10 Remedies For Runny Nose And Sneezing

We all suffer from a runny nose from time to time. It is one of the most common afflictions of the human body. It can also be one of its most irritating. A runny nose is usually accompanied by bouts of sneezing that can leave us tired, stressed and quite annoyed. The reasons for this condition can vary from seasonal changes, to common cold, flu and allergies.

While sneezing and a runny nose are the body’s way of getting rid of an infection, it can leave you with a red and bruised nose. There are several over-the-counter medicines available for this common condition, but there are some things you can do right at home. Take a look at some of these simple remedies before rushing to the pharmacy.

Top 10 Home Remedies For Runny Nose And Sneezing

Steam Inhalation

One of the oldest remedies for a runny nose, steam inhalation can be an effective way of clearing nasal passages. All you need is a pot of boiling water and a towel. Just cover your head with the towel, over the pot, and breathe in the steam.

You will immediately feel your nose clearing. For a better effect, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or thyme oil in the water. Make sure to keep the water temperature hot, but not too hot. Your nose would be sensitive already, so it’s wiser to not further irritate it further.

Warm Water

It is important to keep your body hydrated in this condition. You can take warm water throughout the day. This will give you the dual benefit of keeping your body hydrated and also relaxing your throat and respiratory system. You can add some honey, ginger and lime to the warm water, which will also help you.

Honey has been traditionally used as a remedy for coughs and colds. It helps soothe the nasal passages and also has antibacterial properties. You can also ingest warm water in the form of herbal teas. Simple infusions like green teas, ginger teas, and mint teas can be helpful.

Astragalus

A herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus root is known to improve the immune system and strengthen the body against cold and flu. It is clinically proven to have antiviral properties and to be an antioxidant.

You can get this herb in the form of a capsule, tea or extract. If you have a runny nose or feel a cold coming on, it can be an effective preventive measure. However, do consult your physician to know its interference with any ongoing allopathic medication.

Ginger

Another traditional remedy for a runny nose and sneezing, ginger has been traditionally used in India and China for centuries as medicine for colds and coughs. Ginger root is warming and improves circulation in the body.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve a swollen and irritated nose. You can make a simple tea using the root, with some honey and lime. Chewing a small piece of ginger is also known to be highly effective.

Sage

A simple and effective treatment for a runny nose, sage is a herb that is easy to get. You can get sage leaves, crush them, mix them with a little raw honey and consume this mixture. It is known to be useful in drying up the sinuses and help relieve you of a runny nose. You can also make a simple tea of sage leaves and have one cup a day.

Andrographis

This herb is native to India and other parts of South and South-East Asia. It has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant in folk remedies for centuries.It is known to have, among other properties, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities that made it popular as remedy against colds. It is also known to be highly effective against a runny nose and sneezing. You can ask a naturopath or homeopath for this herbal medicine.

Elderberry

Popular medicine for colds and sinus infections in folk remedies, elderberry, or black elderberry, offers another natural way of dealing with sneezing and a runny nose. It is known to have properties that fight viruses, relieve allergies and improve respiratory health. You can easily get elderberry juice, capsules or syrup.

A simple tea can also be made using elderberry, yarrow root, fresh mint and cayenne pepper. This can be a strong concoction and, at first, can result in an increase in nasal discharge. However, it will help dry up your nose faster.

Watercress

Easy to get, watercress is a simple and effective remedy against a runny nose. Because it has a high content of Vitamin C, it is known to relieve cold symptoms, like sneezing and a runny nose. You can have this leafy, nutritious vegetable raw, or make a salad of it with some honey, lime, garlic and peppers. If salad is not for your palate, you can make a tea using dried watercress.

Salt Water Solution

This is a quicker solution to a runny nose. Make a solution using non-iodized, or kosher, salt and water. You can add ¼ teaspoon of the salt, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to 8 ounces of water.Then, using an eyedropper or squeeze bottle, carefully squirt the solution in each nostril, with your head turned back. After this, blow your nose. Doing this 2 or 3 times a day can help relieve a runny nose.

Garlic

One more simple solution to help you through a runny nose is garlic. This popular root has been used in traditional folk remedies for colds and flu for centuries. It has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it an effective treatment for colds. The best way to feel the effect of garlic is to have it raw. Bite off small bits of a clove and chew it carefully.

This might be too strong for most people, as garlic has an especially strong, hot flavor. If so, then you can make sure to add garlic in your food, till the time your nose gets better.