Awake at 2 a.m., can’t breathe, can’t think except to wish for an easier and more clear way to breath. Having a stuffy nose is caused most often by nasal swelling caused by inflamed blood vessels, and less often than exclusively by mucus build-up. While a number of home remedies for stuffy nose do exist, it may be beneficial to know why the congestion is happening. Because inflammation is the body’s response to an irritant, nasal congestion is usually a response to:

• Bacteria or virus, as with the common cold or flu
• Mold or fungus, as with sinus infections (which can also be caused by bacteria and viruses)
• Seasonal or other allergens
• Overuse of nasal sprays

And while the above factors could play a part, nasal congestion may be related to humidity or temperate more than anything sometimes. But at that unholy hour, we don’t care why we can’t breathe; we just want to know how we can breathe again. Try these natural home remedies for stuffy nose with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet.

Naturally Treating Nasal Congestion with these Home Remedies for Stuffy Nose

Tomato tea -Tomato tea is by far the most effective method as reported by peers on Earthclinic. It’s hot and spicy, providing steam and pepper to clear your sinuses, as well as a wallop of vitamin C and a boost to the immune system. Combine the following ingredients in a food processor and heat over a stove until steaming but not burn-your-tongue hot.

• 1 cup tomato juice
• 1 tsp fresh garlic
• ½ tsp of hot sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Pinch of sea or celery salt

You can make your tea a soup by using tomato flesh along with its juice.

“Within an 15 minutes of drinking one cup of “Jean’s Famous Tomato Tea” I could breath again,” one person said.

Green tea - Green tea blocks histamine production and helps the immune system. Additionally, green tea has been found in many studies to fight cancer cell growth, especially that of the lungs.

Ginger tea - Try having some ginger tea with coconut milk and local honey. This isn’t only for amazing taste; it breaks up phlegm and gives a boost to the immune system. What’s more, you’ll also experience a number of other benefits of ginger.

Apple cider vinegar - Potassium can help decrease mucus production, and apple cider vinegar is full of it. Although more research is necessary, vinegar also contains acetic acid, which prevents bacteria growth—possibly even those that would cause nasal congestion. Of course, this is only one of the many apple cider vinegar health benefits. Try drinking several times a day, especially before bed:

• ½ cup of apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup of warm water
• 1 teaspoon of local honey to expose your body to local pollen, like a natural vaccine.

Eucalyptus or peppermint oil - These work for a quick remedy. Have a small bottle of essential oil in an office drawer or in the shower for either a quick sniff or a full, de-congesting steam shower.

Adjusting the thermostat and humidity can help with nasal congestion. Dr. Robert Ivker, former President of the American Holistic Medical Association, says that our sinuses prefer cold air or dry air at room temperature. That’s about 35-45 percent humidity.  Too warm or too moist and you make your environment ripe for mold or fungus, whichcan be secret culprits of chronic nasal congestion.

Had success with these home remedies for stuffy nose? Share with others on these natural ways to clear nasal congstion.

Additional Sources:

Webmd

MedLinePlus

University of Maryland Medical Center

MedicineNet

LiveStrong