Numerous herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your stuffy nose, or nasal congestion. Nasal congestion occurs when your nasal tissues and blood vessels become swollen, which causes a stuffy feeling. Possible causes of this include influenza, cold, allergies or irritants such as tobacco smoke. Before taking herbal remedies to help treat your stuffy nose, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Horseradish
Horseradish may prove helpful in treating your stuffy nose. Horseradish, also known as Armoracia rusticana, is a plant native to Europe that has been used as both a condiment and a medicine. Horseradish has a pungent odor when scraped or bruised and a hot, biting taste with a hint of sweetness, according to Botanical.com. The root has been used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including nasal congestion. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that horseradish may be an effective herbal remedy for clearing your nasal passages and treating sinusitis, or inflammation of the mucus membranes lining your sinuses. Horseradish, notes Mitchell, is also a good source of vitamin C.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal presents another remedy that may provide beneficial results in treating your stuffy nose. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that goldenseal, also known as Hydrastis canadensis, is a small plant with a single hairy stem that is native to the northern parts of the United States. Goldenseal, a member of the buttercup family, thrives in rich, shady soil, possesses a bitter, astringent taste and has cooling and drying tendencies. The root of the plant helps to treat numerous health problems, including nasal congestion. Goldenseal treats chronic inflammation of nasal sinuses, pharynx, mouth, throat and gastrointestinal system, according to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual."
Eyebright
Eyebright is an herbal remedy that may be effective in treating your stuffy nose. According to Botanical.com, eyebright, also known as Euphrasia officinalis, is a plant that grows throughout Europe, Northern and Western Asia and North America. A member of the figwort family, eyebright has a slightly bitter and sweet taste and drying tendencies. The aerial parts of the plant can help to treat numerous health problems, including nasal congestion. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," states that eyebright is an astringent, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and decongestant that helps treat nasal congestion, sinus congestion, conjunctivitis and hay fever.
