If you are someone with a frequently stuffy or runny nose, you may find that traditional treatment, such as antihistamines or decongestants, cause you to become excessively tired or interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks. Though medicinal herbs typically lack approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they may provide an alternative solution for treating nasal congestion.
Barberry
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the root bark, stem or fruit of the barberry plant may help alleviate nasal congestion. These components of the barberry plant contain berberine, a substance that is known to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Berberine is also believed to act as an immune system stimulator, thereby helping the body fight off infection. Barberry is typically provided as an extract, which can be taken to alleviate nasal congestion, sinusitis and other respiratory issues.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that was extensively utilized by Native Americans to treat a variety of medical conditions and--according to the UMMC--continues to be one of the most popular herbs in the United States. The Plant Conservation Alliance notes that chemical components of both the leaves and roots of the echinacea plant are believed to boost the immune system response, which may help alleviate nasal congestion. Several studies examined by the UMMC demonstrated the effectiveness of echinacea in the treatment or prevention of cold symptoms, including nasal congestion. However, the majority of these studies utilized echinacea in combination with another vitamin or herb, which makes it difficult to determine whether the effects observed are directly attributable to echinacea. Echnacea is available in over-the-counter oral supplements and teas. It should be noted that pregnant or breastfeeding women or individuals taking immunosuppressant drugs should not take echinacea.
Eucalyptus Oil
The oil and leaves of the eucalyptus plant--an evergreen tree primarily found in Australia--can be used to help clear nasal congestion. The antibacterial and expectorant properties of eucalyptus oil have been shown to be effective in clearing respiratory and nasal mucus in several studies noted by the UMMC. The oil of the eucalyptus plant can be found in a variety of over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including inhalation vapors or throat lozenges, according to the website MedlinePlus.
Peppermint
The flowering peppermint plant has been utilized throughout history to treat a number of medical conditions, including nasal congestion. The oil from the peppermint plant, which according to Medline Plus, grows throughout North America and Europe, contains menthol. When inhaled, menthol has been demonstrated to provide relief of nasal congestion. Peppermint oil can be found in some over-the-counter nasal decongestants, topical rubs and herbal teas.
