A runny nose is caused by a variety of factors such as infections, allergies and even nasal polyps. But whatever be the reason, a runny nose has the potential to spoil your day.
Before we look at several home remedies to stop runny nose, it's important to understand what leads to runny nose in the first place.
What causes a runny nose?
The most common cause leading to the runny nose are common cold and flu which is caused by allergies or infections.
A runny nose is primarilly a result of inflammation of nasal passages and the sinus which is caused by an allergen or virus. The mucosal glands start producing mucus to trap the virus or the allergen to flush it out of the nose. Watery nasal secretions pour out of your nostrils or leak down into your throat as a result of abundant nasal mucus.
Sometimes the excess mucus produced can also cause nasal congestion or a stuffy nose. A stuffy nose causes discomfort when breathing through the nose. Because the inflammation makes it more difficult to get mucus out of your nose, you may develop a build-up of thick, dry mucus. It makes you feel filled up, which is why it's also called a stuffy nose.
Mucus is produced by the lungs as a defence mechanism. Bacteria, antigens, dust, and other irritants that enter the respiratory tract when breathing are trapped. Mucus is a gift in this way.
Overproduction of mucus, on the other hand, is a symptom of a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, asthma, allergies, and chronic bronchitis. Coughing is the body's way of getting rid of excess mucus, but due to the thick and sticky nature of mucus, it can be difficult.
Let us discuss some of the home remedies for nose block due to cold which can be done from the comfort of your home.
15 Best Home Remedies: How To Stop A Runny Nose
In this article, we will discuss the cure and home remedies for runny nose that will help you clear your symptoms. Try the below to get rid of a runny nose.
1. Stay hydrated
Drink a lot of fluids and stay hydrated. This is one of the best home remedies for running nose and sneezing. Staying hydrated helps in keeping mucus in your sinuses to thin to a runny consistency. It is also easier to expel the mucus when it is a runny consistency. Otherwise, it may be thick and sticky, aggravating congestion in your nostrils.
It is suggested to avoid caffeine drinks such as coffee or any alcoholic beverages which causes dehydration. It is recommended to have Chicken soup which aids in the loosening of mucus that causes congestion as well as the prevention of dehydration. It is recommended best home remedy for stuffy nose
You can also consume fruits and vegetables. Water is abundant in certain fruits and vegetables, in addition to beneficial elements. Fruits with a high water content include strawberries, watermelons, peaches, and pineapples. Vegetables such as radish, cucumbers, leafy greens, lemons and tomatoes are all high in water.
2. Give yourself a steam treatment
Hot water steam is highly beneficial in clearing out the excess mucus in your nostrils. It is one of the home remedies for stuffy nose that is very effective.
Breathing in steam loosens the thick mucus. Warm steam can also help calm the mucous membranes that line the nose and thin the mucus. This will make it easier to drain out your mucus more quickly. However, you must maintain some distance between hot water and your face to avoid getting burnt.
Breathing in steam is the best home remedy for cold and runny nose.
3. Use a humidifier in the room
A humidifier or a vaporizer is an excellent way to restore moisture to your environment and relieve nasal congestion. Your mucus may thicken and not flow effectively, and your sinuses may not drain correctly if the air is too dry. You can add humidity to the air with a humidifier, which will keep your nasal passages wet and let mucus to drain more quickly.
Humidifiers add moisture to the dry air by converting water into vapour. Moisture helps to thin and remove mucus and soothe sore sinuses when you breathe it in. It is the best home remedy for cough and runny nose.
If you want to use a humidifier, make sure to clean it regularly. Otherwise, it could create a breeding ground for germs like mould and bacteria, aggravating sinus issues.
4. Sip Herbal Tea
Hot drinks such as tea can occasionally be more beneficial than cold beverages. It is the best remedy for runny nose. This is because of the heat and steam they produce, which help to expand and decongest the airways. Having tea is one of the best home remedies for sore throat and stuffy nose.
Some herbal tea such as ginger tea or mint tea has natural ingredients with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties which is beneficial if you have symptom of runny nose and one of the effective natural remedies for stuffy nose too.
5. Use Neti pot to clean up nostrils
If you have nasal congestion with runny nose, a neti pot can be used to rinse particles or mucus from your nose.
A neti pot is a device designed to aid in the removal of mucus. It is the best remedy for stuffy nose.
It is quite easy to use Neti pot, recline your head sideways and place the Neti pot's nozzle in your upper nostril, then drop a salt water into your upper nostril and allow the water flow down the lower nose.
You can also use pressurised canisters or squeeze bottles instead of a Neti pot.
6. Nasal spray
If you are experiencing a runny nose with too much congestion it is good to use nasal spray. A nasal spray can provide you instant relief for stuffy nose by loosening the thick mucus.
A mild saline nasal spray might aid in getting instant relief for stuffy nose caused by a cold or allergies. A saline nasal spray keeps nasal passages clear by washing away irritants such as dust, pollen, or pet dander that can cause congestion. The saline solution also soothes inflamed and dry nasal passages.
7. Apply a warm compress
Use a clean cloth soaked in steamy hot water as a warm compress on your nose to assist relieve runny nose and sinus congestion.
A heated compress works by increasing blood flow to the sinuses. A warm damp compress might help break up nasal stuffiness by providing moisture to the air you breathe.
You can also apply it on your forehead to get relief from common cold symptoms. One of the home remedy for cold and blocked nose you should try.
8. Hot Shower
Let the steamy hot water sprinkle and run down on the face.
A hot steamy shower can help with runny nose and congestion. Similar to breathing in steam or a humidifier, having a hot shower can work wonders and provide instant relief. Its among the best home remedies for stuffy runny nose you can try and feel fresh at the same time
In addition, it is also the best home remedy for stuffy nose at night. Having a hot shower also helps you feel fresh and a hot water shower just before having dinner can help you get a very good sleep at night.
9. Eat spicy food
A pinch of extra chilly or pepper powder in the food can help drain mucus. It is one of the best natural remedies for runny nose.
A chemical substance, Capsaicin, found in spicy foods, can help with a runny nose that isn't caused by allergies. Capsaicin can be counted upon as best home treatment for running nose and is more effective than over-the-counter medicine at curing runny noses, according to several studies.
When you eat spicy foods, your runny nose may become worse at first, but the heat will soon relieve it. It is the best home remedy for cold and runny nose. You should recover quickly from a runny nose if you try this method multiple times during the day.
10. Onions can help clear your runny nose
Onions sliced and mixed with sugar is among the best Indian home remedies for running nose in infants. Keep a bowl of sliced onions mixed with sugar for a few hours. The fluid that is drained out from onions is given to infants. It helps to quickly stop the runny nose in infants.
Simply slicing an onion and inhaling the aroma will help to clear your sinuses. The onion will function as a catalyst, loosening the mucus in the nose. The quickest way to clear your nose is to cut, peel, and sniff an onion for five minutes. Your nose will be clear in no time.
You can use the same onion slices, add little honey or sugar and consume it raw. It can also help you get rid of sore throat. This home remedy for sore throat and runny nose is very effective in terms of stimulating the mucus and providing relief.
11. Use over the counter medicines to treat your common cold or flu
The runny nose is just one of the many symptoms of the common cold and flu. Make sure you recognise any symptoms other than a runny or blocked nose so you can get the help you need. You can then take right over the counter medicine to treat your common cold or flu. Most of these medicines can work on multiple symptoms including the runny nose. These over the counter medicines are one of the quick remedies for runny nose you can benefit from.
Once your overall infection is taken care of, you would see the runny nose symptom goes away on its own.
12. Avoid allergens
When an allergy causes a runny nose, the best approach to get rid of runny nose is to avoid the allergen. If you're allergic to ragweed, for example, remain inside on days when the pollen count is high.
Keep in mind, that avoiding allergies totally isn't always possible. It might also be not possible to prevent all contact with pets if you're sensitive to pet dander, for example. Even so, minimising your involvement with the problem or removing yourself from it will usually alleviate your symptoms.
13. Use Tiger Balm for a nose massage
To get relief from runny nose, gently massage your sinuses with your fingers. Apply mild pressure for 2 to 3 minutes with your index fingers on both sides of your nose where the nose and cheek connect (one finger on each side). This best home remedy for runny nose is very effective.
You can also apply pressure to the bridge of your nose, exactly between your brows, using your index fingers; hold for 2 to 3 minutes.
Your nasal passageways will be soothed by this sinus massage.
14. Take proper rest
It's critical to get enough sleep when you're not feeling well so that your body can recuperate.
Your body develops new immune system cells as you sleep, according to research. Three proteins known as cytokines are produced and released during sleep, and they are important in the battle against infection and inflammation.
This means that getting enough sleep can help your immune system stay healthy. Resting also allows you to take a break from blowing your runny nose - natural remedy for blocked nose.
15. Stay away from dust
It is the dust particles that create allergic symptoms or carry the infection. It is important to avoid exposure to dust. To prevent the symptom from getting worse, you must avoid a dusty environment and cover your nose and mouth even if you have already started to experience the symptom of a runny nose.
When you feel sick, you can stay indoors as much as possible so that you would recover quickly.
Final thoughts
You could have a cold, the flu, or allergies if you have a nasal congestion and runny nose. The first two are caused by viruses that, if not treated properly, can readily transmit to other people.
When you are feeling unwell it is important to take precautions and take care of yourself and others. The tips mentioned above are some of natural remedies to stop runny nose.
What you can do to avoid runny nose from infecting others around?
Follow these CDC guidelines to avoid sharing cold and flu viruses that cause a stuffy or runny nose to others.
- While you're unwell, stay at home and keep the kids at home.
- Avoid making physical contact with others, such as embracing, kissing, or shaking hands.
- Make sure you're a safe distance away from people before coughing, sneezing, or blowing your runny nose.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneez.
- Wash your both hands with soap and avoid touching surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs, should be disinfected.
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