Who doesn’t want to treat their runny nose? We are always searching for home remedies for a runny nose that will stop the dripping. Instead of resorting to medications directly, the home remedies for runny nose mentioned in this article will relieve the symptoms associated with the common cold quickly.
Read on to know more about the causes, symptoms of a runny nose and how the home remedies help you deal efficiently.
- What is a Runny Nose?
- Causes of Runny Nose
- Symptoms of Runny nose
- Best Home Remedies for the Runny Nose
- Foods for Runny nose
- Complications and Effects of the Runny Nose
- FAQ
What is a Runny Nose?:
A physical condition where there is excess nasal drainage is called a runny nose, and it can have mucus that is either thick or thin or something in between. Rhinorrhea is another term used for a runny nose in which the drainage from your nose is usually clear fluid.
The inflammation of nasal tissues is referred to as Rhinitis, which usually is the cause of a runny nose.
Causes of Runny Nose:
Here is the list of some of the causes of the runny nose:
- Allergens like dust, pet dander, pollen, etc., may cause allergies resulting in a runny nose.
- Infection in an upper respiratory tract can result in congestion, which may cause a runny nose.
- Sinusitis or sinus infection may trigger the production of excess mucus.
- Flu can cause inflammation in the mucus membrane and is very contagious.
- Dry air may trigger a runny nose, which affects the balance inside the nose.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Symptoms of Runny Nose:
Here is the list of some of the symptoms that you can observe when you have a runny nose:
- Production of excess mucus from the nasal passages.
- Difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Facial pain.
- Excessive sneezing.
- Headache.
- Nose bleed.
- Sore throat or ear infection.
Best Home Remedies for Runny Nose:
Here is the list of some instant home remedies you can get relief from a runny nose’s symptoms.
1. Try Nasal Spray:
Using nasal sprays is one of the natural treatments for a runny nose, relieving the congestion to a great extent by washing out any thick mucus in your nasal passages. It makes the draining of the mucus much faster (1).
Some of the effective nasal sprays that give you allergy relief with their anti-inflammatory properties are Flonase or Nasacort, which are available over the counter.
2. Eat Spicy Foods:
A runny nose may sometimes cause congestion. Spicy foods cause runny noses in some people, but if the runny nose is accompanied by congestion, consuming spice foods may positively affect.
You can give it a try if you are accustomed to tolerating spicy foods. But you can try tasting a few spicy seasonings beforehand to know your limitations.
Wasabi, ghost pepper, cayenne pepper, horseradish, ginger, or habanero are some of the hot spice options for you to relieve congestion associated with a runny nose.
3. Capsaicin:
We all have heard about cayenne peppers, and they are widely used by people who are fans of spice. The spice of this vegetable comes from a chemical called capsaicin.
The intranasal application of capsaicin deal with a runny nose caused by congestion. This chemical’s medicinal properties make it an effective remedy for a runny nose compared to many over-the-counter medications (2).
4. Neti Pot:
A neti pot or nasal lavage can be the best home remedy for a cold and running nose. Neti pot is a piece of equipment in the shape of a teapot with a spout filled with saline water. Neti pots help you keep your nasal canal clean by flushing out mucus and other particles efficiently.
What You Need:
- Saline water.
- One neti pot.
How to Use:
- Take saline water and fill it in the neti pot.
- Bend your head into the sink, sideways.
- Pour the saline water in the upper nostril by placing the neti pot.
- This process helps flush out the mucus from the other nostril.
- Repeat the same process on the other nostril.
Caution: Bend your head sideways so that the saline water doesn’t enter your nose.
5. Warm Compress:
A warm compress is one of the best natural remedies for a runny nose associated with nasal congestion. This will relieve the congestion in the nasal cavities loosening up the mucus efficiently. Placing a warm compress on the forehead and nose will help reduce upper respiratory systems, and you can do it multiple times a day. You can use a moist washcloth if you don’t have a compress.
6. Over the Counter Medicines:
Over the counter medications will help alleviate the symptoms associated with a cold and runny nose but do not offer an absolute cure. Vicks is a brand that offers several products the help relieve congestion.
Some of the OTCs available in the market that will help you deal with a runny nose and a cold are:
- Nasal steroids.
- Oral decongestants.
- Antihistamines.
Caution: Consult your doctor before you start using many of these OTC medications. Make sure to rule out allergens by reading the product label.
7. Lemon and Honey:
Lemon and honey are popular combinations that act as one of the best home remedies for sore throat and runny nose. Vitamin C in lemon reduces congestion in the nasal passages (3). Simultaneously, the honey’s antibacterial agents and antioxidants soothe the throat efficiently and enhance the immune system (4).
Ingredients:
- One glass of warm water.
- One tbsp of honey.
- Three tbsp of lemon juice.
Preparation:
- Take a glass of warm water.
- Add lemon juice and honey to it.
- Mix the contents well.
How to Use: Drink this concoction throughout the day.
Precautions: Although this mixture is safe, make sure you are not allergic to the ingredients.
8. Pepper and Honey:
Pepper and honey is a well-sought home remedy for running nose in adults. The antibacterial, antibiotic, and natural decongestant properties of black pepper make it an ideal option to treat non-allergic Rhinitis, which usually causes a runny nose (5). Packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties, honey is a perfect addition to prepare this magical concoction for a runny nose (6).
Ingredients:
- Two tbsp of honey.
- One glass of warm water.
- ¼ tbsp of ground pepper.
Preparation:
- Add the ground pepper and honey to the glass of warm water.
- Mix the contents well.
How to Use: The ideal time to drink this mixture is before going to bed. You can use this remedy regularly.
Precautions: Make sure to wait at least half an hour to eat anything once you take this mixture.
9. Humidifier:
Using a humidifier can be one of the best home remedies for cough and runny nose. There is a high chance of the nasal passages growing dry when your environment is dry, especially when you have a cold. You can stop the aggravation of a runny nose any further by adding some essential oils to the humidifier.
Ingredients:
- Humidifier.
- Eucalyptus or peppermint oil.
Procedure:
- Mix the essential oil of your choice to the distilled water in the humidifier.
How to Use: You can wake up with a comfortable nose when you place a humidifier in your room.
Precautions: Keep your humidifier clean, and keep it at a safe distance from kids and adults.
See More: Neti Pots That Help You Relieve Nasal Concerns
10. Hot Shower:
If you want instant relief from congestion of your nose, taking a hot shower can be one of the best home remedies for running nose in infants and adults alike. Although the hot shower results may not give you permanent results, this remedy will provide you with the relief you need. For the best results, place your face in the spray or steam of the hot shower.
Precautions: Keep yourself safe from burns by maintaining the right temperature.
11. Steam Inhalation for Runny Nose:
Steam is yet another runny nose treatment at home that has been popular with people of all generations. Vapor is considered one of the fastest ways to cure running nose and sneezing, suitable for people of all ages.
Things You Need:
- Tub.
- Hot water.
- Vicks Vapor Rub.
Procedure:
- Take a tub full of hot water and add Vicks to it.
- Mix the contents well.
- Cover your head with a thick towel and inhale the steam coming out of the water.
- Take deep breaths and blow your nose to eliminate the mucus.
How to Use: You can follow this routine two times a day, once preferably before bedtime, to have a peaceful sleep.
Precautions: Handle water carefully.
12. Garlic:
It is an ingredient that is found in many households. Garlic is considered one of the best home remedies for a runny nose because of its antispasmodic and antiseptic properties. The antimicrobial and antiviral compounds of garlic will help alleviate the symptoms associated with a runny nose (7). Garlic also reduces the recovery time, making it one of the best home remedies for runny nose and watery eyes.
Ingredients:
- Two cloves of crushed garlic.
- One tbsp of honey.
Preparation:
- Take the minced garlic and add honey to it.
- Mix the ingredients well and consume them.
How to Use: Using this remedy twice a day can give you effective results.
Precautions: Consult the doctor before consuming garlic if you have diabetes, heart disease, and pregnant women.
13. Herbal Tea:
Herbal teas are considered a natural way to get rid of a runny nose in adults, and you can see the results within days. Yarrow, cayenne pepper, mint, and elderberry are some of the herbs you can use to prepare herbal tea. Prepare a cup of herbal tea with any one of these ingredients for effective results.
Ingredients:
- One tbsp of elderberry syrup.
- Any tea that you usually make.
Preparation:
- Once you prepare a tea for yourself, add the elderberry syrup to it.
- Mix the contents thoroughly.
How to Use: Drink two to three cups of this herbal tea for effective results.
Precautions: Consult your doctor for long-term use since it may cause some side effects.
14. Ginger:
One of the immediate home remedies to get rid of runny nose and the sneezing associated with it is the might ginger. The potent anti-inflammatory properties of this root will provide relief from all the primary symptoms (8). You can easily add ginger into your daily dishes, or chew on it, or a ginger tea too. The natural spiciness of ginger clears the congestion in your nasal passage.
Ingredients:
- A fresh piece of ginger.
- One cup of water.
- One tbsp of honey.
Preparation:
- Boil the cup of water and add the freshly sliced ginger toot to it.
- Let it steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the ginger and take the water into a cup.
- Add honey and mix it well.
- You can add freshly grated ginger to stews or curries for flavor and effective results.
How to Use: Drink this concoction thrice a day until the problem clears out.
Precautions: Ginger may cause heartburn and diarrhea, so make sure you don’t take it in excess.
See Also: Ginger Cold Remedies
15. Fluids:
Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the critical ways to stop a runny nose naturally. It thinks out the consistency of the mucus relieving the symptoms of nasal congestion efficiently. You can decongest your airways by drinking hot beverages like herbal tea instead of cold drinks. Try to include chamomile, er, mint, or nettle, which have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
Foods for Runny nose:
We present you with the list of foods you need to eat and avoid when you have a runny nose.
Foods to Eat:
- Chicken soup.
- Any types of broths.
- Garlic.
- Coconut water.
- Herbal teas.
- Honey.
- Ginger.
- Pepper.
- Vitamin C.
Foods to Avoid:
- Bananas.
- Alcohol.
- Ice cream.
- Coffee.
- Milk.
- Red meat.
- Refined sugar.
- Salty food.
- Soda.
- Tomatoes.
Complications and Effects of the Runny Nose:
Anything that irritates the nasal tissue may result in inflammation triggering a runny nose. But there might be some severe complications and consequences of a runny nose.
- The continuous running nose could be the result of cancer of the nasal cavity/paranasal sinus.
- This may cause a stuffy nose that lasts for a prolonged period without having any allergies or cold.
- The risk of developing this issue increases with Allergic Rhinitis, and the symptoms tend to get worse.
- The effects of a runny nose tend to worsen if you have any symptoms of asthma.
When to Consult a Doctor:
Although a runny nose can efficiently be treated with these home remedies, consult the doctor if you don’t find relief within ten days. You should also consult a doctor if you observe the following things:
- If your nasal discharge is green or yellow.
- If the symptoms of cold are accompanied by high fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes.
- Consult your doctor immediately if an infant has a runny nose, which makes breathing and nursing difficult.
A runny nose brought on by allergies or seasonal changes is irritating and annoying to deal. It causes some symptoms which might be bearable for a few days, but don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if the symptoms last more than two weeks. Try using the home remedies for the runny nose from this article to deal with all the signs efficiently. Don’t forget to let us know if this article has helped you deal with your runny nose.
See Also: Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Cold
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and not a replacement for medical advice. Consult a doctor before you try anything on your body, and the website is not responsible for the effects it may have on your body.
FAQ:
1. Is Common Cold Contagious, and What Causes It?
Ans: Among the different causes of the common cold, which results in a runny nose, rhinovirus is one of the primary reasons that cause most colds. Sore throats, pneumonia, sinus, and ear infections are some of the health issues caused by this virus. The common cold is contagious and can spread from person to person.
2. What is RSV? How Dangerous is It?
Ans: RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a virus that infects the respiratory tract of most children before two years old, which is common and very contagious. Although it doesn’t cause more than cold for most babies and young children, for a small percentage of babies, it may cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which can sometimes be life-threatening.
3. Is There No Cure for the Common Cold?
Ans: Indeed, the common cold doesn’t have a permanent cure, but you can make the symptoms of cold and runny nose bearable by using some of the home remedies mentioned in this article. Even antibiotics only help relieve the cold symptoms and only work if the cause is a bacterial infection.
