Have you ever met someone who has never suffered from a runny nose? Exactly! A runny nose is something that everyone’s been through. It is nothing but excess drainage of thick mucus or clear fluid from the nasal passage. A runny nose is certainly not caused due to underlying diseases. Runny nose, in most cases, is caused due to the common cold, hot temperature, allergies, or exercise.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, doctors deal with millions of cases of common cold every year in the USA. On average, adults suffer from cold approximately 2-3 times every year, and the count increases when it comes to children.
However, most people recover in less than 7-10 days. Although the runny nose is a mild condition, you should seek medical help if the symptoms last for more than two weeks.
According to the American Lung Association, the common cold can occur due to 200 different viruses. One of the most common cause is due to rhinovirus. Suffering from a runny nose could make you feel miserable. Take charge with these simple home remedies for a runny nose that will soothe and clear up your itchy throat and stuffy nose.
Home Remedies for Runny Nose
1. Honey
Raw honey(1) is a natural cure- a remedy that contains antibacterial agents that soothe the itchy throat and stimulates the immune system. It is a healing solution for several conditions since ancient times and has been the base of many medical products.
- To get away with a runny nose, you can mix honey in lukewarm water or warm milk.
- For cold and flu, consume the mixture of honey and onions soaked overnight every day early in the morning. (one spoon/day). For this, cut an onion, coat it with sugar and honey and let it soak overnight.
Consuming honey early in the morning has several health and beauty benefits. Consume these home remedies for cough and runny nose twice a day regularly.
2. Hot Tea
To all tea lovers out there, this is one of the best home remedies for running nose. Drinking hot tea decongest the airways by opening it up. Herbal tea is more effective, thus make sure that your tea contains antihistamine and anti-inflammatory herbs.
- Consume herbal tea with honey. Chamomile or peppermint tea with natural sweetener honey is one of the best combinations.
- Studies indicate that drinking Echinacea tea helps fight respiratory conditions, flu, and the common cold. Make sure you consume hot tea.
Consuming a cup of herbal tea early in the morning on an empty stomach stimulates the immune system and encourages a healthy metabolism.
[Also Read: How to Stop a Runny Nose using Natural Remedies]
3. Nasal Wash
A runny nose occurs due to allergens and irritants. Performing a nasal wash with a saltwater solution kills the bacteria and viruses by removing allergens and irritants and thins the mucus.
- Mix ½ teaspoon of salt and dissolve it in lukewarm water (distilled or filtered).
- Take ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and dissolve it in the solution.
- Every time you do a nasal wash, prepare a new solution.
- Fill it up in a nasal cup or neti pot. Tilt your head sideways and spout the drops in each nostril.
Nasal wash might seem like one of those simple home remedies for stuffy nose, but doctors recommend it after certain nasal surgeries as a remedy for healing. Performing a nasal wash twice a day will yield better results.
4. Neti Pot
Neti pot is a small teapot like structure that is generally used to clear sinuses and nasal passage. According to the Journal of Family practice, Neti pots are more efficient compared to nasal sprays. Neti pot is indeed one of the best home treatment for runny nose available out there.
- To clear your nasal passage with the neti pot, first, fill the pot with water. Lean towards the sink tilting your head sideways.
- Pour water from the pot in one nostril. The water will then pass from the opposite side of the nose. Do this until the container is empty and repeat the same on the other side.
Neti pot might seem like a mess when compared to nasal sprays, but it is worth the results. Clear up your nasal passage at least twice or thrice a day until you get rid of a runny nose.
[Also Read: Neti Pots For Treating Cold]
5. Ginger
How to get rid of runny nose fast using Ginger? Ginger(2) is one of the perfect home remedies for cough and runny nose that has quick healing properties. The antioxidant agents in ginger cure ailments. The antifungal and antiviral agents in ginger combat runny nose most effectively.
- Put some grated ginger into a bowl and add a pinch of salt. Now grate them together and consume.
- You can also prepare ginger tea and consume it.
You can either consume the remedy twice a day regularly or chew ginger as many times as possible during the day. Either way, the treatment is utmost effective in curing a common cold.
6. Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for the body even if you are not fighting a runny nose. Drinking fluids especially helps fight against nasal congestion. Staying hydrated ensures that thick mucus in the sinus thins out. According to a study published in Rhinology, drinking hot beverages combats the common cold.
- Drink 3-4 liters of water regularly.
- Drinking a glass of coconut water is a good way of tackling runny nose.
- Fruit juice is also an excellent remedy for runny nose.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water or any non-caffeinated fluids every day. Inculcate the habit of staying hydrated as it helps you with more than just fighting runny nose. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest home remedies for runny nose.
Runny nose, also known as rhinorrhea, is caused due to various factors. The symptoms of which include headache, sneezing, facial pain, and sometimes even nosebleeds. Although the runny nose is not a chronic disease, ignorance towards the same can lead to infected ear canals and severe throat infections.
Prevent yourself from getting attacked by allergens. Make sure you stay under humid atmosphere, if not use a humidifier at your home and office. Keep your body hydrated and practice a healthy lifestyle. Say goodbye to the irritating and discomforting runny nose. Treat your runny nose quickly with above-listed home remedies.
FAQs
1. Which Are the Other Best Home Remedies for Runny Nose and Sneezing?
Are you looking for the best techniques? Here are some do-it-all by yourself treatments that will help you get rid of a runny nose.
- Breathe in some steam
- Blow your nose
- Use saltwater to rinse your nose
- Gargle with warm saltwater
- Drink hot beverages
2. How Can You Prevent a Runny Nose?
“Prevention is better than cure.” Follow the measures jotted below to prevent yourself from a runny nose.
- Avoid contact with an infected person
- Make sure your surroundings are always clean
- Use hand sanitizers
- During infective seasons, use a scarf to cover your nose and mouth
- Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy diet
- Stay under humid temperature
