the base of the nose on the nostrils outer edge, and release after a few seconds. This can be repeated multiple times during the day.
4. Stay hydrated
   Keeping your hydration game strong when you are down with cold is one of the finest ways to kick out that stuffy nose. Staying hydrated helps thin the mucus in the nasal and bronchial passages, making it easier to eliminate. This, in turn, relieves the nasal passages.
5. Warm compress
   Compresses, hot or cold, have been proven effective against a congested nose. One can choose among the two, or just alternate between them in about 5 to 10 minutes. Using compresses on the eyes, cheeks, and the forehead, will help relieve the pain and drain the nasal passages.
6. Salt water gargles
   Salt water gargles have also proven beneficial to help with stuffy noses. Warm water and salt will help ease the inflammation around the throat tissues. Plus, the gargling action will move around the mucus making it easy to eliminate and provide relief from the congestion.
7. Herbal tea
   One of the most delicious hot drinks that will work as a natural remedy for nasal congestion is herbal tea. Teas like peppermint and chamomile are highly recommended. The heat from these drinks combined with the soothing ingredients will have one breathing better in no time.