A runny nose can be a frustrating condition that causes an overproduction of mucus. This mucus makes its way through the nasal passages and empties either into the back of the throat or out the nostrils. Many people turn to medications such as antihistamines for a runny nose, but these medication often come with unwanted side effects. Several different herbs can help to stop a runny nose, with less risk of side effects. As with any new medication, always consult your doctor before treating your symptoms with herbs.
Step 1
Drink 2/3 of a cup of barberry tea three times a day. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, barberry is effective in relieving inflammation, including the kind that causes sinus congestion and runny nose. Barberry is also particularly effective as an astringent when combined with traditional antibiotic medication. This can help to reduce the duration of a cold or illness that is causing your nose to run. You can purchase dried barberry root at your local health food store; steep 2gm to 3gm of the root in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes before consuming. Consult your doctor before drinking barberry tea for a runny nose.
Step 2
Take 80mg to 320mg of bromelain in divided doses, three times daily. Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapples that has been found to help aid digestion and decrease inflammation. In fact, according to UMMC, bromelain is an approved treatment for sinus and nasal inflammation for individuals who have had surgery in these areas. Bromelain may also be effective in relieving inflammation in the nasal and sinus cavities caused by conditions such as sinusitis and runny nose. Consult a physician prior to self-treatment with bromelain.
Step 3
Take 12mg to 25mg of ephedra in capsule form three times a day, under the supervision of a health care professional, or drink ephedra tea three times daily. Ephedra, also known as ma huang, has been widely used for many medicinal and non-medicinal purposes. This herb has been banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because of its potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Ephedra is a stimulant herb that has been found to be significantly effective in treating bronchial conditions such as asthma, sinusitis and bronchitis. Currently, ephedra can only be acquired in tea form or in pill form through a licensed naturopathic or holistic practitioner and should only be used as directed while symptoms persist.
Step 4
Drink a cup of echinacea tea three times a day. it is available at your local health food store. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, echinacea is a traditionally used herb in the treatment of infection and illness, particularly colds and the flu. Echinacea may also be effective in treating upper respiratory problems that can cause a runny nose. This powerful herb may also have positive effects on immunity, helping to prevent the onset of illness that can cause nasal congestion and mucus production. Talk to your doctor about treating your symptoms with echinacea.
Step 5
Drink a cup of elderberry tea three times a day. Elderberry is used to treat several conditions that can cause a runny nose, including the common cold and sinus infections. Elderberry also may be helpful in treating sinus infections when combined with antibiotics, to hasten healing. This herb also has mild diuretic effects, which can help rid the body of excess fluids, including mucus that leads to a runny nose. Before using elderberry for your symptoms, discuss it with your health care provider.
Things You'll Need
- Barberry tea or dried barberry root
- Bromelain
- Ephedra
- Echinacea tea
- Elderberry tea
References
- MayoClinic.com: Runny Nose
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Barberry
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bromelain
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ephedra
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Echinacea
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: European Elder (Elderberry)
