Natural Treatments for Runny Nose

 NATURAL TREATMENT FOR THE NOSE – 1

There are natural treatments able to clear the nose and contribute to relieving the underlying infection or allergy. Nasal decongestants are also effective, but temporarily, and with potential for side effects.

IRRIGATION OF NASAL PASSAGES

This clears the inside of nasal passages of mucus, dust and infectious agents.

Irrigation, of the nasal passages is the most useful technique to clear and reduce inflammation of the nasal passages. At first, it can be easy to get used to doing it.

Liquids for Nasal Irrigation

Any of these liquids works for nasal irrigation:

• Nasal saline solution already made (sold over-the-counter).
• Water (preferably bottled or distilled)with table salt in the amount of 1 teaspoon(about 5kg)per half litre of water, or half a teaspoonful per cup. An excess of salt dries out the nasal mucosa. Baking soda is an alternative to salt.
• Saline solution (9g of salt per litre).
• Infusion  of one or several of these medicinal herbs (to which a teaspoon of table salt can be added per litre of water):

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Anti-inflammatory.

Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Antiviral.

Hamamelis (Hamamelis virginiana): Anti-inflammatory and softener.

Malva (Malva silvestris): Softener.

Caution: If allergic to pollen, it is preferable to avoid the use of herbal infusions.

How to Introduce Liquid into the Nasal Passages

• Irrigation with a syringe or a Bulb Syringe:
  
  
  Introduce the liquid into a nostril until it gets to the throat and is swallowed or spit out.

Continuous Rinse: Tip head to one side and use syringe or suitable container to introduce the liquid into the higher nostril. The water comes out the other nostril.

Nasal Inhaler or atomizer.

Dropper:  Ideal for small children with nasal mucus. In children, it is best to place several drops of sterile saline solution in each nasal passage, with the head tipped back.

Palm of the Hand: Place a few drops of the nasal rinse liquid into the palm of the hand. Inhale it through the nose, blocking one of the nasal passages. The water should go in through the nose and come out the mouth. Repeat with the other nasal passage.

INHALATION OF AROMATIC ESSENCES

All aromatic herbal essences are antiseptic and antiviral. Inhaling them clears the nose and relieves nasal congestion. This can be done several times throughout the day.

Most Recommended Essences

• Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• Lavender (lavandula angustifolia).
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus).

Ways to Use the Essence

• In the palm of the hand.
• On a cloth.
• Adding a few drops of essence to a container of hot water.

N/B: when doing irrigations, the elderly should tip the head forward to prevent aspiration of the liquid.

NASAL DECONGESTANTS

These are vasoconstrictor medications (they narrow the blood vessels) used in spray, drops, pills, or syrups.

By narrowing the blood vessels inside the nose, blood flow is reduced and the mucous membranes shrink. This produces an almost immediate sensation of a clear nose.

Caution: If using nasal decongestants, keep the following precautions in mind;

• Nasal decongestants only relieve certain symptoms such as nasal obstructions, but they do not cure the cold.
• By reducing blood flow in the mucous membrane lining the inside of the nasal passages, defenses are also reduced. As a result, the viral infection that causes the cold can worsen or take longer to resolve.
• They can cause a rebound effect; increasing congestion after the initial favourable effect wears off.
• Never use them more than three times per day nor more than three days in a row.
• It is not recommended to use them in cases of heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma, due to their potential side effects.