Congestion is a symptom rather than a disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of congestion are cold, flu, allergies or a response to irritants. For most older children and adults, congestion is only an annoyance. Congestion makes it difficult to breathe. It causes your nose to run. And it can cause mucus to run down the back of your throat, a symptom called post-nasal drip. There are a number of herbal remedies that can ease these symptoms. However, if your nasal discharge is green, if you have asthma or emphysema, or if you have a high fever, you should see your doctor.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has long been used as a decongestant and is still regularly used today, as it is found in many over-the-counter cold medicines. In “1000 Cures for 200 Ailments,” Dr. David Kiefer explains that you can get the eucalyptus directly into your congested respiratory system by adding a few drops of its oil to water in a vaporizer and breathing the steam in through your nose. He warns to keep your eyes closed, though, as eucalyptus oil can irritate them, and not to consume eucalyptus oil. In “Healing Without Medication,” Dr. Robert Rister advises sucking on eucalyptus lozenges to help with congestion.
English Ivy
Dr. Kiefer also recommends English ivy to ease congestion. He explains that it clears mucus from the lungs and improves the function of the lungs. “PDR for Herbal Medicines” explains that English ivy is an expectorant and an antispasmodic, so while it clears your mucus, it also eases coughing. The recommended dose is 300 to 800mg of the dried leaf a day, which you can take in capsule form or can steep in hot water to make a tea.
Horseradish or Hot Peppers
Most people need to keep tissues around when they eat very hot foods because it causes their noses to run. Dr. Rister explains that foods such as horseradish and hot peppers act directly upon the nerves that control the flow of the nose ducts, and that these foods actually cause the nasal and bronchial passages to open wider. Because of this, he suggests that you eat as much horseradish or hot peppers as you can stand several times a day to reduce congestion.
Mullein
Dr. Kiefer and Dr. Rister both suggest mullein. Mullein helps reduce congestion, but it also helps combat several common causes of congestion. Dr. Rister explains that mullein contains antibacterial chemicals to combat congestion caused by bacterial infection, and cites a study performed by J. Serkedjieva and published in the November 2000 issue of “Phytotherapy Research” that found that mullein enhances the effectiveness of flu medications such as Symmetrel. Drink a tea made from 1 or 2 tsp. of dried mullein daily.
White Horehound
Dr. Kiefer recommends white horehound, which has long been used to clear mucus and congestion. Consume it as a tea by steeping 1 to 2 tsp. of dried white horehound in hot water. Dr. Kiefer explains that white horehound and mullein work synergistically, so making a tea from both herbs can be especially beneficial. He warns, however, that white horehound can cause diarrhea and lower blood sugar.
About this Author
Jeffrey Rice became an ACE-accredited personal trainer in 2007, and began writing about fitness to support his business. Soon, however, he found himself writing more than training, and has since written health, fitness and supplement articles for numerous websites. He holds a M.F.A. in creative writing from Cleveland State University.
