Natural Congestion Relief
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Natural Decongestants for Gentle Congestion Relief
Unblock your airways and soothe your runny nose with natural decongestants. These effective yet gentle medications are a great alternative if you can't use drug-based products due to a medical condition or you simply prefer to avoid them.
What are the Best Natural Congestion Relief Brands?
What Are Natural Decongestants?
Regular decongestants include drugs that constrict the blood vessels within your nose, reducing mucus production and swelling. However, these medications aren't always ideal for everyone as the oral formulations can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Nasal sprays, while less likely to cause side effects, can lead to rebound congestion if used too long, limiting their use to just a few days at a time.
Natural decongestants, in comparison, usually feature salt water or xylitol - ingredients that gently thin and remove mucus from your airways to help relieve congestion and improve your ability to breathe. Because these active ingredients cause few side effects, they may be a better choice if you're sensitive to traditional decongestants. Nasal saline sprays are also typically suitable for long-term management of allergy symptoms because they don't carry the risk of rebound congestion.
What Is the Best Natural Remedy for Congestion?
Salt-based products typically make the best natural congestion remedies. If you're unsure what to try, one excellent option is NeilMed Nasa Mist. This saline spray contains a high concentration of salt that can help draw moisture out of your nasal passages, reducing the swelling contributing to congestion. The product is suitable for use during pregnancy and by adults and children aged 1 and up.
How to Use Natural Congestion Relief
Natural nasal congestion remedies usually come in spray or rinse forms. To use a spray, insert the tip of the product's nozzle into one of your nasal passages, then press the actuator. Repeat the process on the other side of your nose. Unlike traditional decongestants, natural congestion-relief sprays are typically safe to use many times a day, as needed.
A nasal rinse, such as NeilMed Sinus Rinse, is a little trickier to use. Start by washing your hands and filling the applicator bottle with water that has been boiled and allowed to return to room temperature. Add one of the included powder packets to the bottle, and shake to mix it thoroughly.
Once the mixture is ready, lean over a sink, insert the applicator nozzle into one side of your nose and keep your mouth open. Squeeze the bottle to force the rinse out your other nostril until half the bottle is empty. Blow your nose gently and repeat the process on your other nasal passage.