How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose Naturally (36 Remedies)

Consider your irritation the last time you had a stuffy nose.

Perhaps you had to give a presentation at work, but you could barely talk.

Or you were constantly sniffling in your classes. Either way, you probably felt embarrassed and miserable.

Now you’re feeling that sensation coming on again.

Perhaps you don’t have time to get to the doctor, or maybe you’re tired of medications (over-the-counter or prescription).

Instead of struggling through the day or choosing a treatment regime that makes you uncomfortable, you can learn how to get rid of a stuffy nose fast by using natural remedies.

Keep in mind that seeking the advice of a healthcare professional is wise before embarking on any treatment plan.

 

Blow Your Nose

 

Chances are that you tell your kids to blow their nose when they’re all stopped up.

However, you might ignore this method when you have a stuffy nose yourself.

While constantly having to grab another tissue might seem bothersome, it’ll be worth it because you’ll eventually be able to get all of that gunk out of there.

Sniffling may seem tempting, but it isn’t going to free you from your stuffy nose.

 

Sleep Upright

 

One method for clearing up a stuffy nose involves changing the way that you sleep.

If you lie down when you have a cold or the flue, you could eventually get stopped up, and you may end up with postnasal drip.

While you don’t necessarily need to sleep in a chair, look for a wedge or cushion that you can use to prop yourself up a little more.

In addition to treating some of that stuffiness, you can also get a better night’s sleep.

 

Sleep More

 

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for building your immune system.

When you’re sick, you often probably won’t sleep well. And when you don’t sleep well, you could get sicker.

Therefore, you’ll be trapped in a vicious cycle.

It’s important to try to get the appropriate amount of sleep every night.

While it may not automatically get rid of your stuffy nose this time around, it can help you have better defenses against disease in the long term.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

 

Apple cider vinegar is known for its myriad benefits, and helping you feel better is one of them.

Some people take a shot of apple cider vinegar to help them when they’re sick.

Keep in mind that the taste of this substance is potent, so you may feel nauseated if you use this method.

Furthermore, frequent consumption of straight apple cider vinegar can break down the enamel on your teeth.

Therefore, you may want to pour a shot glass of apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water instead.

 

Gargle with Salt Water

 

Salt water is known for helping clear up different types of problems with the upper respiratory system.

Remember that your stuffy nose is likely stemming from a larger issue that you need to address, and a salt-water gargle can help you clear up that problem.

Doing a salt-water rinse a couple of times per day can help eliminate that stuffiness, but you shouldn’t drink the salt water.

 

Open the Windows

 

You might feel stopped up because you haven’t been outdoors.

Furthermore, your lack of open windows could be allowing the disease to grow and spread in your house.

When it’s freezing cold out, opening the windows is generally not possible.

But otherwise, let in some fresh air for a while.

If you live in a high-crime area, consider opening a window that’s as far away from the ground as possible for a short period of time (while monitoring it).

 

Reduce Exposure to Allergens

 

As you probably know, allergies can cause stuffy noses.

But people sometimes still munch on snacks or use items that they’re allergic to if they don’t cause major reactions.

While you may think a minor allergy won’t turn into a major problem, ask yourself if now is the right time to ingest something you’re allergic to.

Since you’re currently suffering from a stuffy nose, you may want to wait awhile before you start on this self-developed exposure therapy.

 

Dust and Clean

 

While you probably don’t feel like cleaning when you have a stuffy nose, see if you can allow a little bit of time to do so.

Your stuffy nose may not be a result of something going on within your body; it may be a result of the dust in the area that surrounds you.

Constantly breathing in all of that dust isn’t good for you; it can lead to problems with your respiratory system.

After cleaning the house and eliminating the dust, you may find that you wake up feeling as though you were never sick.

 

Take a Hot Shower

 

Exposure to steam can also help you feel better.

You certainly don’t want to scald yourself in the shower, but running hot water over your face and letting steam rise up into the cavities of your nose can loosen the mucous.

The results of this procedure may prove to be short-term, so you may need to use it in conjunction with other methods.

 

Bowl of Hot Water

 

Once the steam from your hot shower has run its course, you don’t necessarily need to take a second shower for the day.

Instead, you can fill up a bowl with very hot water.

Then put a towel over your head to create an enclosure, and put your face over the bowl of water.

Just don’t touch the water because it could scald you.

 

Elderberry Syrup

 

Elderberry syrup is a natural treatment that some people use when they’re not feeling well.

To help protect against disease in the future, you may want to start using Elderberry syrup or a similar item on a daily basis.

Remember to read the directions on the box to find out the dosage.

 

Wash Your Hands

 

Of course, washing your hands is not going to magically get rid of your stuffy nose.

However, you want to make sure that this ailment doesn’t linger.

When you don’t frequently wash your hands, you’re spreading germs all over the space you’re in.

And you’re constantly exposing your hands to germs when you blow your nose.

So if you don’t wash your hands, you may just make yourself sick again in the near future.

 

Chicken Noodle Soup

 

You might think that this remedy is just an old wives’ tale, but the steam from the soup can help loosen up the congestion in your nose.

On top of that, consider that soup is generally a bit salty.

So the salt going down your throat can help if you have a sore throat.

 

Turn Off the Heat

 

Another method for getting rid of a stuffy nose is turning the heat off.

A number of people feel as though their noses get stuffy when the heat is on.

Entirely turning off the heat might prove impossible when it’s cold out, but consider turning it down.

And you may want to significantly reduce the temperature when you’re under the covers while you’re sleeping so that you don’t wake up with a stuffy nose.

 

Turn Off the Air Conditioner

 

While some people struggle with stuffy noses because of the heat, others experience the same effects from the air conditioner.

So try opening the windows instead.

Depending on how hot it is outside, you may also want to use a fan instead of the air conditioner.

 

Get Away from Cigarette Smoke

 

In addition to the other issues with cigarettes, these sticks can irritate your nose.

So even if you’re currently hooked, try to put them away until your nose clears up.

You never know what could happen; your attempt to get rid of a stuffy nose could be your ticket to quitting smoking for good.

If someone else in your home smokes, ask that person to smoke outside for the next few days.

 

Stay Hydrated

 

In addition to all of the reasons why drinking lots of water is important for your health, it’s another method for clearing a stuffy nose.

The exact amount of water that you need to drink per day generally depends on your body weight, so you should discuss it with a doctor.

Getting into the habit of drinking the correct amount of water every day is important.

 

Basil Leaves

 

Once you’ve obtained a few basil leaves from your local grocery store, you’ll want to make sure they’re clean, so you can avoid further diseases.

Then chew on them for a short time twice a day, and you may see your stuffy nose start to unclog.

 

Inhale Oils

 

Maybe you’ve heard of people inhaling lavender when they feel nauseated.

You can use a similar method for dealing with a stuffy nose: add a few drops of water to peppermint or eucalyptus oil and inhale it.

Just make sure you don’t ingest it.

 

Honey

 

Ingesting a couple of tablespoons of honey twice a day is another one of the home remedies for the symptoms of a stuffy nose.

If the taste of honey isn’t pleasing to your senses, consider mixing it with water.

To boost your chances of recovering from your stuffy nose, you may also want to combine the honey with apple cider vinegar and water.

 

Garlic Cloves

 

The thought of consuming a raw garlic clove might seem unappealing to you, but if you really want to get rid of that stuffy nose, you’ll do it.

In fact, some people eat a clove of garlic every day to help build up their immune system, so it’s more than just a method for unclogging your nose.

Since garlic cloves can taste harsh, the best idea is to start with is just chewing a fresh clove twice per day.

 

Watch Your Dairy Intake

 

When you have a sore throat, ice cream might help numb the pain.

However, consuming dairy can have an adverse effect when you have a stuffy nose because dairy products can increase the buildup of phlegm.

So just think about how much better your nightly scoop of ice cream will taste after your nose has cleared up.

 

Healthy Diet

 

While you may want to curl up on the couch with all of your favorite junk foods and pop in some movies, eating healthy foods is important for healing a runny nose.

A healthy diet may not be an immediate solution, but it can help build up your immune system and prevent future issues.

 

Herbal Tea

 

Grab a bag of your favorite herbal tea, and get to brewing.

Although you don’t want to stuff yourself with popcorn and chocolates while you catch up on your favorite Netflix show, you can comfortably sit with a hot mug of tea.

As you sip it, you may begin to notice that your stuffy nose is loosening up.

 

Mustard Oil

 

While sticking your fingers in your nose probably sounds unpleasant, putting some mustard oil in it can help clear out the passages.

Make sure that your hands are clean before you do so; otherwise, you’re just going to bring even more germs into an already sensitive area.

 

Spicy Foods

 

One of the more commonly known tactics for loosening up congestion is eating spicy foods.

Some people like to buy an order of their favorite hot wings when their noses are all stopped up, but you could just put some spicy seasonings on your food.

For example, you can dip some French fries in horseradish sauce, or you can whip up a cocktail sauce dip for shrimp.

Just keep in mind that you shouldn’t try this method if you have sensitivities to spicy food.

 

Massage

 

To relieve your stuffy nose, you may just need to get some circulation going.

You will want to use pressure on the outside base of your nose to feel some relief.

If you press for about 30 seconds, you can release your fingers from this area, then repeat a few times.

 

Take a Nap

 

When you have a stuffy nose, you probably feel pretty tired.

Even minor illnesses can make you feel as though your energy has been drained.

Therefore, you may want to just take a nap. You may wake up feeling refreshed — and without a stuffy nose.

 

Turn On Your Humidifier

 

When there isn’t enough moisture in the air, you can try turning on the humidifier.

Putting it on while you sleep may help you have a more peaceful slumber, which will allow you to wake up feeling ready to take on the world.

Make sure that you follow the proper instructions that come with your humidifier for cleaning it.

Otherwise, it can begin to collect dust. Then you’ll have dust flying out into the area, which is likely to make you feel sicker.

 

Warm Compress

 

Placing a compress of hot water on your face can help break up the mucus in your nose.

If you use this method, keep in mind that you shouldn’t use water so hot that it scalds you.

Also, it’s best to lie down when you have the compress on. If you don’t, the water is going to drip on you.

 

Determine the Cause

 

One major step you need to take is figuring out why you have the stuffy nose in the first place.

For example, you may have it because of allergies, or you might have it because you’re coming down with the flu.

In order to get rid of the stuffy nose, you need to treat what’s causing it, not the nose itself.

 

Saline Spray

 

If you want a natural saline spray, you should speak with specialists to find the one that’s right for you.

The saline spray helps clear out that stuffy nose.

You should use the saline spray over the sink, as it will likely cause irrigation from your nose.

 

Stand Up

 

While you need to get your rest when you’re sick, you may notice that your nose feels more clogged when you’re sitting down.

Running a marathon isn’t necessarily the best idea for your recovery, but attending to some tasks around the house can provide you with temporary relief.

 

Occupy Your Mind

 

Sitting on the couch with a box of tissues and thinking about how much you want your nose to clear up probably isn’t going to help.

If your congestion isn’t so severe that it prevents you from engaging in activities, try occupying your mind with something else after employing one of the remedies.

By the time you’re finished, you may discover that your stuffy nose has subsided.

 

Procure a Neti Pot

 

Head to the store to pick up a Neti pot.

This treatment might be a bit messy, but it’s likely to clear up your nose and provide you with the freedom that you crave.

Individuals who constantly suffer from issues with stuffy noses may want to see if using the purchased pot on a regular basis is a preventative step they can take.

 

Talk to Your Social Circles

 

Chances are that someone in your circle of relatives and friends has a secret remedy that he or she uses to eliminate stuffy noses.

Now that you see all of the natural treatments that can actually work, you may feel less skeptical about other ones.

 

Conclusion

 

A stuffy nose can occur for a number of reasons. You might have a cold, the flu, or a chronic condition.

Therefore, it’s also important that you obtain a professional diagnosis when it seems as though something is quite wrong (or when the problem is persistent).

Failure to do so could mean that you spend your life suffering from stuffy noses when the solution to your problem is just within your reach.