Cold and nasal blocks are common in winters and monsoon. Blocked nose may be a result of cold or flu, allergies, sinusitis, etc. This often accompanies with watery eyes, burning sensation in nose, irritation, nasal discomfort, trouble sleeping, etc. During nasal block, the inner membrane of the nostrils gets swollen and painful.
Here are some easy and effective tips to relieve nose blocks :
Ginger and Honey
About 5gms of dry ginger powder can be taken with honey twice or thrice a day.
Garlic and Pepper
A good amount of garlic and pepper can be used in foods especially soups. Garlic has great anti-viral and antibacterial properties which makes it a strong remedy for respiratory infections underlying nasal blockage e.g. cold, flu, and sinus infection.
Black pepper is also Anti-kapha and mucolytic so inhaling the fumes of black pepper also clears blocked nose. Just inhale the smoke coming from heating course pepper powder.
Steam Inhalation
The following herbs are good for steam inhalation :
- Tulsi and Turmeric
- Notchi leaves(vitex Nigundo)
- Camphor and Ajwain(Carom seeds)
- 5 to 10 drops of karpoorathy oil
Massaging the nasal area and instilling one to two drops of oils like peenisa kesari, anu thailam or chukku oil before steam inhalation is really helpful.
Vitamin C Foods
Include vitamin C rich citrus fruits like lemons and oranges help loosen up the mucus. and to boost immunity.
Mustard Oil
Inhaling mustard oil with the help of fingers, and massaging the nasal area and forehead with it reduces swelling in the mucus membrane.
Nasal decongestants is available in the market, but should not be used for longer than three days. The longer you use a spray decongestant, the more likely you are to get the rebound phenomenon. It can lead to chronic sinusitis and other serious long-term problems. So it is suggested to avoid them and go for natural treatment.
Siddha medicine provides very effective treatment for nasal blocks, chronic sinusitis, etc. Always consult a Siddha doctor before consuming Siddha drugs.
Take care and stay healthy!