According to Medicinenet.com, a nasal decongestant is a medicine that shrinks the infected or swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier to breath. After using nasal decongestants for a prolonged period of time and then stopping, nasal symptoms often get worse because the nasal tissue becomes dependent upon the nasal decongestant. Nasal congestion relief is possible without the use of sometimes harmful nasal decongestants.
Neti Pots
Alternative health practitioners recommend cleansing the sinuses with a saline solution regularly for basic health maintenance. Healing Daily, an alternative health practices website, recommends using a neti pot for nasal congestion relief. Nasal passages blocked from pollen, dust, pollution, animal hair or other irritants become unblocked with the use of a neti pot. The process is simple; first, lukewarm water passes through the nasal passages, followed by warm salt water to rinse away the mucus clogging the sinuses. Choose a neti pot that works in conjunction with your nostrils, as they come in different sizes. Choosing a neti pot with a tapered conical tip at the spout end will ensure optimal results. Neti Pots can be found at most drug stores.
Vapor Rubs
Vapor rubs are a great alternative to nasal decongestants which are often full of harmful chemicals and cause unwanted side effects. Vapor rub contains four active ingredients: levomenthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil and camphor. These ingredients have a soothing decongestant effect when applied properly. Vapor rubs soothe irritation, making breathing easier. Vapor rubs, found at any drugstore, should be applied to the chest, back and throat so it could be inhaled. Steam inhalation is also beneficial. Melt a few teaspoons of the rub in hot water to create a steam of oils that when breathed in will help liquefy mucus. This medicine should not be swallowed, and when using on children, first consult a physician.
Alternative Techniques
Daily steam inhalation provides nasal decongestion relief. Running the shower for several minutes with hot water in a closed bathroom will provide enough steam to stimulate the sinuses and loosen mucus. Acupressure massage techniques may help loosen mucus to provide congestion relief as well. Placing an index finger on each cheek and massaging for several minutes will loosen mucus. To relieve sinus pressure, use your index finger to gently massage the forehead and sides of the nose. Since this is where the sinuses are located, stimulating them with soothing motions may provide congestion and pressure relief without the use of decongestants.
Tags: nasal, congestion, relief, without, using, decongestants, loosen mucus, nasal decongestants, Vapor rubs, congestion relief, index finger, nasal decongestant, Neti Pots
