9 Natural Herbal Decongestants

Today you will learn what the best natural herbal decongestants are and why their better than pharmaceutical equivalents. Nobody really enjoys the sniffles and nasal congestion caused by cold, flu or allergies.

Most people think that overproduction of mucus causes nasal congestion.

However the fact is that it is caused because of swelling in the nasal membranes. Mucus is typically a good thing since it will help in protecting the linings of the lungs, reproductive organs, nasal passage, mouth and digestive organs from dust particles, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.

Congestion usually occurs when the body tries to get rid of the irritating microorganism. When trying to get rid of dust or microorganisms, the body will produce more mucus making the nasal membranes to swell.

This brings unbearable irritation and makes you to feel miserable. When congestion start, it will interrupt your sleep, rest and ability to sleep.

Herbal Decongestants – Remedies For Relief

Thus, you can take advantage of herbal decongestant to help in loosening the congestion. It is crucial to talk to your doctor before giving these Herbal Decongestants to a child, a pregnant woman, or someone who has a preexisting medical condition. Here are the best natural and herbal decongestants to help you in getting fast relief.

1. Herbal Decongestant Tea

Soothing herbal teas are excellent decongestants that are packed with wonderful antioxidants that assist in boosting the body’s natural immunity. Herbal tea also helps to prevent free radical damage and guards your body against various illnesses.

Herbal teas such as green tea, catnip tea, peppermint tea, ginger tea, sage tea and cayenne pepper with green tea.

These teas are also effective in relieving general cold, flu and cough. You can drink any of these herbal to begin your day with a lot of freshness and energy.

2. Use Eucalyptus

In most cases, Eucalyptus is available as oil instead of a herb. This product is also available in cough medicines, lozenges, bath slaves, and rubs. Eucalyptus has decongestant properties that help in reducing the mucus build up. It is safe for pregnant women, children, and nursing women. Ensure you always follow the dosage instruction and never use the eucalyptus on children who are less than two years.

3. Garlic The Super Herb

Garlic is a great home remedy for reducing nasal congestion. Garlic has anti-fungal and antiviral properties that help in fighting respiratory infections that cause the nasal congestion.

To prepare this homemade remedy follow this procedure;

• Boil two or three garlic cloves in one cup of water
• Mix about a half teaspoon of turmeric powder
• Drink it at least twice a day until the congestion clears

Eating the flesh garlic cloves also helps in relieving the stuffiness and discomforts caused by the congestion.

4. Try Anise, Thyme, and Oregano

Thyme, Anise, and Oregano herb are effective herbal decongestants. These herbs are also safe for children, nursing, and pregnant women. Doses of these substances are usually found in foods and teas. In the US, these herbs are categorized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) as they are safe for everyone’s consumption.

Oregano and Thyme are available as dried, or fresh herbs and are safe at any dosage. You can add them to foods or sprinkle into loose-leaf tea. Anise is available as an essential oil and seed. You can use 3 grams of the seed or 0. 3 ml of the oil. Use the oil in steam treatment or use the seed in loose-leaf tea.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an impressive decongestant that can assist you to clear your stuffy nose as it helps in thinning mucus. This product also comes with various nutrients that are good for your overall health and immunity. To prepare this herbal decongestant tea follow the following procedure;

• Mix two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey in a cup of hot water
• Drink this decongestant tea at least twice a day for a few days

6. Cardamom and Cayenne Pepper

These herbal decongestants have additional qualities that help in relieving the nasal congestion. Herbs such as Cardamom have antibacterial properties, which helps in fighting bacteria and other infections that cause the congestion. The Cayenne pepper is an effective counter-irritant that reduces the irritation of the mucous membrane. When you use these herbs, the mucus is easier to drain.

7. Peppermint

This product can be used as an essential oil or a herb. The product comes with an overpowering smell that is useful in clearing the congestions. Although you can ingest peppermint oil, you should only ingest it in small quantities as it causes heartburn(¹).

This product is safe for children, nursing, and pregnant women. However, you should never give peppermint products to small children as it causes breathing problems. How to prepare peppermint herbal decongestant tea;

• Use one tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water.
• When using it as essential oil use about 1-2ml in the cup of boiling water.

8. Black Pepper

Black pepper is another impressive decongestant that helps in clearing the nasal mucus as well as blocking sinuses. The product will induce sneezing that assist in getting rid of the allergens and mucus that causes the congestions.

How to use the black pepper:

• Take a small quality of the black pepper and place it on your palm
• Add 2-3 drops of sesame on it
• Dip your finger into the mixture and apply it under the nose
• Breathe in the strong aroma

This smell will make you sneeze getting rid of the mucus and allergen that causes the congestion.

9. Fennel Seed and Horseradish Root

Although these herbs are not safe for everyone, they aid in soothing the cold and decongesting the mucus. Fennel seeds are safe for children but have not been tested for nursing and pregnant women. The Horseradish roots are not tested in children, pregnant women, and nursing women. Horseradish is may also be irritating for some individuals.

However, the horseradish root is useful for treating bronchitis and sinusitis, which are the primary conditions that cause the congestion. When suffering from respiratory or congestion issues, the recommended dosage for horseradish is 20 grams of fresh root daily. The recommended daily dosage for the fennel seed is about 5-7 and 0.1-0.6 ml of the oil.

Conclusion

It is crucial to consult your doctor before you get started on these natural and herbal remedies. Some of these herbs may interfere with your medication if you are using any. Once the physician approves their use, you can use them to prepare herbal decongestant teas. Which helps you to soothe the irritation and clear the congestion within a short period.