When combatting a cold or other respiratory illnesses, natural remedies that are both safe and effective are key in making you feel better faster. Do-it-yourself treatments such as these simple homeopathic solutions will relieve congestion in the nose while speeding healing times.
One of the best ways to treat congestion is drinking plenty of fluids, as this will thin your mucus, drain your sinuses, and make it easier for you to eliminate.
Eucalyptus
Inhaling eucalyptus oil can be an effective way of relieving congestion. Eucalyptus contains cineole, which has an expectorant effect.
Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties and may help kill certain strains of bacteria which cause infections in the nose, throat and chest area. Furthermore, eucalyptus may help clear sinuses and reduce swelling.
Steam bathing with eucalyptus oil is an effective natural treatment for congestion. A cold compress can also help relieve sinus pain and irritation.
Oregano
Oregano is an effective natural remedy for congestion, relieving stuffiness and chest congestion. When combined with other herbs such as thyme or eucalyptus, its effectiveness increases exponentially.
Oregano oil has proven its effectiveness against many infections through antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it accessible at health food stores as either a tincture, softgel capsule or essential oil product.
To achieve optimal results, select a tincture made of organic oregano containing at least 50 percent carvacrol. Before applying it directly onto your skin, dilute its oil with an appropriate carrier oil such as olive oil for maximum effectiveness.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) can be an effective natural remedy for congestion, as it helps clear your sinuses. Furthermore, its expectorant properties provide relief as well as its throat-soothing abilities.
As it helps move mucus out of the body and get blood circulating, this herb serves as an effective brain tonic that may prevent memory loss.
Make a cup of sage tea with lemon and honey to take full advantage of its benefits, and drink daily to support your health.
Mullein
Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) has long been used as a natural remedy to relieve congestion. It contains expectorant and antispasmodic properties that help thin mucus so it can easily exit the lungs.
An extract from this plant helps reduce swelling in the lungs and other tissues, and is commonly used in teas to treat bronchitis, asthma and lung inflammation.
Mullein can be made into tea, tincture or syrup and is safe for people of all ages.
Licorice Root
Licorice Root can provide relief for symptoms associated with congestion, including runny nose or sneezing, by acting as an antimicrobial and antiviral agent – helping protect against colds and flus.
Furthermore, it helps soothe sore throats and relieve coughs, often appearing as part of herbal tea blends for congestion relief alongside ginger or other decongesting agents.
Licorice root contains the powerful antiviral ingredient glycyrrhizin, which works by decreasing membrane fluidity for both host cells and viruses.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic (painkilling) properties which can help relieve sinus congestion. Furthermore, lavender essential oil opens clogged nasal passages while draining mucus from lungs.
A 2015 study discovered lavender oil can significantly decrease inflammation and pain associated with sinusitis; however, research in humans is limited.
Some individuals find that using lavender oil as an aromatherapy diffuser or inhaling its vapors helps clear sinus congestion, while it can also be applied directly onto skin or added to bath water for use topically or added as part of a soak session.