How can I unblock my nose quickly?

Steam inhalation, a saline rinse and a warm compress over the nose usually give quick relief.

How do I sleep with a blocked nose?

Raise your head with an extra pillow, take steam before bed and keep the room air from getting too dry.

Is ajwain steam good for a blocked nose?

Ajwain steam is a traditional Indian remedy for congestion; many people find its aroma soothing.

Home remedies for blocked nose: steam with ajwain, saline rinse and a raised pillow

A stuffy nose makes it hard to breathe, taste food and sleep. These home remedies for blocked nose open things up with steam (plain or with ajwain), a gentle salt-water rinse, warm soups and teas, a warm compress over the nose and an extra pillow at night.

Why the nose gets blocked

A blocked nose happens when the lining inside swells and makes extra mucus — usually due to a cold, allergies, dust or smoke, or sinus inflammation. Dry air from AC or heaters can make it worse.

Steam inhalation with ajwain or eucalyptus and ghee nasya (a drop of warm ghee in each nostril) are traditional Indian ways to ease a stuffy nose.

Ingredients

A bowl of hot water; half a teaspoon ajwain or 2–3 eucalyptus leaves (optional)
Half a teaspoon non-iodised salt and 1 cup boiled-cooled water for a rinse
A small towel

How to prepare

Pour hot (not boiling) water into a wide bowl and add ajwain or eucalyptus if using.
Dissolve salt in lukewarm boiled water for a saline rinse.

How to use

Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and breathe the steam for 5–10 minutes, 2 times a day.
Rinse each nostril gently with the saline water using a clean neti pot or dropper once or twice a day.
Place a warm, damp towel over your nose and cheeks for 5 minutes, and sleep with your head raised.

Helpful habits

Drink warm fluids like soup, ginger tea or haldi milk.
Use a humidifier or keep a bowl of water in the room if the air is dry.
Avoid smoke, strong perfumes and dust.

Precautions

Keep a safe distance from hot water; don't do steam for small children — use a warm bathroom instead.
Use only boiled-cooled or sterile water for nasal rinses.
See a doctor if the blockage lasts more than 10 days, comes with high fever, facial swelling, bloody discharge, or happens only on one side.

Frequently asked questions

How can I unblock my nose quickly?: Steam inhalation, a saline rinse and a warm compress over the nose usually give quick relief.
How do I sleep with a blocked nose?: Raise your head with an extra pillow, take steam before bed and keep the room air from getting too dry.
Is ajwain steam good for a blocked nose?: Ajwain steam is a traditional Indian remedy for congestion; many people find its aroma soothing.