7. Lavender, Rosemary, and Oregano
You’ve probably had rosemary tea before, but what about all three? These herbs fight infection and open up your nasal passages, so add a spoonful of each herb into your teapot, steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, and drink up!
8. Ginger and Orange Peel
Ginger breaks up congestion and stimulates circulation, while orange peel reduces phlegm and functions as an antiseptic. Together, they make a powerful common cold treatment. To make a tea, add an inch of fresh ginger root and teaspoon of grated orange peel to a cup of water and steep for 5-10 minutes.
To make a steaming bowl, simmer 2 chopped oranges and a full sliced ginger root for 20 minutes and place a towel over our head as you hover above the pot.
9. Stay Hydrated
Hydration really is important! Increasing the amount of water you drink everyday thins the mucus is your nasal passaged and stay hydrated. This will help flush fluids out of your nose, release pressure, and empty out your sinuses.
10. Use A Saline Spray
Salt water is great to irrigate your nostrils, soothe dry sinuses, and flush away any irritants. The salt in the solution also kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. It’ll also provide ear pressure relief.
To make you own saline nasal spray:
- Combine teaspoons of sea salt and ½ cup of hot water in a small saucepan.
- Boil it until the salt dissolves, and let it cool.
- Pour the solution in a squirt bottle and spray into your nostrils.
11. Try The Neti Pot
The Neti Pot is a nasal flush device that thins mucus, flushes out the nasal passages, and can even prevent a sinus infection. It may look a little strange, and feel a little uncomfortable, this is a safe and effective way to improve sinus health.
Here’s how to use a neti pot:
- Fill the neti pot with a cooled saline solution made of distilled water
- Stand with your head over a sink.
- Place the spout of the neti pot in one nostril.
- Tilt the neti pot until water enters your nasal passage.
- Once the water flows into your nostril, it will come out through your other nostril and empty into the sink.
- Do this for about one minute, and then switch sides.
- Wash and dry your pot.
12. Hot Towel
A warm hot towel placed over your cheeks and nose will relieve most of the discomfort and pressure caused by congestion. It’s also a great way to relieve sinus headaches.
Here’s how to make a warm compress:
- Soak a towel in warm water.
- Squeeze the water out of the towel, then fold it and place it over your nose and forehead.
- Soak the towel in warm water once it goes cool.
13. Elevate Your Head
Your nasal passages drain into the back of your throat. So when you have excess mucus in your system, lie down on a few pillows to prop yourself up and drain them out. The extra pillow will help you stop snoring and make it easier for you to breathe too!
14. Hot Tea
Hot tea releases plenty of steam, which acts like a small humidifier. To thin mucous even more, drink peppermint green tea and add a little honey and lemon. These ingredients all have mucolytic properties, so keep the tissues nearby to clear away what comes out!
To keep congestion at bay, stay away from common irritants like chlorine and smoke. If you have to spend time at the pool or near smokers, make sure to fill your lung with clean air once in awhile.