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Nasal congestion can be caused by a variety of factors, from a common cold or sinus infections, to a flu or an allergy. No matter what the cause this problem afflicts all of us more frequently then we’d like and it can be extremely annoying and a source of great discomfort. It can affect our health and relationships too indirectly as nasal congestion does disrupt and reduce the quality of sleep.
We generally assume that the problem of congestion is due to excessive mucus production, but this is not always the case and many a time it may be due swelling or inflammation of the nasal membranes that restricts the ability of mucus drainage. The nasal cavities can only clear once the swelling reduces and the mucus can drain out – a process that can take days normally. Thankfully nature offers many remedies that can help treat nasal congestion no matter what the cause.
Natural treatments for such common and frequently occurring health problems are advisable as most natural remedies are not detrimental to your long term health. Frequent reliance on antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals for such common and minor health conditions on the other hand can have long term ill effects as very often a bacterial resistance may develop, or worse. Here are some natural remedies that are known to help treat colds and nasal congestion: Moderate consumption of spicy or pungent foods can help clear the mucus. Chicken soup is normally good for a cough and cold as it reduces the inflammation, and adding black pepper to it can have the added effect of opening up the nasal passages. Herbal teas are also believed to help clear the nasal passages and you could try having ginger tea, sage tea or chamomile tea. Physical manipulation of the area can help and you could use warm and moist compresses directly over the nose and beneath the eyes. This will help encourage drainage of the sinus passages. Steam inhalation is possibly the most effective treatment for congestion and does not require much effort either. This treatment will however be a lot more effective if you were to add a few drops of eucalyptus or spearmint oils to the water.
In addition to the above mentioned remedies make sure that you get adequate rest and sleep, and do not over exert. A lack of sleep and exertion weakens the immune system delaying recovery. Try to follow a healthy diet and avoid foods that worsen the condition. If the condition does not resolve with these treatments visit your medical practitioner.
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