7 effective home remedies for runny nose

Published on:9 January 2024, 18:30pm IST

A runny nose is caused by an excess of mucus production in your nasal passages. These home remedies for runny nose will keep you hydrated and moisten the nasal area to help you feel comfortable.

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Sip a hot tea
Herbal tea for runny nose

Try any herbal tea such as chamomile, ginger, mint, or nettle to get rid of a congested nose. Herbal tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that help you soothe sore throat andclean congested airways. So, make yourself a cup of herbal tea and inhale the steam too for added benefits. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Take steam
steam for runny nose

Heat some water in a clean pot so that there is enough steam created. Now, place your face a few inches above the steam for about 15 minutes. Take deep breaths while you do it. Blow your nose afterward to get rid of the mucus. Facial steam helps loosen the mucus and relieve the runny nose, which can be beneficial for you. Do this twice or thrice a day to relieve symptoms. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Opt for a hot shower
hot shower for runny nose

Sometimes a hot shower is all you need to get rid of runny and stuffy nose. Standing under a hot shower can help reduce the problem. Not only does it help you get relief from a miserable cold, but it also helps relax your mind. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Try a neti pot
neti pot for runny nose

An age-old remedy, using a neti pot can help you get rid of problems like runny nose and congestion. A neti pot is a small teapot-like container that has a sprout. All you need todo is add salt water to the pot and then pour the solution through one of the nostrils and out the other. It will rinse all the sinuses. However, you have to be careful when you do this as doing it wrong can worsen it. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Eat spicy food
spicy food for runny nose

Yes, spicy foods can cause a runny nose at first but it will make it better later. Chilli peppers contain capsaicin, which is a chemical that makes your food spicy. You can add cayenne pepper, wasabi, ginger, and other such spices in your diet. In addition to making food seem hotter, these spices open up the body's airways and help treat sinus problems. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Warm compress
warm compress for runny nose

You can apply a warm compress to alleviate a runny nose. Soak a soft cloth in warm water, wringing out excess and placing it over the bridge of your nose. The warmth helps open nasal passages, easing congestion, while the moisture soothes irritated tissues. Use caution to prevent burns, and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Humidifier
humidifier for runny nose

Water is turned into vapour by humidifiers to moisten otherwise dry air. Moisture aids in thinning and displacing mucus and relieving nasal irritation when inhaled. A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology found that inhaling warm steam from a humidifier improves mucus buildup that occurs due to allergic rhinitis. It is important to clean it regularly to make sure no mold or bacteria is breeding on it. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock