The 10 Best Natural Decongestants

There's nothing more annoying than a blocked up nose, and in this article we'll bring you 10 natural decongestants

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Written by Thais Guillén Otero

Last update: 26 September, 2022

I don’t know about you, but I can’t rest easy with a stuffed nose and chest congestion. It makes me feel like I’m suffocating and no medications provide relief. They just dry out the mucous and make me feel worse. That’s why in this article we’ll be telling you all about the 10 best natural decongestants to bring you relief.

The respiratory tract

Your respiratory system is made up of the nasal cavities, the pharynx, the larynx, the trachea, the bronchial tubes and the lungs. These lungs in particular are responsible for the exchange of gases and the elimination of toxic substances and bacteria that we add to the environment.

Unfortunately, breathing can imply certain danger. This is because solid particles penetrate, and these can obstruct the respiratory tracts or intoxicate the body. The larger particles become trapped by the hairs and mucous material in the nose and the respiratory tract. Also, at times, the ciliary movement is not strong enough to sufficiently extract them. This, in turn, creates congestion caused by accumulated secretions.

This congestion causes difficulty in breathing, the sensation of suffocating, and, even in more serious cases, respiratory failure.

There are several methods to decongest the respiratory tracts, from medications like ephedrine to therapies that help remove secretions. However, I prefer to use natural substances, which is why I’m going to tell you about the best ten natural decongestants.

The best 10 natural decongestants

Here are some treatments that will help to relieve nose and chest congestion. Choose whichever one you like best, and feel the relief.

Treatment #1: Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is the first of our natural decongestants. Heat water to make a steam bath. Once boiling, remove it from heat and add the water to a handful of eucalyptus leaves. You will notice results after using the steam bath for 10 minutes.

To sleep like a baby, place eucalyptus leaves on your pillow so that when your head is propped up, you’ll breathe the plant’s fragrance in. This will help to remove congestion in your respiratory tract. This remedy could also alleviate asthma.

Treatment #2: Pine

Pine needles and pine cones have antiseptic and balsam effects. Boil a handful of pine sprouts and pine needles in 10 pints of water for 5 minutes. Pour everything into a bowl and steam for 10 minutes.

Treatment #3: Bark and Orujo (Pomace brandy)

This remedy is very effective at removing congestion from your respiratory tract. You will need two cups of three different types of tree bark: oak, holm oak, and pine. Bring 10 pints of orujo to a slow boil, add then add the bark and continue boiling for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add a pinch of rosemary and nettle. Allow to cool and strain. Drink 2 tablespoons of this remedy with warm milk before going to bed, and two before breakfast. This will help to eliminate any congestion you may have.

Treatment #4: Mint

As an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, mint is wonderful for eliminating respiratory congestion. If you want to prove it, just pour a teaspoon of mint leaves into one cup of boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes. Drink two to three cups of this infusion each day, or if you prefer, drop 3 drops of this infusion into each of your nostrils.

Treatment #5: Lemon

There’s nothing quite like warm lemon juice to alleviate the flu, throat inflammation, and other respiratory tract conditions. You could also gargle with it every two hours, mixed with half a glass of hot water.

Treatment #6: Aloe Vera

To help unblock your nose, add a few drops of Aloe Vera gel inside your nose. You’ll soon notice the positive effects.

Treatment #7: Alleviating combination

Not only does this remedy help to decongest, but it can also cure colds. Heat a cup of almond oil and mix with half a teaspoon of mint oil. Use this mixture to massage your back and congested chest. It is important that you cover up well and drink a hot mint tea at the same time to get good results.

Treatment #8: Onions

One of the best natural decongestants are onions. Firstly slice and saute 5 large onions. Then cover with vegetable oil and let them sit in a hot oven, but one that has been turned off for half an hour. Then place them in a flannel bag, rub olive oil into your chest, and apply the onion poultice for 30 minutes. Cover up with a cloth to keep it hot.

Treatment #9: Garlic for long term treatment

In order to decongest your respiratory tract over the long term, you need to eat two cloves of garlic three times a day for one week. Your nose will thank you for it.

Treatment #10: Ice

Yes, it’s a bit absurd, but it is incredibly effective if you want quick relief. Add several ice cube trays into a tub with water and then submerge just your toes into it until they go numb.

For prevention…

I hope this article has been helpful to you, and, to finish with, I’m going to give you some advice that will help prevent respiratory congestion:

• Don’t smoke: The toxic substances that are released during cigarette combustion not only affect the skin and mouth, but they also promote the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and repress the immune system, leading to the appearance of several diseases.
• Avoid becoming a passive smoker: Stay away from cigarette and tobacco smoke. Remember, this is highly damaging for your health, even when you don’t inhale directly.
• Avoid abrupt temperature changes: Cover up in the evenings and when it’s raining. Don’t sit directly in front of the fan when you’re done exercising. Take care of your lungs.
• Stay away from chemical products and other substances that could cause allergies.
• Get preventive vaccinations: This is important, especially in children and the elderly.

Here ends our article on the best natural decongestants around and we hope they’ll be of use to you. Take care of your health and keep your respiratory system in perfect condition!