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Congestion takes place when the mucous membranes lining in the nasal passages becomes swollen due to inflamed blood vessels. This is also known as blocked nose or nasal blockage.
It can range from a mild suffering to a more serious condition which can turn life threatening at times. Nasal congestion can interfere with the ears, hinder speech and hearing and at times also sleep. It is a common assumption that the nose gets congested due to too much thick mucous but it is actually caused by inflamed blood vessels which in turn inflame the tissues lining the nose.
Congestion is normally caused by viral and bacterial infections and it usually follows the common cold, influenza and sinus infection. Sometimes it is also caused by nasal polyps, hay fever, allergies, and extensive use of nasal sprays or drops. Decongestants and nasal sprays should not be used as they only succeed in aggravating the condition.
Effective Remedies For Congestion
Steam
Take some boiling water in a pan and place the pan on a table. Sit at the table and bend your face over the pan. Drape a large towel over your head so that the steam remains trapped inside. Now inhale the hot steam deeply through the nose.
Inhale till the water turns tepid and the steam loses the warmth. The moist steam will soothe the inflamed tissues and the blood vessels and will reduce the swelling considerably. Take the steam three times daily for faster relief.
Ajwain
Take a thin cotton handkerchief and place a teaspoon of ajwain at its centre. Tie the seeds to form a compact sachet. Heat a griddle and place the sachet on it. When it becomes hot, lift it from the griddle and bring it close to your nose. Inhale the fumes deeply.
Heat the sachet again and repeat the process for five minutes. The congestion will clear almost immediately and will bring great relief in the throat and the chest. Use this remedy two times daily till completely healed.
Also Read
Home Remedies For Congestion
Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion
Treatment For Throat Congestion
Immunity Boosting Foods
Turmeric
Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce the swelling and calm the irritated tissues and blood vessels. The antioxidant properties detoxify the body and boost immunity. Turmeric also has potent antiviral and antibacterial virtues. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with hot milk and drink twice daily.
Garlic
Garlic brings down the swelling and clears the congestion very quickly. It also eradicates the infection and cures the common cold and flue. Boil one tomato in a glass of water. Mash the tomato and strain the juice. If the juice has become cold, heat it. Add three cloves of minced garlic to it. Sprinkle some salt and pepper and drink this hot tea twice daily.
Ginger
Grate a big piece of ginger and squeeze it to extract the juice. Take a teaspoon of this juice and warm it a little. Add a teaspoon of honey to it and drink the mixture before it gets cold. The ant-inflammatory and healing properties of ginger will bring quick relief and will clear the air passages thoroughly.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.