Changes in the season, colds and allergies often bring on distressing symptoms such as a stuffed nose. Clearing up a stuffy nose is simple with a few home remedies or over-the-counter medications. Avoid mixing too many methods at once especially if you haven’t previously tried natural remedies. Some herbs may interact with medications so focus on using either herbs or pharmaceuticals rather than mixing treatments at the same time.

Saline Nasal Sprays

Use saline nasal sprays to clear up a stuffed nose. These types of sprays are found at your local pharmacy or online. The Family Doctor website says to gently blow your nose before using the medication and try not to sneeze or blow your nose immediately after using the spay. Sneezing or blowing your nose can counteract the effects of the spray because the saline solution needs to remain inside your nasal cavity to help break up congestion.

Drink Green Tea

Choose caffeine-free green tea.

Drink green tea to boost your immune system and help clear up sinuses when suffering from a cold or allergies. Green tea helps clear up a stuffy nose because it contains antioxidants that stimulate the immune system. This helps to relieve all the symptoms associated with a cold such as runny nose, fever and sore throat. Green tea contains anti-inflammatory nutrients such as Vitamin C and L-theanine.

Increased Humidity

You can clear up a stuffy nose by increasing the humidity levels in your home with a vaporizer or humidifier. You can find these at your local home improvement or department store. Turn your humidifier on at night before bed so that you can breathe easier while you sleep. You can also spend 10 minutes, two or more times per day inside a sauna or hot shower to help clear up a stuffed nose. The hot steam helps clear up a stuffed nose by increasing moisture and humidity in the air.

Neti Pots

Neti pots often are used in Ayurvedic medicine. The pot resembles a small tea kettle, but is used to clean and clear out the sinuses. Saline is added to lukewarm water in the pot, and the user then pours the liquid into his nose through the spout of the pot.

According to Michelle Tason, author of “How to Have a Healthy White Smile,” white teeth are a sign of health and vitality in today’s society. Unfortunately, teeth become yellow over time, typically stained by coffee, tea, soda, medicine or smoking. Professional whitening services are available, but these procedures typically cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With a few simple supplies from your medicine cabinet, you can remove yellow stains from your teeth at home.

Instructions

1. Pour 2 tbsp. tablespoons of baking powder into a small cup and add 1 tsp. of hydrogen peroxide. Stir the mixture and continue to add hydrogen peroxide until the mixture is the consistency of toothpaste.
2. Spoon the hydrogen peroxide and baking powder mixture onto your toothbrush and brush your teeth for two minutes.
3. Spit the mixture out into the sink and brush with regular toothpaste for another two minutes.
4. Rinse your mouth with water and enjoy your whiter smile. According to Janet Maccaro, author of “Natural Health Remedies,” it is safe to repeat this treatment once weekly to keep your teeth whitened.

Tips & Warnings

Always consult with your dental professional before using an at-home whitening remedy.