The monsoon is lurking around the corner, but many of you might be already looking for some effective congestion remedies just about now. Instead of filling yourself with pills for tackling the infuriating issue of nasal congestion, you can ditch the pills for having some of your very own congestion cures. Many times, nasal congestion accompanies a sore and scratchy throat, which make the situation even more troublesome. Most of the nasal congestion cures that we will be soon discussing aid in relieving a sore throat as well.

Before we tell you how to breathe with easy and effective congestion remedies, let us dig more into the issue of nasal congestion. The condition can be attributed to several causes, ranging from simple colds to distinct allergies. When you have got a cold or allergy or some other condition causing nasal congestion, the membrane lining of the nasal passage is agitated. To tackle the cause of irritation, the body produces more mucus, resulting in a runny nose and nasal congestion.

The following section enumerates various effective congestion remedies to help you cope up with nasal congestion and a runny nose.

• Add an extra pillow under your head while sleeping at night

Doing this helps in relieving weary nasal passages because of continuous rubbing. For those having some discomfort in doing so, place a pillow between the bed and mattress. This will aid in providing a more comfortable slope.

• Get rest and stay warm

If the nasal congestion is due to cold or flu, then it becomes important to stay warm and avoid outside temperatures. By staying warm and in bed, your body gets enough energy to fight the reason, which is causing the congestion.

• Have warm drinks

Frequent drinking of fluids during nasal congestion is a great way to deal with it. This aids in making the throat moist and keeping it safe from getting dehydrated. It is one of the most effective and easiest congestion remedies. Some of the drinks that you might like to gulp can be fruit drinks, herbal tea, ginger ale, and chicken soup.

• Let it flow and go

If your nasal congestion is accompanied by a runny nose, then you might like to let it all go. It’s one of the great congestion remedies that need no extra bits and pieces. Sniffling back the mucus should be avoided, as it can add to the severity of the condition. It is better to keep a clean cloth or handkerchief by your side to take the phlegm out as soon as your nose starts to become gooey and oozy.

• Use mentholated salve

You can use eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor for treating nasal congestion. All of these have soothing ingredients that aid in relieving the pain caused by a rubbed-up nose. Place a small dab of any of these under your nose and inhale slowly.

• Put hot pack on the sinuses

Putting a hot pack on the sinuses is one of the most effective congestion remedies. Hot packs are readily available at the medical stores. However, you can make one at home on your own. All you need to do is take a damp washcloth to heat it for about 30 seconds in your microwave, test the temperature, and then use it as you would use a hot pack.

• Do a salt water rinse

Another great and effective way to deal with nasal congestion is using the salt-water rinse. You might also like to use a saline spray.Both these are effective in breaking up the congestion. In case, you are not aware of a salt-water rinse, here is how to do it:

• Fill a bulb syringe with salt water.
• Over a basin, gently squirt the salt-water solution into your nose, one nose-hole at a time. The other nose-hole needs to be pressed with a finger.
• Use distilled, sterile, and boiled water while having a salt-water rinse.
• Take a hot shower

Taking a hot shower while having nasal congestion, especially due to cold, is a great way to relieve the rubbed rose. Hot shower aids in warming up the body and hence facilitates the flow of trapped mucus out from the nose. If nasal congestion is severe, then you can take steam while having a hot shower for a powerful mucus cleanup and relief.

• Do warm salt water gargles

Gargling with warm salt water about 3-4 times a day, while nasal congestion is accompanied by a scratchy and sore throat, is a great and effective way.It is one of the most bankable congestion remedies for instant relief. You can try having gargles with tea and honey too.

Stay warm and avoid going all-out in the cold to prevent the problem. It is better to avoid medication for treating nasal congestion; however, do not be indifferent to medicines, if there is an extreme severity.