With the arrival of autumn, infections and colds appear, and among them it “reigns”: a troublesome runny nose. A stuffy nose often occurs alone, without any additional symptoms, or is one of the first stages of a developing disease. We should take up the fight against the runny nose as soon as possible, because the secretion inside, which gets into other parts of the respiratory system, can contribute to the deterioration of the situation and more serious diseases. Here are some effective home remedies for each type of runny nose.
- Inhalations and heat. Inhaling cleansing oils such as eucalyptus, mint or pine is one of the best ways to clear a stuffy nose. If you are tired of a runny nose or a thick secretion that makes it difficult to breathe, jump into the bathtub. Take a hot bath with essential oils, inhale over a bowl of hot water and chamomile or sage (put a towel over your head to get as much steam into the airways), then soak your feet in hot salt water. After such treatments, it is good to warm up properly: to do this, apply camphor ointment to your feet and put on thick socks.
- Over-the-counter drugs. This is one of the most obvious methods for a runny nose, but it is good to know which drugs to choose. The best are drops, sprays or gels applied topically, which constrict the vessels of the nasal mucosa. They facilitate breathing and everyday functioning, but it is better not to use them for more than a few days, as they can irritate the mucous membrane over time.
- Natural, grandma’s methods. That is, a proper diet, rich in ingredients that accelerate the fight against the disease and strengthen the body. It is not a myth that eating homemade broth helps – it is a great way to warm up the body. Also eat plenty of parsley (you can add it to sandwiches or soups) because it has a lot of vitamin C, as well as garlic, which is a natural antibiotic that removes bacteria. You can add garlic to a variety of dishes, or chop it up and eat it with a tomato. Onion inhalation also works well – finely chop it into a pot, pour boiling water over it, cover your head with a cloth or towel, and then lean over the pot and inhale the vapors. This is a great way to unclog your nose. Smelling fresh horseradish also works well.
- Vitamin C and hydration. Rutin and vitamin C are ways to seal the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. When inflammation develops, their permeability decreases, so it is good to consider vitamin C supplementation with the cold routine. In addition, it is important to moisturize the nasal mucosa by drinking large amounts of liquids – teas, still water, juices, as well as humidifying the air, e.g. by using special humidifiers or by putting a wet towel on the heater.