Nasal discharge, or runny nose, is the condition of excess or thin mucus flowing out of the nose or throat. Nasal discharge usually occurs due to infection or inflammation such as cold, flu, allergy, sinusitis. Nasal discharge can be annoying or embarrassing. To stop nasal discharge, you can use drugs or sprays sold in pharmacies. However, these products may have side effects or cause addiction with long-term use. Therefore, looking for herbal remedies for nasal discharge may be healthier and more economical.
What Causes Nasal Discharge?
There are many possible causes of nasal discharge. Some of them are:
- Viral infections: Cold, flu, coronavirus and other viruses settle in the nose and irritate the nasal mucosa and increase mucus production. This causes nasal discharge.
- Allergies: Allergens such as pollen, dust, animal hair, mold cause the immune system to release histamine when they enter the nose. Histamine causes swelling, itching and discharge in the nose.
- Sinusitis: Sinuses are cavities around the nose. When there is inflammation in the sinuses, a condition called sinusitis occurs. Sinusitis causes congestion, pain and discharge in the nose.
- Hormonal changes: Women who experience hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause, menstrual period may have nasal discharge due to dilation of blood vessels in the nose.
- Medications: Some medications for blood pressure, depression, allergy and other conditions may cause dryness or discharge in the nose.
- Nasal structure: Structural disorders such as curvature of the nasal bone, polyp, tumor may cause congestion or discharge in the nose.
What Are Herbal Remedies for Nasal Discharge?
There are some natural methods you can apply at home to stop nasal discharge. For example:
- Salt water: Salt water thins the mucus in the nose and makes it easier to flow. It also kills germs in the nose and prevents infection. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and stir until dissolved. Use a dropper or nasal spray to spray this mixture into your nostrils. You can repeat this procedure several times a day.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties that are good for nasal discharge. You can consume ginger raw, brew it as tea or mix it with honey. For ginger tea, grate or chop a piece of fresh ginger root. Add it to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add some honey and lemon to taste.
- Garlic: Garlic is known as a powerful antibiotic and antiseptic. Garlic cleanses the infection in the nose and strengthens the immune system. You can eat garlic raw, boil it in water and drink it or add it to your dishes. For garlic water, peel and crush a few cloves of garlic. Put them in a cup of water and boil it. Let it cool down and strain it and drink it twice a day.
- Honey: Honey is a natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizer. Honey reduces inflammation in the nose, softens mucus and soothes the throat. You can add honey to your tea, mix it with ginger or garlic or take it by spoon.
- Mint: Mint contains a compound called menthol. Menthol opens up congestion in the nose, thins mucus and makes breathing easier. You can drink mint tea, rub mint oil on your nose and smell it or boil mint leaves and inhale its steam.
- Black pepper: Black pepper triggers sneezing reflex to expel allergens that cause nasal discharge. It also increases blood circulation in the nose and reduces swelling. You can eat black pepper with honey, brew it as tea or smell it as powder.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties that are good for nasal discharge. Turmeric relieves inflammation in the nose, cleanses mucus and strengthens the immune system. You can drink turmeric with milk, add it to your dishes or smell it as powder.
How to Prevent Nasal Discharge?
You can take the following precautions to prevent nasal discharge:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Water, tea, herbal teas, fruit juices and other fluids keep your body hydrated and help thin mucus.
- Use a humidifier: Dry air irritates the nasal mucosa and causes discharge. Use a humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air in your home or office.
- Avoid allergens: Stay away from allergens that cause nasal discharge as much as possible. To protect yourself from allergens such as pollen, dust, animal hair, mold, clean your home frequently, use an air filter, stay indoors, wear a mask, use allergy medications.
- Do not smoke and avoid smoking environments: Cigarette smoke irritates the nasal mucosa and causes discharge. Quit or reduce smoking. Avoid being in smoking environments.
- Avoid spicy foods: Spicy foods can increase blood flow in the nose and cause discharge. Avoid or reduce spicy foods consumption.
- Pay attention to nasal hygiene: To prevent nasal discharge, pay attention to nasal hygiene. Wipe your nostrils with a soft tissue or napkin. To prevent foreign objects from entering the nose, do not pick or blow your nose hard.
Herbal Remedies for Nasal Discharge
Nasal discharge is a health problem that many people experience and causes discomfort. The causes of nasal discharge include infection, allergy, sinusitis, hormonal changes, medications, nasal structure and other factors. To stop nasal discharge, you can use drugs or sprays sold in pharmacies. However, these products may have side effects or cause addiction with long-term use. Therefore, herbal remedies for nasal discharge may be healthier and more economical.
Herbal remedies for nasal discharge include natural ingredients such as salt water, ginger, garlic, honey, mint, black pepper and turmeric. You can brew these ingredients as tea, mix them with honey, spray them into your nose or smell them. These methods thin the mucus in the nose and make it easier to flow, relieve inflammation in the nose, kill germs and ease breathing.
To prevent nasal discharge, you need to drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, avoid allergens, do not smoke and avoid smoking environments, avoid spicy foods and pay attention to nasal hygiene.
Do not let nasal discharge lower your quality of life. You can get rid of nasal discharge by trying natural methods. However, if your nasal discharge is severe, long-lasting or accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor.