Any new wave of virus or flu that comes with a season change results in cold, cough, and fever. Once, when the cold and sneezing are over, congestion stays for a longer time. Congestion takes place when the tissues inside your sinus or nose become swollen or inflamed. It typically occurs due to irritants, allergies, and infections.
Allergens, such as pet dander, pollen, and dust, can trigger an immune system reaction, causing blockage and swelling. Strong smells, smoke, pollution, and dry air can irritate the nasal passages. Another cause of congestion could be hormonal changes. Here, we will discuss some alternative ways to relieve congestion, apart from taking medicine.
- Inhaling steam
It is one of the most underrated and easiest ways to heal nasal and chest congestion. Often, after a bout of a cold and sneezing, the mucus can remain in the chest, making it difficult to breathe. Sometimes, it can cause a lack of taste, temporary coughs, nausea, and headache. You can put a pan of hot water on the stove and add herbs like lemon grass, cloves, or rosemary. Alternatively, you can also use peppermint and eucalyptus oil, as that causes a more substantial relief. As you inhale the steam, it loosens the mucus and gradually reduces the inflammation.
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- Use a supplement of cayenne pepper
You can count on the cayenne pepper supplement, as it has capsaicin that can help to relieve congestion. Capsaicin is effective in thinning mucus, which helps the body release it from the sinuses and nose easily. It also helps reduce nasal inflammation, allowing you to breathe better. The supplement also has a warming effect that promotes the effective healing of irritated nasal passages.
Cayenne supplements also have mild antiviral or antibacterial properties that assist the body’s immune response when you have a cold. It’s advisable to consult a doctor and take this supplement in regular, small doses, which will provide relief within a few days.
- Do a saline nasal rinse
This may seem slightly troublesome for a few, but the relief is quick, and the healing is effective. You can use a neti pot or a saline spray to wash away the mucus gently. In the process, you will also eliminate the bacteria and allergens. It is considered one of the best natural decongestants and is effective too. However, check the process once so that you conduct it correctly.
- Drinking lukewarm water with honey and lemon
This is said to be a beneficial add-on remedy, used in conjunction with medicine and other natural remedies, to help reduce congestion in the nose and sinuses. You can either have this water concoction first thing in the morning or before going to sleep, so that it works effectively and quickly. In addition to lemon and honey, you can also add cinnamon or ginger. That will add relief to your throat, which might be sore when you have a cold. If you’d like, you can also explore other supplements available on crownsupplements.com that may help you recover from congestion.
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Summing it up
As the season changes, it is natural for you to suffer from a cold and the flu, and eventually develop congestion. While it’s advisable to take medicine and treat the condition, you can also use a few natural remedies that can work in conjunction and provide the required comfort and healing you need. The remedies mentioned above can help you feel better and also remove congestion fast.