Natural remedies have become very popular in recent years— especially for nasal congestion. But not every natural remedy works as advertised. This is especially true if you're not using the right remedy for what ails you. You wouldn't use antacids to treat a toothache, would you? It's the same idea as using the wrong remedies for a stuffy nose!
Store shelves are lined with natural versions of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for decongestion. The rows of natural alternatives to OTC medicine for sinus congestion are overwhelming. Some are more effective than others.
If you're currently struggling with congested sinuses and want relief now, here are the seven natural remedies we recommend, including the SinuSonic device— top Rhinologists’ choice for better nasal breathing.
Before we review the natural remedies that relieve congestion and a stuffy nose, it’s important to better understand what causes nasal congestion.
What Causes Nasal Congestion?
Benjamin Franklin once said, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." We think that nasal congestion should go on that list too.
Whether it's because of a common cold, allergies, or irritants in the air, everyone has dealt with a stuffy nose at some point in their lives. At its core, nasal congestion is caused by anything that inflames or irritates your nasal passages. It would take a long time to list all the potential triggers— but just a few potential causes of nasal congestion include:
- A sinus infection— also known as sinusitis
- Allergies— like a dust or animal dander allergy, or hay fever
- Allergy symptoms like inflamed or dry nasal passages, or excess mucus production
- The common cold
- Hormonal changes— including pregnancy
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated septum
- Dry air
- Nonallergic rhinitis— chronic congestion or sneezing that isn't caused by allergens
- Asthma
- Blockages or obstructions in the nose
- Sleep apnea
- Environmental irritants like smoke
Remember— not all sources of nasal congestion can be treated the same way. You can't treat a stuffy nose caused by the common cold with an antihistamine. It won't work. And while natural decongestants don't rely on drugs or other effects to help you clear your sinuses, you still need to use the right ones to get relief from your nasal congestion.
But once you know what's causing your congestion, then you can find the best way to treat it. And if you've been struggling with nasal congestion for a long time, the right treatment can make a huge difference.
One of the best ways to do this is with SinuSonic.
SinuSonic as a Natural Decongestant
SinuSonic's revolutionary device relieves nasal congestion and helps you breathe better without sprays, drugs, irrigation, or side effects. It’s clinically proven to provide relief, including sinus pain.
We designed the SinuSonic based on extensive research on the beneficial effects of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and vibration on how you breathe. When combined, these can improve airway functionality— how well you breathe— as well as mucus movement.
Devices like SinuSonic that use both PEP and vibration have been found effective in clearing lower airway congestion like chest congestion. These techniques are effective for upper airway congestion as well.
The flutter valve at the top of the SinuSonic device creates a similar effect to human humming. Humming can help you open your sinuses and increase how much nitric oxide you breathe in.
Nitric oxide is a compound that modulates your blood pressure and helps dilate your blood vessels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.
Breathing into your SinuSonic device through your nose uses gentle pressure and light acoustic vibrations to open your nasal passages and help you breathe better naturally. And all it takes is two minutes a day for both short-term and long-term results with consistent use.
7 More Natural Decongestants That Actually Work
Looking for natural remedies to use alongside your SinuSonic device? We've compiled these seven tried and true home remedies— that actually work— so you can relieve your nasal congestion and breathe easier, naturally.
- A humidifier. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help open up your nasal passages and moisturize your mucus membranes if the air is too dry.
- A saline solution or a neti pot. These simply use a saltwater solution to help thin out the mucus in your nasal passages, flush out irritants or obstructions, and moisturize mucus membranes. These can be found at any pharmacy or grocery store.
- A warm compress. Just soak a washcloth in warm water— not hot water. Wring out the excess, fold the washcloth, and place it over your upper nose and lower forehead. This can help reduce inflammation in your nasal passages and open your sinuses.
- Elevate your head. This can be especially helpful at night if you're sleeping with a stuffy nose. It helps prevent excess mucus from accumulating in your sinuses. It can also help relieve sinus pressure. Just lie on your back and use a pillow to keep your head at a slightly higher angle than the rest of your body.
- Essential oils. Using an essential oil like eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil can help clear your sinuses. Many essential oils also include health benefits like antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties. If you want to learn more, check out our article about using essential oils for congestion!
- Spices or spicy food. Anyone who enjoys spicy food knows that it can clear your sinuses like nothing else. This is because foods like ginger, cayenne pepper, and garlic trigger what's known as gustatory rhinitis— essentially a runny nose after you eat. However, spicy foods can cause your body to make more mucus, which can potentially cause congestion as well.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids— especially water— helps loosen thick mucus that can be blocking your nasal passages. It can also help keep your mucus membranes from getting dry.
Feeling Stuffed Up?
No one likes having a stuffy nose. And while there are many home remedies out there for every health problem, not all of them work as they say they do. That's why it's so important to do your research on the natural remedies out there.
But if you use any of the above home remedies to complement using your SinuSonic device daily, you may find that you're breathing better and more freely than ever!
Have questions about SinuSonic? Tell us about it! We'd love to hear from you.
Citations
Bradley Levine, Arlene, et al. "Characterization of the Role of Nitric Oxide and Its Clinical Applications." Cardiology, Karger Publishers, 19 June 2012, www.karger.com/article/fulltext/338150.
Jovancevic, Ljiljana, et al. "Gustatory Rhinitis." Rhinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20502728/.