Home Remedies for a Runny Nose
Runny nose is one of the annoying and common problems. It looks weird when you work in an office or doing some house chores and the constantly running nose is something irritating. What could be the reason behind this? When the nasal passages and sinus are filled up with mucus, it reduces the flushing cold and flu viruses, allergic substances out of the body. In this way, running nose is beneficial to wash your body but in other sense, it is uncomfortable and frustrating.
The problem of runny nose is due to many causes such as allergic reaction, sudden change in weather, cold, flu, or sinus infection. Such problems should be treated on time otherwise it may be converted to severe coughing, headaches, earaches and other related problems.
Over-the-counter medicines are easily available but these have some sort of side effects that would be difficult for you to handle in the future like drowsiness. Instead of having those medicines, you should try some natural home remedies which will give you instant relief by decreasing the intensity of runny nose symptoms. Also, it will never let you get into any sort of side effect.
1. Salt Water
Salt water is meant to be good in case of runny nose so it is mostly recommended when you are suffering from this problem. Salt water works into the mucus and makes it easier to clear the nasal passages and comfortable to eject.
- Take two cups of distilled warm water and add one-half tsp of table salt into it.
- Put few drops of this solution into each nostril with your head tilted back using the dropper.
- Immediately inhale to draw the solution further into the nasal passages. After that blow your nose in order to remove the excess mucus.
- Do this remedy few times whenever you are free from work until you feel relief.
- Repeat the procedure couple of times daily.
2. Steam
Steam is the best solution to get rid of the runny nose. It is so effective and powerful remedy and takes just a few times to do. It clears out the excess mucus that is responsible for the runny nose and sneezing.
- Take a bowl of hot boiled water. Hold your face over the bowl with a towel on your head to trap the steam. Take deep breathes in the steam for about 10 to 15 minutes then blow your nose. Do this remedy for three times a day.
- In the water, you have an option to add few drops of eucalyptus oil or menthol before breathing in the steam.
- You can also take a hot shower or bath in this case.
3. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil contains antihistamine, antiviral and antibiotic properties so it can provide the relief from the symptoms related to runny nose.
- Slightly warm a small amount of mustard oil. With the help of a dropper, put two drops of the oil into each nostril. This will be helpful to clear the nasal passages. Do this remedy three times a day.
- In a bowl of boiling water, add three tbsp. of mustard oil and one tbsp. of caraway seeds. Inhale this steam and you will feel the strong aroma of mustard oil that will warm up your respiratory tract. In this way, it provides the instant relief from runny nose.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric has healing properties and works as an antidote for many health problems in which one is runny nose. Turmeric herb contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to which It can sort out the problem with an effective way.
- In a cup of linseed oil, soak one-half tsp of dry ground turmeric. Hold the mixture over heat until it starts smoking. Inhale the smoke through one nostril to another slowly. Do this two times daily.
- You can also take one-half tsp of turmeric powder two times a day. Take with some water so it will help in loosen up the mucus in the body.
- In a glass of warm milk, add one tsp of turmeric powder before going to bed. This will immediately help to get relief from the runny nose, cold, flu, cough, asthma and sore throat. If you wish, you can add a pinch of black pepper too.
5. Ginger
Ginger contains thousands of antioxidants, antiviral, antitoxic and antifungal properties that will readily help in getting rid of the runny nose symptoms.
- Sprinkle some salt on the small piece of raw ginger and chew it several times a day.
- Cut the ginger root into thin slices and put them in a cup of water and then boil for some time in order to make a ginger tea. Add a little honey or lemon juice for taste. Drink this tea three times daily.
- Boil one tsp of ginger powder in two cups of water then inhale this steam. It will give you instant relief.
- Ginger can be taken in the form of lozenges that are available in the super stores. It prevents from the runny nose.
Garlic contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties to get a treatment for a runny rose.
- In a cup of water, add three to four garlic cloves (chopped) to prepare a soup for several minutes. Strain the water and add some sugar. Drink this soup two times a day.
- You can also chew a small piece of garlic four times a day to make your body warm to get rid of runny rose.
- Garlic supplements are also available and it should be taken on a regular basis to protect against the runny rose.
Eucalyptus oil is a decongestant and can give you an instant relief from runny rose.
- Heat a large bowl of water and add seven drops of eucalyptus oil and four drops of lavender and peppermint oil. Cover your head with a towel and take deep breathes to get scented steam. Do the process three times in a day.
- Put few drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief to inhale it throughout the day to reduce the runny nose symptoms.
8. Honey
Honey contains strong properties of antibacterial and antiviral that are helpful for reducing the symptoms of runny nose so it is highly recommended to use for this purpose.
- In a cup, add two tbsp. of honey, pinch of cinnamon powder and one-half tbsp. of lemon juice in it. Take this mixture two times daily.
- In a glass of warm water, add two tsp of honey. Drink twice daily.
- In a glass of warm water, add one tbsp. of honey and four drops of fresh lemon juice. Drink this water when it is still warm, two times daily. This remedy also gives your immune system strength and help fighting against the runny nose.
9. Basil Leaves
Basil has also powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties so it helps in quick healing process. It warms your body and treats against the runny nose.
- Take four basil leaves and chew them before breakfast in the morning and night.
- You can eat at least three basil leaves along with a little jiggery two times to get rid of runny nose as well as the common cold.
- In a cup of water, add 8 to 10 basil leaves and five cloves then boil for about 10 minutes. Add a little sugar and allow the solution to cool then drink it twice daily.
10. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is good to clear the nasal congestion because it acts as an antihistamine so it is helpful for treating the runny nose. Cayenne pepper increases nasal discharge so the body can flush out the blockage and toxins that are the cause of your runny nose.
Cayenne pepper is also good for the proper blood circulation to make you warm up. If you are suffering from runny nose, you should try to include more cayenne pepper in your food.
The problem of runny nose will normally resolve in few days after using one or more of these home remedies. In case of having fever, cough or body aches, consult your doctor.
Also check out home remedies for sneezing (seasonal allergies)
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