Nasal congestion from a cold, flu or allergies is always uncomfortable, and when coupled with other symptoms of illness may make life miserable for those suffering. Stuffiness, swelling of nasal passages and sinuses, dryness, coughing and clearing the throat all go along with this condition. Conventional medicine offers nasal inhalers that can raise blood pressure, or decongestants and antihistamines that cause drowsiness or agitation, and all of these treatments may have serious side effects. Most herbal remedies that help relieve congestion are safe for use as long as the directions are followed and have few side effects.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is an excellent herbal tonic for reducing and breaking up congestion in the sinuses, head and chest. The most effective way of using it is by inhaling. Place some oil in a steam inhaler or in a bowl of steaming hot water. Place a towel over your head and breath deeply. Eucalyptus oil will deactivate homeopathic remedies, so don't use them together or at the same time.
Anise
The licorice flavor of anise makes it a wonderful sweet-tasking herb for making teas. Anise works to break up congestion in the chest and helps with coughing up phlegm, according to Penny C. Royal in her book "Herbally Yours."
Cayenne Pepper
In "Back to Eden," Jethro Kloss refers to cayenne pepper as a wonder herb, capable of treating many different conditions in the body. Use cayenne to reduce swelling and inflammation in the sinuses and congestion in the sinuses and chest. It dries up nasal discharge due to allergies or colds. Make a tea combining 1 cup boiling water and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Allow it to cool and sip as needed. Adjust the amount of cayenne to your needs.
Black Peppercorns
To warm the body and break up mucus in sinuses and the chest, make a mixture of black peppercorns and raw honey.
Take a spoonful now and then to relieve cold, flu or hay fever symptoms. You may add some lemon juice to the mixture for an added boost for your immune system.
Fenugreek
Kloss recommends fenugreek to loosen congestion in the chest through its expectorant action, helping you cough up mucus from colds, flu or allergies.
Horseradish
Use a 1-inch chunk of fresh horseradish, grated finely, to clear up sinus problems and reduce post nasal drip. Horseradish is very strong, so you should use it in very small quantities. You can make an infusion in water and drink as needed, or eat it straight. Be prepared for a supersonic reaction in your sinuses, according to Royal.
