How to Clear Your Nose Naturally

As flu and cold season creeps up, our noses begin to ache for a clean sniff. We blow our nose, which doesn’t help, and turn to decongestant medicine, which makes us drowsy and even a little dizzy.

Are there ways for you to clear your nose naturally that actually work? Luckily, there are, and they aren’t as expensive or complicated as you might think they are.

Here we will describe 4 ways to clear your nose naturally right at home – just in time for the seasonal cold that is bound to come around.

Neti Pot and other sinus irrigation devices

The Neti Pot, originally invented in 2003, was designed to irrigate the nasal cavity with saline water, and flush out dirt and excess mucus. If you have never tried it before, the following description might not seem very pleasing, but it is incredibly effective.

1. A saline solution is added to the Neti Pot, which is made by boiling water (16 ounces or one pint), and adding one teaspoon of salt.
2. Stir until it is dissolved and add to the Neti pot.
3. Let the water cool until it is lukewarm.
4. Tilt your head to the side and put the spout of the net pot on your top nostril, so that it covers the opening.
5. Make sure you close off the flow of air from your nose to your mouth.
6. Slowly tilt the Neti pot until water starts to pour it. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but the water, with nowhere else to go, will flow out of your other (bottom) nostril.
7. Continue, taking pauses when needed, until you notice the water flowing more freely and remove from your nostril.
8. Using warm water, remove the mucus that comes out of your nostril. Tilt your head the other way and repeat.
9. After you are finished, you may lightly blow your nose to remove any excess mucus.

Make sure to disinfect your net pot after each use to avoid recontamination.

Peppermint Essential Oil

The menthol in peppermint essential oil is very effective for clearing your nose and sinuses. You can make a natural balm with peppermint essential oil and a carrier oil, like cocoa butter or olive oil.

1. Add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil to 1-2 tbsp of your carrier oil
2. Mix well until there is no visible separation
3. Rub on your chest using a circular motion

Rest and take deep breaths for the peppermint oil to circulate through your lungs, nose, and throat.

Warm Compress

If you don’t have a Neti Pot or peppermint essential oil, this is a great quick fix.

1. Put warm water in a bowl
2. Set up a place to lay down and relax facing up
3. Soak a washcloth in the water
4. Remove excess water from the washcloth
5. Place over your nose, eyes, and mouth, and breath slowly in and out so that the moist warm air filters through the cloth and into your nose.
6. Repeat if necessary
7. Once you feel the mucus in your nose loosening up, you might have to blow your nose before continuing

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Try these three at-home remedies to clear your nose naturally. Trying them right before going to bed could help you sleep deeper and more relaxed, without the upset of waking up thanks to your obstructed airways.