Nowadays, natural remedies are increasingly sought after to ease the symptoms of day-to-day ailments. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the most effective natural methods to relieve a blocked nose, so that you can put your nasal discomfort episode behind you.
Why do you have a blocked nose?
Uncovering the reason why you are suffering from a stuffed nose can help you tackle its symptoms better.
Common cold, sinusitis or allergic rhinitis?
Most of the time, a blocked nose is an irritating consequence of the common cold. A cold usually lasts up to a week but can be followed by sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, the small, hollow cavities located in the forehead and cheekbones.
When these swell up, mucus that would normally drain into your nose or throat finds its path congested, resulting in the blocked feeling.
Sinusitis can also be linked to an allergic rhinitis. Triggered by an allergic reaction – not a viral infection – rhinitis can lead to inflamed sinuses. Non-allergic rhinitis can produce this complication too.
If you find yourself in one of these situations, or if you are experiencing ear or/and facial pain, it is recommended that you consult your GP.
Why turn to NATURAL remedies?
The understandable eagerness to sate a blocked nose may have you reaching for over-the-counter decongestant medicines.
These are able to provide the majority of us with much-deserved relief by reducing the swollen blood vessels in their noses. However, many people prefer to turn to natural solutions for minor complaints such as blocked noses, as they can treat symptoms just as effectively.
Types of natural remedy to treat a blocked nose
Cleanse your nose with salt water
We know it almost sounds too simplistic to be true, but water really is your best ally when it comes to treating a stuffy nose. First, drinking lots of water will give your body the hydration it needs to function and fight an infection properly.
And salt water has been clinically proven to decongest the nasal fossae from excess mucus – best of all with a blocked nose spray. Made of isotonic sea salt water, PHYSIOMER®’s nasal sprays are convenient and safe for everyday use, and will effectively help you regain your comfort. It’s been clinically proven that regular cleanses of pathogens and pollution particles from your nose regularly will ward off symptoms, so it’s worth using a nasal spray regularly outside of your blocked nose period.
Do steam inhalations with essential oils
If you like to do steam inhalations at home, using the vapours to help loosen the mucus blocking your nose, you might consider adding essential oils into the warm water too.
A few drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, or oregano oils can be added to a tissue and inhaled to decongest the nose, but it is generally safer to dilute them.
If you are unsure about how to use essential oils, or are too busy to do steam inhalations, you can again turn to PHYSIOMER®’s range. We have created a special nasal spray with organic balsam fir and lemon, designed to take action against a blocked nose within three minutes.
Boost your hot beverages
When we feel poorly, it often feels difficult to maintain our hydration level. Despite the need to take on fluids outlined above, plain water can just seem unappealing.
However, warm infusions offer two advantages: these beverages will help you reach your target of eight cups of water a day, and the steam coming from them will further soften the mucus inside your nose.
Plants traditionally used in infusions for the common cold, such as thyme, sage or camomile, are chosen for their antiseptic qualities. You can boost your concoction by adding a zest of lemon (rich in vitamin C), ginger and/or honey (both are anti-inflammatory).
Consider also consuming spicy foods, as some of them, like cayenne pepper, contain a substance called capsaicin. These release some mucus from your nose, helping you to breathe normally again.
View the full range of PHYSIOMER® products to find the best solution for you.
