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. rdaconnect

    This is a response to JEGAN who posted on Sept 11:
    “….The people who have IMBALANCE IN MOON ENERGY are the one who often gets Cold, and sinusitius (mainly on the left head, left nose)…” This is a fascinating theory and I’d love to know where it comes from. Intuitively it seems right to me. I was told by a Vedic astrologer many years ago that I needed to strengthen my Moon energy (wear moonstones, be freer with my emotions) and for the past two years I have been suffering from these sinus problems, predominantly in the left nostril/left sinus! Interesting. Might be a coincidence, except that I notice the situation improves dramatically when I exert myself and get active. (Sometimes I have to exercise at night just to be able to breathe enough to get to sleep.) Also, I insisted on building a little sunporch for this winter because I so craved getting more sunlight during the long gray winters of northern Indiana. I will keep track of this and see if the theory continues to hold true. In the meantime, I’ve also purchased a Sinu-Pulse nasal irrigation machine (Amazon.com) and am trying some of the fluids recipes recommended on this site. Will post again. Thanks, JEGAN.

    Reply
  2. Mato

    I am 63 and have recently suffered having a blocked nose, which would cause me a lot of trouble during night rest. I tried a simple remedy that worked for me. Do this: Before going to sleep or any time of the day, put a small amount of good quality baking soda (soda bicarbonate)on top of your forefinger and apply it to the inside of your nostrils. Try to cover lining as much as possible. Leave for a few minutes, then wash it out. After two applications I was healed. Now I apply it from time to time to prevent the blockage. Good luck and God bless you all!

    Reply
  3. alexandra

    My nasal passage is blocked. The roof of my mouth feels blocked. I make snorting sounds trying to clear it. I have diffuculty eating. My throat aches badly too. when I eat, its as if part of the food goes into my nose. My ears ache too. I spit constantly. This happens often and usually for a week. I need to know what it is so I can treat it. Please help me. Thanks

    Reply
  4. Friend

    For Nose blockage try Efcorlin, it will give u immediate reliefe. but for long term go for Hemopathic. God bless you and good luck. I am having same problem.

    Reply
  5. jaya

    i am having a serious nose block from past 2 months…please help me its getting difficult for me to breathe now…someone please help me..:( 🙁

    Reply
  6. jaya

    i am having a serious nose block from past 2 months…please help me its getting difficult for me to breathe now…someone please help me..:( 🙁

    Reply
  7. liv

    Every time winter even starts to show any signs my nose blocks up and i feel like i can barely breathe on nights, it take hours for me to be able to feel like i can sleep without having the subconcious fear of suffocating. by far the best thing i have found is a vicks nasal inhaler you simply pop it at the bottom of one or your nasal passages and hold the other closed and take a deep breathe in through the nose, it smells of mint and works almost instantly i highly recommend!!!

    Reply
  8. Sue Williams

    The greatest thing that we have found for allergies is drops from Allergy Associates of LaCrosse. They are located in Onalaska, WI. The drops give you small doses of what you are allergic to. This builds up your immunity to them and eventually cures you of your allergies. We saw great results in just weeks. They also do food allergies. I recommended for anyone suffering from any kind of allergy.

    Reply
  9. ketan shah

    I am suffering from5 years nasal blockage and an allergy from dust for quiet a long span of years . I had tried a lot of medicine after consulting tvarious doctors in my town.,or now take homiyopathy for 2 years But still i am having the same condition , Kindly help me with this all year cold and cough and give me some permanent solution

    Reply
  10. shruti

    i m also suffering from such problem, having blocked nose at early morning, doctors has told me to tak nas and avoid cilling fan, i m doing this but still i hav this problem, pranayam is cure of any deases bt i cnt do it because of blocked nose 🙁 well,here m expecting any solution.. i m female 23 yrs old.. plz help me out

    Reply
  11. Rajesh gattani

    I am suffering from nasal blockage at night early morning and an allergy from dust for quiet a long span of years .allergy hi . From almost 2 year take homeopathy but no results what I do ? Pls help .

    Reply
  12. Raj Maheshwari

    I am suffering from5 years nasal blockage and an allergy from dust for quiet a long span of years . I had tried a lot of medicine after consulting tvarious doctors in my town.,or now take homiyopathy But still i am having the same condition , Kindly help me with this all year cold and cough and give me some permanent solution pls call 9323035882 raj mumbai

    Reply
  13. elzabet

    jaya I am sorry about your baby she is to young to suffer like this. Give her extra vitamin c, you can put the vitamin in a juice every day I hove that helps.

    Good luck

    Reply
  14. Nonyana

    My 16 months daughter is an allegist and she had been coughing for 3 months now and some times has running nose and they(nose) got blocked. I took her to a doctor several time but no change. What is the best remedy for her?

    Reply
  15. Twila Grandchamp

    Does sleeping under a ceiling fan on high help or hurt my sinus/

    Reply
  16. Gurdeep Singh

    I am 25 and have been suffering from frontal sinusitis for the last 6 years. It has gotten progressively worse. but the main problem is imbalancing my body. so please advice me

    Reply
  17. Jegan

    Dear All

    I have been analysing the cause of this cold and sinusitis for past few years and recently i found a link….It need a bit of explanation..pl. have patience..

    In our body, God has given “pair” of many body parts…even Nostrils are two…Two halves of brain…and in our body there are 3 energy systems at work…One is called Sun Energy (or Male energy), second is Moon Energy (or female energy) and thir one is the Sushmana Energy (which is derived when sun and moon energy annihilate together.. The people who have IMBALANCE IN MOON ENERGY are the one who often gets Cold, and sinusitius (mainly on the left head, left nose)… The people who have IMBALANCE IN SUN ENERGY do not get cold but will get sinusitis on the RIGHT FOREHEAD…

    Now the Question is how to get rid of these problems..

    Balancing Moon Energy: Whenever we get emotional we get tears (i.e., water) and at that time the MOON ENERGY in the body supercedes everyother energy…So, in a rever way the people who get cold and left sinusitis need to increase their SUN ENERGY….by either doing BRISK EXERCISE or STAND IN SUN LIGHT or Try to see some Action Movies so that you get that BRISK energy in your body..or apply warmth on your both the palms and legs..and apply warmth on your nails.

    The people who have more SUN ENERGY, will get headache often on right head…and they will get sleep problem…and they will be over ambitious..will have HEART PROBLEM in the long run…and hence if they want to balanc it then they need to relax..and need to see emotional movies…speak loving words…and feel pity for other…and drink lot of water..

    I hope that the above points will help you recover…

    Best Wishes in the name of God…..

    Reply
  18. Sid

    I have suffered terrible chronic sinusitis all my life for decades, and was very dependent on daily steroids to have a normal functioning life. But the steroids have side effects, so I stopped using it and turned to natural remedy. It actually worked very fast and I was astonished. Take 2 dozens of goji berries just before going to sleep (or you can replace with other potent vitamin C fruits and berries). Try sleeping on your back and don’t put your face towards the pillows or mattress because of dust mites. Take 2 or 3 drops of oil of oregano daily throughout the day. And flush out your sinus using a netipot daily (once your sinus cures, you can stop using the pot). You must add salt into the netipot, preferably using himalayan mountain salt or sea salt. I recommend the former. And that’s it, my sinus was cured in the shortest possible time after suffering for 25 years. It also helps a lot to eat kefir or probiotics daily. My skin has never looked better now too.

    Reply
  19. sruthi

    my baby of 6 months old suffering with cold?can i use eucyalyptus oil for her and how can i use it?

    Reply
  20. Alejandro

    Hey Anngell, have you tried with homeopathy? It’s done wonders for some people I know who had severe allergy / asthma problems. Also you could go with Ayurveda and Acupuncture, I know they help in some cases. Hope you get better, just don’t give up and keep trying!

    Reply
  21. Anonymous

    NASAL CONGESTION MAKE GARLIC JUICE PUT 2 DROPS EACH IN THE NOSTRIL AT NIGHT IT WILL BURN AT FIRST.

    Reply
  22. mukesh

    where can i get oil of oregano in bangalore.Pls tell me its urgent.

    Reply
  23. Raju Neyonghang

    i hve a sever sinusitis allergy.I hve tried several thousand of ways for controlling it but, it wont work so far.As jal neti,accupunture,steam but it doesn’t work what other homepathy remedies is there plz help me

    Reply
  24. Anngell

    I am 23 & hav bin coughin 4 d past 15 years without cure.I hav used both medical & traditional herbs but 2 no avail,I hav gone 2 countless hospitals 4 differend typs of test & treatment but all in vein.D cough is not a communicable one becoz dos wit me neva contacted it.Each tym I cough,my chest respond 2 it wit much tears on my eyes & my throat scratch me alot.Sumtyms I do tink mayb God made me dat way coz am even tired of it.PLZ HELP ME OUT WIT D FINAL SOLUTION.*tears*

    Reply
  25. simarpreet singh batra

    re to get relief from sinus

    Reply
  26. Bharti Bansal

    Oregano oil’s local name in India is “Ajwain”.

    Reply
  27. Meh

    Sleep with a humidifier it helps, it might seems childish. But the water vapor helps to loosen your nasal passages as you sleep, thus allowing you to breath easy. In affect it reconditions how you breath naturally overtime, but if your problem serious its better to see a doctor.

    Reply
  28. M.S.AZMI

    Dear sir,I am suffering from nose block since more than 15 yrs
    due to mucus/phelgm collection.Breathing becomes difficult. I
    Have to depend on nasal drops.Once nose is cleared,breathing
    is very comfortable.
    Please advise for permanent cure.

    Reply
  29. Chen

    I suffered from nasal block for few years now and it getting worse. Doctor normally precribed me cetrizine, oxynase spray and saline but it seemed not working at all. Now I run into sleeping disorder where I only sleep sleep less than 8 hours for the last 4-5 days. i would appreciate for everyone sharing the possible remedy I could & btw thank for some sharing which I may give a try… Cheers

    Reply
  30. prashant gupta

    I am suffering from nasal blockage and an allergy from dust for quiet a long span of years .
    I had tried a lot of medicine after consulting to various doctors in my town., But still i am having the same condition , Kindly help me with this all year cold and cough and give me some permanent or temporary measure.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  31. LT

    Diana S. you are most likely allergic to your cat or pet dander. Try keeping your pet out of the bedroom if you can’t part with it. Allegra-D & Benadryl helps.

    Reply
  32. denay

    my 5 yr old son has been suffring from chronic sinusitis, we think from mold contamination, we have since moved, wondering if tea tree oil can help clear this?

    Reply
  33. jaya

    My baby has problem of conjution Most of the time her nose is blocked giving medicine but when we stop giving medicine it turns again.She is only 2 years & 8 months.Pls suggest what should i give her.She is very sensitive also.She has low immunity problem & she catch up disease easily.

    I m very upset.Pls suggest if anyone can help me out by suggesting something.

    Regards,
    Jaya

    Reply
  34. Leona

    I have been using Oil of Oregano for over 10 years and I rarely get a full-blown sinus infection anymore. I also suggest using a Netti Pot to flush out and hydrate your sinuses. This will prevent an infection.

    Reply
  35. Fran Winiarski

    I am 73 years old. I had sinus problems all of my life. Visit my site http://www.howicuredmysinusnasalproblems.com
    It work a miricle for me.

    Reply
  36. Jay

    Omveer, I think Oregano in Hindi is Ajwain plant. However, some people think it’s Sathra,or Mirzanjosh. I’d say take a look at the Ajwain plant and see if the leaves look like the Oregano plant. You can easily find images on the web. Good luck!

    Reply
  37. omveer

    hi i am omveer from india, i also having the problem of nasal blockage, some one has suggested the oil Oregano which might be found in india also in other name, if some one please tell the local indian name, pls suggest. thanks.

    Reply
  38. sabita singh

    i dont have running nose but my left nostril gets block usually its more problematic at night .
    please can u give me correct suggestion?
    i m 3 months pregnant so have not used medicine.

    Reply
  39. mahboob

    I am suffering from chronic sinusitis since 15 years, a thick white mucus which i need to drain daily otherwise too much headache and making my life horrible. Had sinus surgery no use,, is there any permanent cure for this… please please do mail me.

    Reply
  40. DKW

    I have been suffering from a stuffy nose, sinus congestion, sinus infections for 6 onths now. I have tried all types of over the counter allergy pills, antibiotics, menthol vapor, nose sprays and rubs!!!!! NOTHING HELPED!
    A friend suggested I try Oil od Oregano for my allergies. Best thing I have done in 6 months! In 5 days I feel 110% better. No more sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, etc….
    I take it 2 times a day. LOVE IT!!!!!!
    Good luck to all and give it a try……what do you have to loose? I gained 54 nights good sleep so far.

    Reply
  41. Marko Malou

    I have been suffering from nasal swam, my breathing haven,t been well since 2007 upto date,frequence spiting and some kind of smelling.

    Reply
  42. preeti

    My daughter is suffering from nasal congestion by birth. She is now 5 n half years. Every winter season she is facing this problem. His nose is almost blocked n she use to breath only from mouth, can u please tell me the diet food from she can be relief from this problem?

    Reply
  43. KB

    I have had blocked nose for about 6 months now. Anti alergice do help for a while, but the allergy is back soon after i stop taking the aniti allergics. Same is the case for otrivin.
    Any physical activity opens up my blocked nose. But it comes back as soon as i stop. Is there a way to get rid of this nasal blcok

    Reply
  44. Jennifer

    Oh Yah,few more things I’ve done just need a nasal rinse with Echinicea/Golden seal with nasal Rinse,Instantly My Runny Nose & Eye’s Stopped..Trying all I can to get better,Multi-vitamin, Garlic Oil are a few other things & 2 packets of Vitamin C EMERGENCY C in 1 large glass of water..

    Reply
  45. Jennifer

    I’ve been suffering with Chronic sinusitus,2nd time turning into Lung infection,taking Leviquin 1 day,Prednisone hate it, Astmia Inubulizer, Recently started doing nasal rinse with Eucalyptus Oil 1drop,Menthol,Eucalyptus & Rosemary Seasalt for bath soaks,(yes I was Despirate this week)put a Pinch of the Sea Salt Mix in,Got at Whole Food market,can mix your self)Did Once with the nasal rinse,then Followed up with another Reg.salt nasl irragation Rinse,My Sinus’ Opened up Finally & Started Running out of me,My Eyes & Nose has been running like crazy & Coughing up lots of musus from Lung infection, Did only once though..Then Soaked face in Hot wash cloth with Eucalptus Oil only 1 drop,is real strong,if you can handle more then go for it,Open ups air ways ASAP! Makes you cough it Up any more..Been adding eucalptus oil & Tea tree oil in Humitifyer at Night to Sleep…My Husbands stopped snoring at night even~~ last 2 days added Vitamin E Oil,with 1 drop of tea tree oil & Eucayptus oil in on finger tips & Messaged on face,for face has been Twitching from sinusitis & Is feelin better as well…I Think This Eucalptus oil & Tea Tree is The Ultimate Gift for Sinus suffers as myself..Looks like Oregano Oil & Olive oil as well is a goof one to add from you advice on the Board,I will add them too…Have a Polip in Left Sinus Cavity thats been they’re for 5 years & has gotten larger this past CT scan done last Monday…Been a ruff past 2 weeks…My Daughter has a Sinus infection as well,fromm Virus..So Going to message her face in Vitamin E Oil,Tea tree & eucalptus oil..I think this is the real relief…She’s only 8 so need to be more careful with her & skin sensitivity to it….Best of luck To US ALL..God Bless

    Reply
  46. Shafik Patel

    Hello i’m a internationally known yoga master, teaching the goodness of yoga to the people of india and abroad for over a decade. If you have any kind of nasal problem, please try yoga from a perfect master and get 100% relief.

    Reply
  47. Rob

    I tried Sinus Buster and it didn’t do anything for me other than burn when I sprayed it in my nose. It was a complete waste of money. I’m going to try Oil of Oregano.

    Reply
  48. Dina

    For Renu Arora, My dad had nasal congestion through out his life until he started taking Oil of Oregano and used Tea Tree Oil remedy. Oil of oregano is a natural antibiotic and an immune booster. It helps with sinus and lung congestion. Simply take 3-4 drops of Oregano oil under your tongue or mix them in some juice everyday. For Tea tree oil remedy, mix 2-3 drops of TT Oil into a cup of boiling water and inhale the vapours until the water is cold. These 2 things along with rinsing the nostrils a couple of times a day with clean water helped him. I hope it helps you too!
    Good luck..

    Reply
  49. Renu Arora

    I have had bad cough from last 2 years almost & took so many treatments but nothing worked & now trying naturalpathy. Doctor is giving some different oil massage on neck & down also the steam bath along with massage but still unable to see any improvement.
    In reports it shows that there is some congestion in lungs & if it last long then it may cause harm to liver.
    Can you please help ??

    Reply
  50. Jack

    Hi,
    Im Jack. I saw your comment asking where to find Oil of Oregano. Any health food store should have it.
    I found mine at a private owned health food store, so if a small store carries it, they all should.
    Mine was for a bottle of 60 caplets (they look like small vitamin E ). I have had sinus problems all my life (deviated septum), over the counter & prescription sinus meds would only open 1 side or the other of my nose. Maybe 30-40 minutes after I took the first caplet, BOTH sides were open.
    & it lasts a long time. I havent found any dosage info anywhere but I take 1 in the morning, & 1 in the evening.
    The only side effect I have encountered was an increase in my sex drive. Oil of Oregano is AWSOME.!!!

    Good Luck, & have a Great Day

    Reply