Home Remedies For Congestion: 9 Ways To Feel Better In 2023

Congestion can be incredibly annoying, leading to a persistent feeling of heaviness in our chests and heads, as well as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty sleeping. Unfortunately, congestion has been around for a long time and is likely to stick around for a while. But there are some tried and true home remedies that may help relieve the symptoms of congestion. Here are nine home remedies for congestion that you should consider in 2023.

1. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is one of the best home remedies for congestion. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin out the mucus and can help clear out the passages in your nose and sinuses. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, and if you can, also drink herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger, which all have natural anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Humidify The Air

Keeping the air in your home humid can help alleviate congestion. When the air is dry, it can dry out your nasal passages and make the mucus thicker and harder to clear out. Using a humidifier, especially in the bedroom, can help keep the air moist and make breathing easier.

3. Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation is one of the oldest and most effective home remedies for congestion. The steam helps to loosen the mucus, making it easier to expel. To do this, fill a bowl with hot (not boiling) water and add a few drops of essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary. Place your head over the bowl, cover it with a towel, and inhale the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Saline Solutions

Saline solutions can help to flush out the nasal passages and clear out any excess mucus. You can buy over-the-counter saline sprays or you can make a solution at home. To make a saline solution, simply mix ¼ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda in one cup of warm water. Then, using a nasal bulb or a nasal spray bottle, squirt the solution into your nostrils.

5. Eat Spicy Foods

Spicy foods, such as chili peppers, can help to clear out the nasal passages and reduce congestion. The capsaicin in chili peppers has natural decongestant properties and can help to loosen the mucus. Try adding some chili peppers to your meals and see if it helps.

6. Try A Neti Pot

A neti pot is a device that is used to flush out the nasal passages with a saline solution. To use a neti pot, fill it with a saline solution (as mentioned above) and tilt your head over the sink. Then, insert the spout of the neti pot into one nostril, and the solution will flow through your nasal passages and come out of the other nostril.

7. Gargle With Salt Water

Gargling with salt water can help to clear out the throat and reduce coughing. To do this, mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. You can do this several times a day.

8. Avoid Irritants

Avoiding irritants, such as smoke, pollen, and dust, can help to reduce congestion. If possible, keep the windows in your home closed and use an air purifier to filter the air.

9. Get Plenty Of Rest

Getting plenty of rest is essential for helping the body to fight off infection and heal itself. Make sure to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night while you're dealing with congestion.

Congestion can be incredibly annoying, but with these nine home remedies, you may be able to find some relief in 2023. Remember to stay hydrated, humidify the air, do steam inhalations, use saline solutions, eat spicy foods, try a neti pot, gargle with salt water, avoid irritants, and get plenty of rest. With any luck, these remedies may help you feel better soon!