Getting rid of a runny nose is often troublesome and if medications are used, can also come with some unwanted side effects. Here, we will cover some home remedy options to try that may both provide you some relief and allow you to avoid taking unwanted medications.
Many people suffer the problem of a runny nose that can create discomfort and even embarrassment in public when its suddenly gush out. A runny nose happens when there is a high amount of mucus in the nasal and sinus passages. The high production of mucus is the body’s system for passing out flu or cold viruses, allergens, and other irritants from the body.
The common cold, sinus infection, changes in weather, and allergies are some of the common factors that cause your runny nose. And if the problem is not treated may result in coughing, headaches, earaches, and other similar problems.
Over the years many people have uusedOTC medications, but they come with side effects like drowsiness. Today, there are plenty of home remedies that give instant results and lessen the symptom intensity without any drawback.
Disclaimer: The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided is for general informational purposes and is based on the opinions and research of the contributors. Please consult your doctor prior to pursuing any course of treatment.
Top 7 home remedies to get rid of or relieve symptoms of a runny nose:
1. Salt Water
Salt solution can be used to attack a runny nose, thereby alleviating the irritation that follows it. Salt solution will help to make the mucus thin making it free to pass out. It also assists to clear irritants in the passages.
How to use?
- Mix a tablespoon of salt in 2 cups of distilled lukewarm water.
- Put the prepared salt-water into each of the nostrils using a dropper with your head tilted back.
- Gently inhale the solution into your nostrils passages. And then finally blow the nose to get rid of excess mucus and solution.
- Repeat his several time to get a better result.
2. Steam
A runny nose can also be effectively helped by a steam remedy. It helps to clear the excess mucus.
How to use?
- Pour hot water into a bowl and face it with a towel covering your head to funnel the steam.
- Inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Finally, blow the nose to clear out the mucus.
- Follow this procedure 3 to 4 times daily.
- Alternatively, add some drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil into a bowl of hot water and breath in the steam or simply take a warm bath or shower.
3. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil contains antiviral, antibiotic and antihistamine agents that help provide quick relief from a runny nose and other symptoms.
How to use?
- Slightly warm a small amount of mustard oil.
- Put 1 to 2 drops of the warm oil in your nostrils using a dropper. Doing this helps clear out your nasal passages. Follow this two or more time daily.
- Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of mustard oil and 1 teaspoon of caraway seed into a boiling pot of water. Breathe in the steam coming out from it. The concentrated aroma of the mustard oil effectively warms up your respiratory system, thereby providing immediate relief from runny nose symptoms. Repeat this two times a day.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is widely used as an antidote for the handling of many health issues, runny nose included. Turmeric has very powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties which make it a good remedy for a runny nose as well as a cold treatment.
How to use?
- Soak a tablespoon of dry, ground turmeric into a glass of linseed oil. Warm slightly the mixture until it starts emitting smoke. Gently, breathe in the smoke through your nostrils one after the other. Repeat this 2 times a day.
- Or simply drink a tablespoon of turmeric powder by diluting the turmeric in water two times daily. By so doing, it will help free the mucus in your body.
- Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of powder of turmeric in a cup of warm milk and take it before bedtime in the evening. This will provide instant relief from a cough, cold, sore throat, runny nose including asthma. You can also add a little amount of black pepper.
5. Ginger
Ginger is commonly used as a cooking ingredient, and it’s also very medicinal. Ginger comprises of anti-toxin, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties that readily offer quick relief from different runny nose symptoms.
How to use?
Just chew small pieces of raw ginger roots with salt water at different times daily.
Slice the ginger into small portion. Put into a pot with one cup of water and boil it for some minutes to prepare your herbal tea. To make it tasting, add a few drops of honey into it and take it 3 to 4 times daily. Simply boil a cup of ginger powder with 2 cups of water and then breathe in the steam evaporating.
6. Garlic
Garlic is another powerful ingredient that contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that makes it an amazing remedy for a runny nose problem.
How to use?
Boil 3 to 4 cloves of sliced garlic with one cup of water for some minutes. Filter the resultant solution. Add sugar to sweeten it and then drink the treatment at least 2 times daily.
Simply chew slice pieces of garlic cloves 3 to 4 times daily to wake up the body and for instant relief.
You can also take a garlic supplement on regular basis.
7. Honey
Honey consists of powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties that help to reduce all forms of runny nose symptoms.
How to use?
Put 2 teaspoons of your sweet honey with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Add a small amount of cinnamon powder to it. Drink this 2 times a day.
Add 2 teaspoons of honey in a warm glass of water mix it thoroughly and drink it twice a day.
