Stuffy nose? Sinuses all blocked up? Finding it hard to breathe? Sinus infections and stuffy noses suck but are part and part of winter (and even summer) for some people. So why do we get blocked sinuses in the first place? And what can we do to reduce congestion? Here are our top tips to relieve sinus and nasal congestion and get you back to your old self!

Why do we get runny noses and blocked sinuses?

Mucus is produced in the mouth, throat, sinuses, lungs and stomach. It acts as a protective layer, stopping membranes from drying out and cracking. It also acts as a sort of mop, which traps unwelcome substances like bacteria or dust. Mucus also contains antibodies and enzymes which can combat infection.

When you have a cold or allergy, your mucus production goes up to try and overcome the illness faster. The more mucus you produce, the more you are able to rid the body of germs.

If mucus is a good thing, that transports germs out of the body, why do we feel so miserable if we have a stuffed nose?

It’s because we need to keep the mucus moving. If you have a stuffed, rather than freely running nose, you are probably dehydrated, and less likely to feel better soon.

This is why, pharmaceutical over the counter medications that stop your nose from running, won’t actually cure the infection. It’s just giving you temporary relief, whilst hampering your recovery progress.

Tips to Relieve Sinus and Nasal Congestion

So how can we reduce congestion and feel better sooner? There are a number of ways to relieve sinus and nasal congestion. Here are our top tips:

Stay super hydrated

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Plain herbal or fruit teas also count as water. The more hydrated you are, the more effectively your body rids itself of infection.

Try A.Vogel Plantago herbal tincture

Plantago can help relieve sinus and nasal congestion. A. Vogel Plantago tincture assists in hydrating the mucous membranes whilst removing congestion. It’s also good for middle ear infections as well as the sinuses and throat.

Include Garlic in your diet

Garlic either in tablet form or eaten (preferably raw) is antibacterial and will help to overcome an infection faster.

Consider washing your nose with a neti pot

Washing your nose out using a technique called nasal irrigation has proved a really effective way to thin mucus and decrease swelling by washing through bacteria and allergens. However, do not use tap water to wash your nose, use filtered or bottled water and maybe one drop of propolis, grapefruit seed extract or even a pinch of xylitol or salt.

Please note, this blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice.

It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements, treatments or remedies if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.

Checked and updated: 25 August 2021