- Choose an OTC drug. Consult with your pharmacist as to the best OTC product to relieve your congestion, and the proper way to use it. Pick according to the cause, according to what has worked for you in the past, and according to side effects you want to minimize, such as drowsiness. Another consideration is the amount of active ingredient in a dose, what it is, how often you take it. You could actually save yourself money by buying a drug that treats only nasal congestion instead of a multi-symptom cold relief drug, and by purchasing a 12 hour relief formula instead of doses that need to be taken every 4 hours. Some active ingredients serve in both allergy and cold relief applications.
Weeping
If you can weep or bring tears in eyes by any means, this causes a lot of water rushing down through nose which results in clearing the stuffy nose. However it should be noted that weeping and crying can in some cases cause vasodilation in the sinus areas, which can lead to further congestion.
Freezer and Cold Therapy
- Stick your head into the freezer and breath in from your nose, out from your mouth. Do this for a minute or so. Repeat occasionally.
- Alternatively, you could also get an ice cube, place it in an ice bag or wrap it in a towel, then place it on the most comfortable part of your nose.
- You can also soak a washcloth in cold water, then place it over your nose while lying down. It should unclog your nose soon enough.
Hair Dryer
- Breathe in through your nose while pointing your hair dryer at your face. The idea here is to breathe the hottest air that you can comfortably tolerate. Similar to being in a sauna without raising your core body temperature, this localized "fever" may just kill off the offensive germs.
Steam
- Get a bowl of steaming or hot water.
- Inhale the steam slowly.
- Try mixing in essential oils such as menthol, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil for improved results.
- Alternatively, try slowly sipping hot water or tea with a bit of lemon in it, keeping your nose close to the cup.
- Try taking a warm shower as well, to let the steam help clear your nose.
Neti Pot
- Use a neti pot. This is a form of personal home remedy called "nasal irrigation" which can be as simple as snorting water from cupped hands. Though it is relatively less known in Western countries, it is common in parts of India and other parts of South Asia.
Sniffing salt water
- Boil some water for the best results; this is not required, though
- Add salt to the water, and wait until the water is approximately so hot, that if you stick your pinky into the water, you almost won't feel it
- Cup your hand and put some of the salt water in it
- Place your nose in your hand, in a way your clogged nostrils are both covered with water. For better results, block one of your nostrils with a finger, quickly inhale and repeat with the other nostril. This will sting and burn a little, especially if you have been blowing your nose a lot but the minor pain will be over in less than two minutes
- Blow your nose and be sure to keep your nose clean for the next period of time, or it will clog again
Tiger Balm
- Purchase a product such as Tiger Balm, which is high in menthol and camphor. Vicks VapoRub also works, but Tiger Balm is much better.
- Rub generously on nasal area of face and/or on chest/throat, if that is affected. Tiger Balm may cause skin to sting a bit or turn red, but there is no real harm done.
Monkey Bomb
- You can get this at an Asian market . It is very strong . It helps stomache ache and helps keep your nose clear with it's strong scent . Similar to Tiger Bomb and Vapor Rubs .
Nasal Spray
- Try using different nasal sprays to relieve a stuffy nose. The mist works really well and doesn't go down your throat. You can find these at grocery stores, and drug stores too. However, keep in mind that these are for very short term use only, since you can become dependent on them with prolonged use. Courtesy of Wikihow.
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