Natural Decongestant

In doing our research on onions this week, we discovered that they are a natural decongestant. This isn't too surprising. Anyone who has chopped a particularly strong onion can attest to the power and potency of it's effect on the nasal passages.

But it got us thinking about what else could be used as a natural decongestant.

So, we did a little digging and came up with a few more.

First, let's start with this week's featured healing food...

The Onion

Raw onions are a well known decongestant. As we said, they are so strong that even the act of cutting them up can help to loosen up nasal congestion.

If that doesn't work, just add raw onions to whatever food you happen to be eating. They are great on salads (see this week's recipe) and sandwiches.

Anything Hot and Spicy

Once again, no surprise here. If you have ever eaten at an authentic Southern, Mexican, or Far Eastern restaurant, you know how much spicy food can make you sniff and sweat. Any hot pepper, or even wasabi. If it burns, it should clear you up!

Other Decongestant Herbs and Supplements

Tea made from herbs like fresh ginger and peppermint
Vitamin C
Marshmallow Root
Mullein
Eyebright

Here is an Indian remedy that we ran across. We haven't had a chance to try it yet. Let us know if you do.

Add 2 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of turmuric powder to a mug of warm milk. Have this at least 2-3 times a day.

Non-Food Decongestants

An old and effective treatment for congestion is to use steam. Take a hot shower. Boil a pot of water with a little Eucalyptus added to it. Or even put your face over a steaming hot pan of water and make a tent over your head with a towel. (Be careful that you don't burn yourself.)

Inhaling salt water is also a natural decongestant, and it probably works really well. Not our preferred method though.

It's interesting to note that most of the natural decongestant treatments can also be used as a form of mild torture. Kind of a frying pan into the fire thing.

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