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We all know that irritating feeling of a stuffy nose. It seems that no matter how hard you blow your nose, it remains completely clogged. Nasal congestion or a stuffy nose, occurs when the nasal passages are blocked off due to inflamed blood vessels in the membranes that line the inside of your nostrils. Stuffy noses are more common among people that suffer from allergies or sinusitis, which can cause difficulty in breathing.
You don't have to book an appointment with your family physician just yet! There are many natural home remedies that can help treat the nasal congestion without a trip to the doctor's office. Listed below are two separate checklists for all the major causes and symptoms of nasal congestion:
 Causes
Symptoms
10 Proven Home Remedies to Treat a Stuffy Nose:
1) Saline Solution - Saline solution is a powerful ally when it comes to opening a stuffy nose. You can mix a teaspoon of table salt into 2 cups of warm water, and then pour the homemade solution into your nostrils by using a dropper. The saline solution will help open up your nostrils. Alternatively, you may use a neti pot as a dropper solution.
2) Hot Shower - The steam of the hot shower moisturizes the nasal passageways, which allows the mucus to flow out. Once the hot steam begins to appear, make sure you inhale it by breathing in and out. Keep your head tilted down to let the mucus out. It's a good idea to go straight to bed after the hot shower.
 3) Hot Soups - We all have a grandmother that perfected this effective home remedy. Chicken soup ranks atop the list when it comes to natural home remedies for curing a stuffed nose. Hot soup helps loosen the nasal congestion, and heals all types of flu symptoms. Vegetable soups may be substituted in place of chicken.
4) Garlic - Garlic is nature's wonder drug. A clove of fresh garlic is all it takes to cure a stuffy nose. Garlic contains high levels of antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which are used to combat nasal congestion. Try preparing a garlic soup by crushing a few cloves and mixing them together in a cup of boiling hot water. Your stuffy nose should be history after that!
5) Ginger - Ginger root can cure almost anything. Ginger can treat heartburn, relieve stress, and clear up a stuffy nose. Ginger, when mixed together with herbal or green tea, can help reduce the inflammation and swelling in your nasal passageways. Add a teaspoon of honey and a freshly squeezed lemon to the cup of ginger tea for instant nasal congestion relief.
 6) Herbal Tea - Herbs are used to help open the membrane linings of the nasal passageway, and alleviate the congestion. There are a wide variety of herbs to choose from. The most popular herbs for treating a stuffy nose includes; chamomile, thyme, peppermint, rosemary leaves and blackberries. Prepare the herbal tea by covering 2 teaspoons of dried herbal leaves with a cup of boiling water.
7) Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar helps clear the obstructed nasal passageways by thinning the mucus, and draining the sinuses. Try mixing a solution of apple cider vinegar with water for instant relief. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of honey to a cup of warm water. You can also boil ordinary vinegar, and inhale the vapors.
8) Onions - Onions have very powerful inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help cure the common cold. You can either inhale the sharp odors of a sliced onion for a few minutes, or consume them raw. Mix the onions with honey in a bowl to add a little flavor. The honey also helps open the stuffed nostrils, so it's a win-win combo!
9) Warm Compress - A warm compress can help unblock the sinus passageway, and provide you with quick relief. Soak a clean towel in warm water. Wring the wet towel out until it's damp, but not wet. Place the towel over your face for a couple of minutes in a seated position. The warm compress remedy is highly effective for treating chronic sinusitis or rhinitis problems.
 10) Spicy Food - A little hot spice can go a long way when it comes to clearing the sinuses. Chilli peppers contain capsaicin, which thins the mucus, allowing you to breathe better. You can eat red chilli peppers cooked or in powdered form. It's important to make sure that you don't have any allergic reactions to the chili peppers. Cayenne peppers can be added to tea as well, Add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to your herbal tea for a spicy and effective remedy.
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(H/T: homeremedyshop.com)
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