Runny Nose Remedies

A runny nose is like an uninvited and unpredictable guest, which arrives in any season. And yes, it also causes a lot of irritation (like most uninvited guests!) But there are ways to get rid of this annoying condition. First, let us know the causes for runny nose and then the remedies to stop a runny nose.

Common Causes of Runny Nose

There are various causes for a runny nose. Finding a runny nose remedy will be easier if one knows the exact reason for it. The following are some general causes of a runny nose:

• Common Cold: Cold is caused by a number of viruses, rhinovirus being the most common. Common cold is the most prevalent reason for a runny nose.
• Allergies: Certain foreign objects are not accepted by our immune system, which in turn reacts to that foreign object in a negative way, which is known as 'allergy'. Most common things which cause allergies and which lead to a runny nose are flowers, dust, pollen and perfumes.
• Sinus Infection: A runny nose can be a symptom of sinus infection as well. However, everybody might not have a sinus infection if they have a runny nose.
• Weather Changes: Runny nose is common in winter season. The atmosphere in winter is conducive for viruses. There are also many pollen grains in the air which can lead to a runny nose.

Although there is no single best remedy for a runny nose, there are many natural runny nose remedies which you can easily find in your kitchen.

Runny Nose Remedies

• Inhaling steam is a popular runny nose home remedy. Steam inhalation helps in providing marked relief. But be careful while taking steam, as the water should not be boiling hot. As a runny nose remedy for colds, steam inhalation is definitely helpful!
• One of the best natural remedies for a runny nose is to make a solution of water and salt by putting a tablespoon of salt in approximately 240 ml of water. Use this solution as nose drops and then blow your nose gently. This procedure can be irritating in the beginning, but the solution of salt and water will provide relief. This is the easiest runny nose home remedy
• Nasal decongestants are very effective runny nose medicines. Nasal decongestants may seem to aggravate the runny nose for a while, but after some time it provides relief. However, you should not overuse nasal decongestants.
• Increase fluid intake. Water and other fluids, like soup or herbal tea, keep the body hydrated. Generally, when suffering from a cold, cold water should be avoided. Instead, drink lukewarm water or warm milk with a pinch of turmeric. These are the best home remedies for a runny nose.
• Using a humidifier is also an effective runny nose remedy. This will prevent excessive dryness of the nose.
• Find out what you are allergic to. If total avoidance is not possible, cover your nose and mouth while dealing with such allergens.
• With swine flu around, a runny nose can be quite a dangerous symptom. The best way is to take precaution, and if the cold persists for more than four days, and the disease does not respond to any kind of treatment, then consult a doctor immediately.
• Keep yourself warm. Low temperatures can trigger a cold. So do not sit in a room with the air conditioner on for long when you have a runny nose.
• Another runny nose treatment is to chew ginger. Ginger helps as it drains the nose and also maintains body temperature. Home remedies for runny nose and sneezing are not interlinked. Some home remedies for runny nose might cause sneezing in some people, if they are allergic to the materials used.

A runny nose may seem inevitable, but it can be avoided by simple ways like not gorging on ice creams, refraining from drinking very cold water, avoiding smoking (as this will irritate the throat and nose), etc. Herbal remedies for runny nose should always be preferred to medicines as herbal remedies do not have any side effects. So if you are suffering from this irritating condition, try out these runny nose remedies for some quick relief. Hope you're able to get rid of your unwanted guest with the help of these remedies for a runny nose!