While cold does not have a cure, it does have several solutions for its symptoms. Runny nose, also known as rhinorrhea, is a condition when watery mucus is discharged from the nose almost continuously. This can happen when the linings in the nasal passage get congested and inflamed due to some viral infection. This is what is known as common cold.
The home remedies for runny nose listed here gives instant relief from the misery and discomfort. The glands in the nose keep producing mucus perpetually in order to fight off infections, and when there are multiple allergens or viruses present the mucus production is in excess.
Causes & Symptoms
- Causes: Irritants causing inflammation in the nasal tissue, common cold, influenza, allergies.
- Symptoms: Sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, watery eyes, itchy nostrils, headaches, fatigue.
10 Best Home Remedies For Runny Nose
A runny nose can certainly be an embarrassment, and most people would rather stay at home than go to the office. However, there are several quick home remedies for runny nose and here are the 10 best ones:
10. Herbal Mixture (Mesua Ferrea, Basil, Wild Turmeric)
- Take some Mesua Ferrea flowers and Basil Leaves (4 to 5 leaves each).
- Rake one teaspoon of Wild Turmeric powder.
- Grind all ingredients into a paste (sprinkle water).
- Mix the paste in a glass of warm water.
- Drink the concoction daily for 2 to 3 days.
Mesua Ferrea contains mensuol, silosterol, fatty acids and mesuanic acid. Basil leaves contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol and sabienne which have antibacterial properties that help cure the infection causing a runny nose. Wild turmeric has been used in folk medicine for long for curing colds. This herbal mixture is very effective and makes one of the best home remedies for runny nose.
Excessive use of Basil leaves can cause shallow breathing; also people taking anti-clotting drugs should not take Basil leaves. Mesua Ferrea does not have any side effects and is safe to use even by lactating mothers and children. Wild turmeric has no known side effects.
9. Vitex Negundo + Black Cumin + Long Pepper + Wild Turmeric
- Take a few leaves of Vitex Negundo, 1/2 teaspoon Black Cumin Seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of Long Pepper, 1 teaspoon Wild Turmeric, and 1 teaspoon Sesame oil.
- Grind all the ingredients into a paste. Boil a glass of cow’s milk and add the paste.
- Drink the milk daily for 3 to 4 days.
Vitex Negundo belongs to the verbinaceae family and contains phenol, dulcitol, alkaloid vitricine, camphene and sitosterol among other compounds, which help in curing a runny nose. Black cumin seeds have been used as medicine for thousands of years and are a known cure for runny nose. Long pepper contains the compound piperine which helps fight parasites. Wild turmeric has been used in folk medicine for long. This herbal mixture makes one of the best ways to get rid of a runny nose.
Do not continue the remedy more than 1 week. Also, avoid the remedy if you have bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, pregnant, breastfeeding,
8. Ginger Tea
- Take a finger of fresh ginger. Wash, peel and slice the ginger.
- Boil a glass of water in a small bowl. Add the sliced ginger.
- Steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of pure honey.
- Drink the ginger tea daily for a week.
Ginger is a known antiseptic agent that helps cure the infection in the nasal tract. It also has very good antiviral, antitoxic and antifungal properties that help cure a runny nose. Ginger helps remove the excess mucus that is secreted during a severe cold and help stem the flow in a runny nose. Ginger is an excellent home remedy for runny nose.
Ginger does not have any side effects and is used as part of everyday cooking in most cultures across the world. Ginger is safe to use on adults and children. People having peptic ulcer may find ginger causing a burning sensation.
7. Herbal Concoction (Acalypha Indica, Aristolochia bracteata, Sesame Oil)
- Take 3 – 4 leaves of Acalypha Indica, some Aristolochia Bracteata leaves, and 3 – 4 teaspoons of sesame oil. Extract the juice from Acalypha Indica & Aristolochia Bracteata.
- Boil the sesame oil and add the herbal juice. Take one teaspoon of the mixture daily.
- Continue the process for 2 to 3 days.
Acalypha Indica has been used as folk medicine for long. It is also an important Ayurvedic medicine that is prescribed for runny nose. It contains acalyphine and triacetoneamine which help cure runny nose. Aristolochia Bracteata is a powerful herb that is an excellent antidote and is effective in curing runny nose. Gingely oil is used as a carrier oil.
While Acalypha Indica and Aristolochia Bracteata do not have any major side effects, they should not be used excessively as the former is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic as well. It is better to consult an Ayurvedic doctor if in doubt.
6. Fresh Onion Tea
- Take two fresh onions. Wash, peel and slice the onions.
- Boil 2 glasses of water in a bowl. Add the sliced onions.
- Steep for 5 to 6 minutes. Strain and drink the decoction hot.
- Continue the process for 2 to 3 days.
Onion tea helps get relief from a runny nose quickly. First, inhale the fumes arising out of the onion tea. Then drink the onion tea, which gives quick relief from a runny nose. Onions help cure fungal, viral and bacterial infections, thanks to the sulphur content which is a strong antibacterial agent. It eases the congestion in the nasal passage and helps cure a runny nose. Onion tea is the answer to the question how to stop a runny nose?
Onions do not have any sort of side effects and are part of daily cooking in many cultures across the world. Onion tea is safe to use by adults and children alike.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
- Boil a few drops of undiluted eucalyptus oil with some water and inhale the fumes.
- Alternatively, you can put 2 drops of Eucalyptus oil in a teaspoon of sugar.
- Swallow this eucalyptus oil mixed sugar slowly. Continue the process for a couple of days.
Eucalyptus oil has been used for treating fevers and colds for hundreds of years. Eucalyptus is an excellent decongestant and is a very good expectorant as well. This helps cure a runny nose and stop the excess flow of mucus. Eucalyptus eases the nasal passage and makes breathing easier. Eucalyptus oil gives the best home remedies for a runny nose.
Eucalyptus oil does not have any side effects and is safe to use on adults and children alike. However, children should not be overexposed to the fumes which can be very strong.
4. DIY: Coccinia Indica, Betel leaves, Gooseberry, Lemon, & Morus Alba
- Take these fresh: few Coccinia Indica leaves, 2 betel leaves, 1 gooseberry (remove seed).
- Cut a lemon in two halves and extract juice from one half. Take 1 (fruit) Morus alba.
- Squeeze the juice from Betel leaves, gooseberry and Conccinia Indica.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of sesame oil and add all the ingredients.
- Mix half a teaspoon of the mixture in warm water and drink.
Coccinia Indica is made up of resins, alkaloids, fatty acids and flavonoids. It also contains aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and tannins. Betel leaf juice has great medicinal properties that help cure runny nose. Indian gooseberry is loaded with Vitamin C which helps combat severe colds Morus alba is a great source for antioxidants that help reduce damage caused by free radicals. This DIY herbal mixture is an excellent home remedy for runny nose.
Excessive use of Coccinia Indica can cause constipation and gastritis. Morus alba can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels if a person is taking a-glucosidase inhibitors. Betel leaves do not have any side effects though ulcer patients will find it irritating the stomach.
3. Peppermint Tea
- Boil a few fresh peppermint leaves in 2 glasses of water.
- Steep for 5 to 6 minutes. Strain and drink the tea slowly.
- Continue the process for 3 to 4 days.
Peppermint (mentha piperita) has been used in traditional Native medicine in North America and Europe for treating colds and runny noses. Peppermint is rich in menthol which has a soothing effect on the throat and infected nose. Further, it helps ease the nasal passage. Inhalation of peppermint fumes helps clear the congestion in the nasal passage. Peppermint tea is one of the best home remedies for runny nose.
Peppermint has no known side effects. However, excessive use of peppermint can have toxic effects; hence it is advisable to stick to the dosage recommended.
2. Oregano Oil
- Take half a teaspoon of undiluted Oregano oil.
- Mix it in a glass of warm water.
- Drink the mixture daily for 2 to 3 days.
Oregano oil has been recommended as medicine for curing colds, coughs and fever. It is an excellent antiparisitic, and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties as well. The presence of compounds like thymol and carvacrol help clear the nasal passage and cure runny nose. Oregano oil also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help cure infections. Oregano oil is one of the best home remedies for runny nose.
While Oregano oil does not have any adverse side effects, excessive use can cause stomach upsets. Moreover, people who are allergic to plants of the Lamiaceae family can be allergic to Oregano as well.
1. Horseradish & Honey
- Take 1 fresh horseradish. Wash, peel and grate finely.
- Take 4 tablespoons of honey. Soak the grated horseradish in the honey.
- Strain the liquid and set it aside. Boil some water in a bowl.
- Add the residue horseradish and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Stain the water and add to the strained honey. Cool and store in an airtight bottle.
- Drink two to three teaspoons daily.
Horseradish contains glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that help clear runny noses. Horseradish is known to have mucolytic properties that help clear the nasal passages and cure sinusitis. Horseradish is also a natural anti-microbial agent that helps keep infections at bay. Horseradish and honey together make one of the best home remedies for runny nose.
Horse radish has no known side effects and is good for general health.
See a doctor immediately if:
- The symptoms last for more than 10 days.
- Runny nose is accompanied by fever as well.
- If the nasal discharge is greenish or yellowish in color.
- If there is bleeding along with the discharge.
I have been suffering from runny nose for the past couple of days. I am going to try this treatment from now on Hope this helps me
We are sure it will help you Preethi jain and we are waiting to get a positive feedback from you about the remedies that you have tried.