We are sure that there have been times when you had a runny nose due to a cold, congestion or allergy but could not find a doctor. In that case, did you know that you could find the perfect treatment right at your home? Here we have five natural ways to stop a runny nose caused due to allergies and cold. Read on to find out more!
Hot teas
Hot beverages such as hot teas are great for cold allergies and runny nose. The steam and heat from these beverages help in opening up the airways and assists in decongestion. Numerous herbal teas come with herbs, which are an excellent choice for runny nose. You can always find teas that contain antihistamine herbs and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the herbs that you can look for in herbal teas include ginger, chamomile, nettle, and mint.
If you have a runny nose due to allergies or cold, try having hot herbal teas that are non-caffeinated. You must inhale the steam first, which will help to clear the airways and drinking hot tea also helps in soothing a sore throat.
Drink fluids – plenty of them
Staying hydrated is the key to getting rid of a runny nose. That is why, it is highly recommended that you drink a lot of fluids, which helps you in dealing with the symptoms of congestion in your nose and also checks the levels of hydration in your body.
Moreover, drinking plenty of fluids makes sure that mucus in the sinuses thins out and easily gets removed from the system. On the contrary, mucus can congest your nose further, making it difficult for you to breathe.
You must avoid beverages that make you dehydrated, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Spicy foods
It has been seen that eating spicy foods can worsen a runny nose. However, it can also relieve nasal congestion caused by possible allergies and cold. If you are up for some spicy food and can tolerate the heat, go for it. On the other hand, if you haven’t tried spicy food before, you can add the spiciness through seasoning in your food.
Some spices are excellent choices for getting rid of the runny nose caused by cold and nasal congestion. These include ghost pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger, wasabi, and habanero. These can help in relieving the sinus issues, if any, and creates heat that in turn assists in dilating the passageways in the body.
Moreover, the chemical that gives chili peppers their spicy quotient is called capsaicin. It is used in several treatments such as psoriasis and nerve pain. However, if you want to get rid of a runny nose, you can apply it on your nose to help stop it.
Many pieces of research have found that capsaicin is a more efficient home remedy for stopping runny nose caused by allergies as compared to other over-the-counter medication.
But it is recommended to consult your physician before applying it to avoid any allergies or irritation that may be caused by capsaicin.
Neti pot
A neti pot is a small device, similar to a teapot, which is used in clearing the nasal lavage. If you are experiencing discomfort, runny nose, and sinus issues, this can be a great rescue. You can add saltwater to the solution into the pot and pour the solution through one nostril and remove it from another.
To use it, all you need to do is – choose a washroom or sink to do the procedure. Lean and tilt your head sideways. Now, pour the solution from the pot to one of your nostrils and empty it from another. Repeat the same process for another nostril.
Neti pot is an effective method to clear up your nose and get rid of the runny nose. You can choose one from various available brands online.
Inhale hot steam
It is one of the most effective ways of stopping a runny nose. You can heat some water in a clean pot and heat it enough but do not boil it. Take the steam from the water for 20 to 30 minutes. You need to take deep breathes and inhale the steam from your nose. In case the water is too hot, take a break.
You can also add a couple of drops of decongestant essential oils. Choose from pine, rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, thyme, and tea tree oils.
Moreover, if the condition prevails even after trying out these natural remedies, you must see a doctor immediately to check if there is an underlying condition.