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11 Surefire Ways to Get Rid of a Runny Nose Fast

"Battling a runny nose? Discover effective remedies for adults, including steam inhalation and warm fluids. Explore this article to learn more about these and other practical tips to combat that pesky runny nose." Let me know if you would like me to tweak this version further or provide additional content related to this topic.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Running nose is annoying and affects your daily life. However, you can easily cure this at home with some simple methods. Let’s find out!

1 Warm Compress on the Ears

As you may know, the ears, nose, and throat are interconnected. The nerves in the ears can regulate blood flow in the nose. Hence, when experiencing a stuffy nose, a warm compress on the ears is a common remedy. The high temperature will cause the blood vessels to dilate and help clear the nasal passages.

For reference: Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear, commonly seen in young children. Learn more about its symptoms and treatments.

Warm Compress on the Ears

2 Saline Nasal Drops

Saline nasal drops are a common treatment for nasal congestion and runny noses due to their antibacterial properties. A few drops of saline solution can provide instant relief by clearing and moisturizing the nasal passages.

Saline Nasal Drops

3 Lemon and Honey Drink

Mix lemon and honey in a glass of warm water and drink this mixture three times a day. The natural ingredients will quickly alleviate symptoms of a runny nose and congestion. This remedy is also highly effective for treating coughs.

Lemon and Honey Drink

4 Basil and Roasted Garlic Drink

Roast a clove of garlic until golden, then crush it with 10-15 basil leaves and extract the juice. This traditional remedy is highly effective in treating runny noses and has been used by many.

Basil is well-known for its medicinal properties. It contains essential oils, with the highest concentration found when the plant is in bloom. The oil has a lemony, spicy scent and includes linalool (60%), cineol, estragol, and methyl-chavicol (25-60-70%), among other compounds.

Basil and Roasted Garlic Drink

5 Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

Nasal congestion can make breathing difficult, especially during sleep. A simple solution is to elevate your head slightly higher than usual by using an extra pillow.

Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

6 Apply Oil to the Soles of Your Feet

Did you know that your feet are connected to your nose? When experiencing a runny nose or sneezing, apply a small amount of oil to the soles of your feet and gently massage. The warmth of the oil will stimulate the nerves and help clear the nasal passages.

Apply Oil to the Soles of Your Feet

7 Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation is a popular and effective home remedy for a runny nose. Place a bowl of hot water at a comfortable distance from your face and inhale the steam.

For a more soothing and effective treatment, add a few drops of essential oils like lemon grass or eucalyptus oil to the water.

Steam Inhalation

8 Warm Herbal Tea

Warm herbal teas, especially ginger tea, can help alleviate a runny nose. Although there is no scientific evidence, ginger’s spicy flavor can help reduce congestion and a runny nose.

According to Healthline, certain herbal teas contain anti-inflammatory and antihistamine herbs that can gently clear the sinuses. Look for teas that include herbs like chamomile, ginger, peppermint, or nettle.

Here’s a simple ginger tea recipe to try at home:

Peel and thinly slice a piece of ginger. Place the slices in a cup and pour boiling water over them. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes. You can add honey or rock sugar to taste. Drink 1-2 cups daily for best results.

Warm Herbal Tea

9 Warm Shower

A warm shower can help relax and soothe your senses. Additionally, the warm, moist air can ease sinus congestion, moisturize the nasal passages, and thin mucus, providing relief from a runny nose.

Warm Shower

10 Spicy Food

Spicy ingredients like chili peppers, black pepper, ginger, and wasabi can help alleviate nasal congestion. These spices dilate the veins in the nasal mucosa and improve airflow in the sinuses.

However, excessive consumption of spicy foods can be harmful to your health and may worsen a runny nose.

Spicy Food

11 Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation keeps the nasal passages clear and prevents sinus infections. You can purchase nasal irrigation devices, such as neti pots or squeeze bottles, and use them with a saline solution. Follow the instructions provided with the device to ensure safe and effective use.

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal congestion is a common issue for many, not just children. Check out these 11 simple, quick, and effective remedies to find relief in just 20 seconds!

These easy-to-follow remedies can be applied at home and are also suitable for children. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your successful results with others!

Source: Healthline

Frequently asked questions

There are several effective methods to quickly alleviate a runny nose. These include blowing your nose correctly, using a saline nasal spray, steaming, staying hydrated, and consuming certain foods and spices like ginger, garlic, and horseradish. Additionally, you can try over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines or decongestants.

Blowing your nose correctly helps to remove excess mucus and relieve congestion. It is recommended to blow one nostril at a time, using a gentle but firm pressure, and then blowing the other nostril. This prevents pushing mucus and bacteria back into the sinus cavities, which can lead to infection.

Saline nasal sprays work by moisturizing and cleansing the nasal passages, helping to thin and flush out mucus. They can also help to soothe irritated nasal tissues and provide temporary relief from congestion.

Steaming helps to moisten and open up the nasal passages, providing temporary relief from congestion. The warm, moist air can also help to loosen and thin mucus, making it easier to expel. Adding essential oils or herbs to the steam, such as eucalyptus or peppermint, may provide additional soothing and decongestant effects.

Spicy foods containing chili peppers, as well as ginger, garlic, and horseradish, can help clear congestion and reduce a runny nose. These foods have natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, staying hydrated with warm liquids like tea or soup can help thin mucus and keep your nasal passages moist.

Yes, antihistamines and decongestants are commonly used to treat a runny nose. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction that can cause symptoms like a runny nose. Decongestants help to shrink swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing congestion and improving breathing.