Your body has all sorts of natural ways to flush microbes, allergens and irritants out of it. A runny nose is often due to the increase in the amount of mucous produced in the sinuses as well as nasal passages in order to get rid of anything that causes colds, flu and allergy. Headaches, earaches and coughing may result from having the condition.
Various over-the-counter medications for a runny nose are available. However, they do come with side effects such as drowsiness, nausea and dizziness. It’s not unlikely for these orally-taken solutions to cause dryness of the nose, mouth and even throat. Some people who take these drugs may suffer from nervousness and insomnia too.
Instead of popping a pill in your mouth, there are a handful of effective home remedies that you may opt for if you are bugged by a runny nose. What’s so nice about these solutions is they enable you to provide relief from the condition and its signs and symptoms, but without leaving side effects. Additionally, many of them are so easy on the budget.
Here are some of the tried-and-tested effective solutions for a runny nose:
1. Saltwater Solution
There are a couple of benefits to enjoy from instilling saltwater solution into the nasal passages. First, it helps thin out excessive mucous, making their elimination easier and your breathing more efficient. Second, it facilitates the flushing out of irritants. In 2 cups of lukewarm water, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sit down, tilt your head back and use a medicine dropper to instill the solution into the nasal passages. Blow your nose afterwards. Repeat until you attain utmost relief.
2. Turmeric
This well-known spice is also a staple in so many home remedies for various maladies because of its amazing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In order to attain relief from your runny nose using turmeric, simply dissolve a teaspoon of it in a glass of warm milk, and take it before you hit the sack. It’s also a good idea to opt for soupy meals with turmeric.
3. Raw Ginger
Many swear by the effectiveness of chewing on a small piece of raw ginger with a sprinkle of salt in alleviating the symptoms of a runny nose. You may also allow a few slices of the herb to steep in a cup of boiling water. After a few minutes, add a teaspoon of honey and slowly sip. Consume ginger tea with honey 3 to 4 times daily so you may benefit from its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Garlic
Another herb that’s proven effective against a runny nose is garlic. All you need to do is crush 3 to 4 cloves of garlic and allow it to steep in a cup of boiling water for several minutes. Afterwards, strain and sweeten with a little honey. Aside from drinking this garlic tea twice a day, you may also consume foods with lots of garlic in them.
5. Pure Honey
You may have noticed that honey has been mentioned in this list of home remedies for a runny nose more than once. This does not come as a surprise because this healthy sticky liquid is very good at providing relief against a runny nose. You may dissolve a couple of tablespoons of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and take this up to twice a day. You may also add a few drops of freshly-squeezed lemon juice into the mix to help boost your immune system.
6. Cayenne Pepper
If you love spicy food, have lots of them when you are having a bout of runny nose. Cayenne pepper, in particular, is said to be very good at providing relief from the condition. The super hot spice can make your runny nose run even more, and this is a good thing because the removal of microbes and irritants is hastened.
