Stuffy nose and sore throat

Most people suffer from the stuffy nose and sore throat at least two or three times a year. These common ailments are usually related to common cold, flu or allergies, so there is not much one can do, in terms of medication, to make these symptoms go away. However, there is a wide variety of natural remedies one can use to get rid of these annoying and frustrating problems in no time.

Natural remedies for sore throat

Sore throat can occur as a symptom of a common cold, but it can also be caused by bacteria. More commonly though, it is a viral infection, i.e. a common cold, so there is no need to take medications. Viral infections have their course and several remedies can help speed up the healing process.

Gargling is one of the best ways to soothe a sore throat. Gargling can be done with different liquids, and one of the best ones is saline solution, which cleans and disinfects the throat and stimulates healing. A saline solution is made with one teaspoon of table salt diluted in one cup of warm water. This solution is used for gargling several times a day, but it should not be swallowed, as it may cause vomiting in some.

Gargling can also be done with sage tea. Sage has antibacterial and antiviral properties and soothes the throat. Another good tea for gargling is raspberry leaf tea.

Probably the most effective remedy against sore throat is ginger-honey mixture. Ginger juice is obtained by cutting some ginger into small pieces and using a juicer, and then some honey is added so the mixture is smooth but not too thick. Two tablespoons of this remedy twice a day should cure a sore throat in no time.

Drinking apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water with some honey is also an excellent remedy.

Natural remedies for stuffy nose

The best way to clear nasal passages during cold, flu or allergy bout is to use steam. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water with eucalyptus oil added to it and with head covered with a towel will thin the mucus and make it easier to expel from the nose.

A great remedy for stuffy nose combines dried basil leaves, ginger powder and honey or sugar, added to a glass of milk. This beverage should be taken three times a day.

It is important to always maintain the upright position of the body, even while sleeping. The head should be slightly propped against pillows or cushions so the mucus can drain freely and further clogging is prevented.

Nasal syringes with rubber bulb, filled with saline solution, can be used for irrigation of the nose. The solution is released into the nose, one nostril at the time, and the mucus, dirt particles, allergens and other unwanted material in the nose will get out.