Home Remedies Web

Nasal Congestion Home Remedy

Find home remedies for nasal congestion using natural and herbal products such as tea tree oil, oregano, and Vitamin C.

Shahzad Malik, Ph.D.
3–4 minutes
Nasal Congestion Home Remedy

Signs and Symptoms of Nasal Congestion

Nasal Congestion (also referred to as blocked nose or stuffy nose) occurs when the nasal passage is blocked and stuffed due to swollen mucous membranes that line the nose. Nasal congestion can interfere with hearing and speech. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep, cause snoring, and can be associated with episodes of not breathing during sleep.

While nasal congestion is generally more of an annoyance in older children and adults, it is much more serious when it occurs in infants. This is because infants primarily breathe through their nose, which can cause life-threatening breathing problems when they are nursing.

Causes of Nasal Congestion

A congested nasal passage occurs when the membranes lining the nose become swollen from inflamed blood vessels. Congestion can be caused by many of the same things that cause a runny nose including colds, allergies, sinus infections, and the flu. Overuse of some nasal sprays or drops can also lead to congestion. In most cases, a stuffed nose is usually caused by a virus and typically goes away by itself within a week.

Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Nasal Congestion

Oil of Oregano

Oil of Oregano has long been regarded as a natural remedy for sinus or lung congestion, since it helps to strengthen the body’s immune system.

According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, oil of oregano has antimicrobial properties and may be effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections such as nasal congestion. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in this area. 1

Simply mix 2 or 3 drops of oregano oil with juice, and drink this daily. Or you may take 2-3 drops of oil of Oregano under the tongue if you can handle the spice. Improvements are normally noticed within 3-5 days.

Another simple remedy is to mix 1-2 drops of oil of oregano with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Rub the mixture onto the chest and throat area before bed. You can also add a drop of the mixture to a pot of steaming water and inhale the steam for additional relief.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil has wonderful properties that make it a great natural agent for curing the three main types of infectious organisms: fungus, bacteria, and virus. 2, 3 Therefore, it can be inhaled to help clear nasal congestion as follows:

  • Add 3 to 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1 cup of boiling water.
  • Inhale the vapours for 5 to 10 minutes.

Vitamin C

Histamine is a protein in the body that is often associated with nasal congestion when histamine levels are high. Taking 1000 mg of Vitamin C three times per day can help reduce histamine levels, which can therefore help reduce nasal and sinus congestion. 4, 5

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus Oil acts on receptors in the nasal mucous membranes to reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion. 6, 7

  • Add 3 to 4 drops of Eucalyptus Oil to 1 cup of boiling water.
  • Inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes.

Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb that stimulates the production of white blood cells, accelerating their maturation within the lymphatic tissue, and speeding their travel to the area of infection, where they help fight invaders in the body. 8, 9

A study has found that people with cold and nasal congestion who drank 3 cups of Echinacea Tea every day for 5 days felt better sooner than those who drank tea without echinacea.

References

  1. ^

    “Terpene compounds in essential oils from medicinal plants and their antimicrobial activity. 4(2), 76-84. doi: 10.1016/j.hermed.2013.12.005” Sienkiewicz, M., Kowalczyk, E., Wasiela, M., & Kowalska, A. (2014).

  2. ^

    “Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis. Phytomedicine, 6(4), 225-230.” by Mayo Clinic Staff.

  3. ^

    “The clinical efficacy and safety of tea tree oil” by C. F. Carson, et al.

  4. ^

    “Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Consumers” by NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

  5. ^

    “Can vitamin C prevent a cold” by Robert H. Shmerling – Harvard Health Publishing

  6. ^

    “Eucalyptus Oil: An Evidence-Based Review” by C. M. Juergens, et al.

  7. ^

    “Management of Sinusitis” by C. L. Cipriani and S. K. Sharma – American Family Physician.

  8. ^

    “Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis” by K. Karsch-Völk, et al.

  9. ^

    “Echinacea” by Steven D. Ehrlich – University of Maryland Medical Center.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying a new remedy, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.

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148 responses

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  1. The Barber

    There exist many natural oils as explained in this article. And I have read many of the comments and which are correct and I have used them through my childhood and adult life. My roots begin with the Mennonites and Native Americans upbringing. I have used Homeopathy, with great success. If you happen to have these essential oils around ? Try mixing
    5-7 Drops Eucalyptus
    5 drops Tea Tree
    4 drops Cedar wood or Black Spruce or Pine Oil
    2 drops Lavender
    1 drop of lemon
    I am a service provider for the Public. And my Clients when I detect the allergy problems. I introduce this blend to them. Teaching them how to do a Yoga breathing exercise while their services are being rendered. All I can suggest to you is that it works. The best way of doing this is to get a Nasal Inhaler one that has a Glass Vial inside with a 2 ml cotton wick. There also is a flower that grows wild in our area called Mullein Plant. Research and learn to use it! Hope that you find relief to your allergies as I have done through the years!

    Reply
  2. Valerie

    I had sinusitis for 8 months where both passages were plugged. I was miserable and tried everything natural. Drugs make me shaky or make me feel ill. I ran across Xlear nasal spray with xylitol and it opened my passages the first time I used it. I was in shock. They closed again but I continued to use Xlear and Oreganol nasal spray and SWEAR by them! They are lifesavers. I always have them around, and use them on the first hint of sinus or head issues, and I always get cleared up within a day or two.

    Reply
  3. Kay

    Yes, apple cider vinegar with the mother in lukewarm water works, add some honey to taste. Take whenever symptoms return. If you need more help then add musinex to get rid of the sinus congestion. Histamine is what causes symptoms but it is not the problem, so don’t take anti histamines –
    the body has a water/mineral balance and whenever something goes out of balance you get the histamine to warn you there is an imbalance in your system. It causes a lot of problems but you can fix them quick with a few things, for example, water /sea salt/ then if you need to try other electrolytes try potassium/magnesium. Read read read. Blessings , Kay

    Reply
  4. Case Anderson

    Drop the drugs and ask your pharmacist for a saline rinse – all natural, more effective and much cheaper than other meds. this has never failed me or anyone I have recommended it to.

    Reply
  5. Eleni

    My 5 year old has the same problem the doctor gave her Flonase and that helped and she also told us to cut down on dairy products. I pray that it helps you too.

    Reply
  6. Francis

    In 2012 I bought a chemical that I used to spray around my garden. In the process of mixing the chemical I inhaled it. And from then on I developed a problem of stuffy and itchy nose and I sneeze a lot. My question is, does tea tree oil heal sinuses? Thanks.

    Reply
  7. zikamabahari Adam

    I’m Adam from Rwanda. I am suffering from stuffy nose for quite sometime. Also my right ear gets blocked. I’ve tried all kinds of medicaments to no vail. I need help please. God bless you! Adam

    Reply
  8. Mike

    I’m suffering from the blocked nasal passages (swollen nasal membranes). I can’t sleep and fall asleep only when I’m exhausted from sleep deprivation. I have tried everything I can to fall asleep – prop myself up in a chair, steam, saline sprays, etc. but nothing works. This results in not being able to sleep for periods of 24 to 36 hours or longer on a regular basis. Afrin spray helps open the nasal passage but the side effects are worse than sleeplessness so I don’t use this anymore. Any thoughts out there on what I can do to sleep with this condition? I just passed the 24 hour mark of staying awake and not able to sleep tonight.

    Reply
  9. vilas

    Or drink through a straw 🙂

    Reply
  10. Johngordon

    I tried garlic capsules and they are nowhere as good as fresh garlic. Taking 2 cloves a day works best!

    Reply
  11. Vicki

    I have had chronic sinusitis my whole life and surgery on them. What helps Tremendously is drinking Apple Cider Vinegar (says With the Mother on label) I add two Tablespoons to aprox. ¾ cup of water twice a day for 5 days to began with then once a day. If I stop drinking it after a few days my nose gets stuffy again. So I know it helps. I felt a difference after only 4 days of trying this. This is natural and far better than popping pills and nasal sprays. I do worry that it is hard on my teeth so I either brush or rinse with plain water.

    Reply
  12. Yvonne

    I am looking for cure for mold in the sinuses and nasal passages. Please help.

    Reply
  13. Nabin acharya

    I’m also suffering from same kind of problem. Did you get any suggestion from anyone? Please share with me too.

    Reply
  14. dharmendra jian

    I have alternative nose blockage problem from last 4-5 years. when my one nose is open other get block after 3-4 hours my block nose is completely open and open nose is completely or partially block. pls suggest me what is the reason of this problem, what is the name of this problem what treatment for this problem for completely cure.

    Reply
  15. Sam

    Thanks Jeanette for your time and detailed response!

    Reply
  16. jeanette

    yes i’m a nose donor but u don’t want mine. i’m looking for a new nose too. that was comical voldomort

    Reply
  17. jeanette

    the fresh garlic bulb kills the bacteria from the sinus goop like mold that causes the sinus bacteria congestion ect…….. your welcome sam

    Reply
  18. jeanette

    it should say on the garlic bottle i’m not sure how many pills a day I only did the garlic bulb more strong and potent and I do the sinus rinse bottle and alkalol bottle helps a lot they have that at walgreens and make sure u mix the blue saline packet with the alkalol it dissolves the congestion in sinuses

    Reply
  19. jeanette

    take your blankets pillow cases and bed sheets and put them in a freezer for five hours to kill the dust mites and then wash in wash machine

    Reply
  20. Sam

    Hi Jeanette, I’m gonna try garlic remedy. Do you think garlic capsules would work the same? How many capsules a day should I take??
    Thanks!

    Reply
  21. jeanette

    there is also garlic pills also

    Reply
  22. jeanette

    fresh garlic bulbs take one clove off of bulb peel it take fingers and rub the clove and smell it with your nose three times a day and I don’t have the congestion in nose and the throat or chest

    Reply
  23. lINDA

    Hello there, I have heard that ginseng helps a stuffy nose and inflammation but some types of ginseng work as mao inhibotors similar to psyche meds so if your taking those I would not take it… I took one tablespoon of unrefined organic flax oil for my stuffy nose. It was said to lower histimine levels I also read that diabetics are to be careful of it and it also works like a blood thinner. I already see and. I am also going to google aplha lipoic acid to see if this will help at all. I see and improvement in the first half hour of taking it. improvement and I will know more tonite..My symptoms are worse at nite I read to to also avoid red med as it contributes to inflammation. Drinking lots of water can lower histimine levels in your body also. Life will get better for you . You will be alright. This is my first time having allergies and I tried everything and my doctor added singulair to my zyrtec and flonse. So far , I don’t have any side affects from singulair and it does help me breath better but last nite was still bothersome so I am doing the flax oil. The pharmacist said it was safe to take with all of my medications. I usually get a stomache ache from ground flax but I didn’t with the oil. Good luck. I hope helped someone.

    Reply
  24. rajsingh

    SER PLEASE TELL ME THAT.meri noise se pani tapkta h or kafi chike aati h.m bhut paresan hu najle SE.PLEASE TELL ME SOME ADVICE FOR RELIEF

    Reply
  25. Corina

    Vika, I did the biofeedback testing in Canada. One web site that is helpful is http://www.inht.ca/Practioners. The lady I went to was in Dorchester. Can’t say enough good about this procedure. Its simple,easy and painless and it works.

    Reply
  26. Melissa Durham

    my son he is 3 years old han have been suffering from serious nasel congestion and runny nose i have given everything his doctor has giving me and it has not worked so i need to find out what home remendies i can use please help me

    Reply
  27. Vika

    Corina, can you share where you have done this treatment of BIOFEEDBACK ANALYSIS? Is this in US or Canada? Could you please give some recommendations on how to find the right one? Thank you so much in advance!!!!!

    Reply
  28. corina

    I have suffered with sinus congestion and infections for years. For some time I was sick three days a week every week. Bad headache one day, severe headache, throwing up, dizzy and stay in bed the next day, third day feeling weak and yucky.I was living off sinus pills, tried all kinds of homoepathic and herbal concoctions used the netti pot 4-5 times a day. Sometimes I would have some relief but it was short lived. I was at my wits end and then I found out about BIOFEEDBACK ANALYSIS TESTING. I was treated for a few months (1 treatment every other week) and feel like a new person now. I highly recomend this easy treatment. Its been just over a year since I started treatments and I’ve had only 2 infections since but not half as severe. I can’t say enough about how well this went for me. Hope this works for others:)

    Reply
  29. Wayne Simon

    In response to Sue Wedde’s post, it is a bit concerning that the left side is always involved. I was recently diagnosed and treated for viral meningo-encephelitis which for almost a month was treated as a sinus infection!!. If I were you I would get a second opinion.

    Reply
  30. sue wedde

    About every 4 to 6 weeks I get sick.Pain on left side of head face and ear. Sleep alot when I’m like this. Dr puts me on an antibiotic and I get better. I know it’s not good so take so much of that. I had this for several years.Any suggestions?

    Reply
  31. Kathryn K.

    Just a comment around Oregano Oil…some people have posted that it has helped their sinus/nasal congestion…it contains rosmarinic acid which is an antihistamine…see histamine causes blood vessels to widen which can occur in both the sinuses and the nasal passages…the sinus opening (ostia) is quite small so if there is a lot of swelling around that opening the sinuses won’t drain properly.

    Reply
  32. Voldemort

    Uh… Keflex won’t do the trick. My doctor told me that after complaints. A question though. Are there any nose donors anywhere? I figure I can defeat Harry Potter with one.

    Reply
  33. The Thinker

    I have discovered that peppermints work for me when I have nasal congestion. My sinuses get so bad that I get terrible sinus headaches. Peppermints or Listerine Cool Mint Breath Strips have worked better than anything else I have purchased.

    Reply
  34. clara

    he can help you if you have any eye problem, i was suffering from shot sightness and he cast a spiritual spell to help me gain my sight back again… is a specialist when he comes to eye problem. you can reach via: indianspell@yahoo.com

    Reply
  35. redginger

    I used to have severe problems with different areas of the Country and the Flora, until I discovered taking bee pollen from the areas stopped the wheezing and sneezing.

    Reply
  36. sunshine

    i seem to have sinus problems particularity when we go south.I live in central Canada and when we go south in the winter I get kinda sick.I’m so tired of this,as we go south for a winter holiday.But it’s not a holiday for me anymore.I sometimes get bronchitis and now have got a severe case of sinus problems,almost like hay fever.I wonder if the flowers do this to me…just don’t know.What should I do?Anybody have some ideas?

    Reply
  37. Julie

    I’ve had sinus problems forever. Use nasonex, neti pot with saline packets I buy ready to go. Is there something better to use than these? I’ve had Augmenten, then keflex since Christmas, plus a steroid shot. Thought I was getting better and not– and still have junk in my throat, coughing. After using neti pot I don’t blow much out my nose. Xray showed my sinuses were enlarged. I just bough oil of oregano capsules. Should I have gotten the oil? I do use a humidifer in the winter. I’ve not tried putting oil in it. I do put euculyups oil on a cotton ball and set next to my bed, and put some under my nose. Doc says I am obscessed with my sinuses. Guess he has never had the problem!

    Reply
  38. tesna

    i am having bad breath for the past 15 yrs from my nose and mouth . i am using nasal rinse for the past 3 weeks, but not cured completely.I will be checking with homeo today ,to start medicines, to see if by homeo , i can get rid of bad breath

    Reply
  39. tesna

    i am having bad breath for the past 15 yrs from my nose and mouth . i am using nasal rinse for the past 3 weeks, but not cured completely.I will be checking with homeo today ,to start medicines, to see if by homeo , i can get rid of bad breath

    Reply
  40. RKT

    I am not able to speak properly like i use to earlier.. I do not know the reason but its getting difficult day by day i did consult a doctor but it reduced for few days and again started.. especially in winter… please help me.. its there almost from 2 years now. which pops up during winter….

    Reply
  41. Jenni

    I’m 10 weeks pregnant and suffer from really bad allergies. My nose is always stuffed up and clogged. Yet still leaks. I have blowen/wiped my nose soo much that I have rubbed it red and raw. Not to mention, the skin on the top left and bottom right is a big cold sore type thing from rubbing/wiping the skin away. I wake up every morning on top of the typical morning sickness a puke because of all the mucous that drips in the back of my throat. At times when I blow my nose it feels as though my ear pops and liquid pours out. Then my hearing is very muffled and I then get very light headed. Though I must add that no liquid comes out. It only feels like it. I freaked out the first time it happened and thought I popped my ear drum or something. So I immediately checked my ear with a Q-Tip to see if anything was on it. I got nothing. I feel as though I can’t get the right amount of sleep no matter how hard I try. If you have any idea’s
    Please help

    Reply
  42. angella simmonds

    whenever I drink anything cold my sinus blocked up why is that.

    Reply
  43. justAnotherPatient

    @Mujahid ai KHan

    by the sounds of it you have something similar I lived with for about 5 years. Every morning when I wake up I keep sneezing and runny nose, or if you are exposed directly to sun light you would also sneeze.

    I found cure but please make sure you follow it as much as possible for the best results. By no means I am a professional or have any authority to prescribe you any remedies but this is simply to help out other fellow patients like myself.

    I got rid of sneezing in morning problem within 2 weeks completely but make sure you follow it punctually.

    Here are the things you need to do (it worked for me 100%)
    you have dry nose which is causing this
    a) drink lots of water
    b) increase humidity in your house, especially where you sleep in night (get a humidifier which blows out mist)
    c) use a non medicated lubricant in your nose before you go to sleep
    d) keep your nose moisturised throughout the day with a non medicated lubricant
    e) rinse your sinuses with salt water
    f) keep your body warm (especially head and wear socks at night)

    If all this works for you, you owe me just a million dollah!

    Reply
  44. RAJNI DIWAN

    I have a difficult in speaking clearly due to nasal block.
    Please help which gives me permanent relief.

    Reply
  45. Mujahid ai KHan

    I have been suffering from nose allergy coryza for last 7 years.whenever i ger up early in the morning then too many sneez come n every time my nose runs, wat i do plzz help me?

    Reply
  46. toni

    I have suffered with Hay fever and sinusitis for years, I have found that gargling with hydrogine peroxide for about 5 minutes gave me complete releif. Do not swallow it just garlgle.

    Reply
  47. Nicole Reger

    My husband and I moved into our house 2 in a half months ago and I have not been able to breath since then. We have an outside wood stove and that is what heats up our water and house, so I am positive that is what the problem is. Just the past 3 weeks is when my sleep apnea started. I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO SLEEP AGAIN. I wake up several times in the middle of the night because I can’t breath and my mouth is SO VERY dry from trying to breath through my mouth instead. Its interfering with my work and me going to college. I have dark circles under my eyes now:/ I have taken 3 different sinus congestion medicines and not one have worked the slightest. I am starting to forget what it was like to breath through my nose. I don’t know what to do…perhaps it’s bad enough to go to the doctors??

    Reply
  48. khaleel

    i am suffering from nose block and i miss air in my head n now my stomach start get lot of pain and i get a depress as soon my nose block

    Reply