Last updated: Apr 16, 2024
10 best herbal teas for blocked nose
When it comes to alleviating a blocked nose, certain herbal teas have proven to be particularly effective.
Peppermint tea, with its cooling properties, helps to thin mucus and promote drainage. Echinacea tea, renowned for its immunity-boosting properties, also possesses anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce nasal congestion. Ginger tea, with its natural anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce swelling in the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing.
Finally, Eucalyptus tea, rich in decongestant properties, works to break down mucus and clear airways.
1. Peppermint
Peppermint tea aids in alleviating a blocked nose due to its menthol content, which has a natural ability to thin mucus and reduce inflammation.
This herbal tea's warmth also helps to soothe irritated nasal passages, promoting increased blood flow and mucus drainage. Furthermore, peppermint's antispasmodic properties ease muscle spasms, allowing for more comfortable breathing. Drinking peppermint tea creates a steamy environment that carries menthol particles into the nasal cavity, providing instant relief.
Ultimately, peppermint tea's soothing warmth, menthol content, and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective natural remedy for a blocked nose.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with blocked nose.
- Leaves: Rich in menthol, leaves help relieve congestion by shrinking swollen membranes in the nose.
- Flowers: Containing rosmarinic acid, flowers reduce inflammation and ease breathing.
- Seeds: Packed with essential oils, seeds provide relief from blocked nose and sinus pressure.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Menthol: Acts as a natural decongestant and helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expel.
- Rosmarinic acid: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
- Limonene: Has been shown to have mucolytic effects, aiding in breaking down and expelling mucus.
- Methyl salicylate: Acts as a mild analgesic, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with a blocked nose.
- Eucalyptol: Works as an expectorant, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for blocked nose.
- In a teapot, add boiling water (1 cup) to 1 heaped teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves.
- Allow the tea to steep for 5-10 minutes to allow the beneficial compounds to infuse.
- Strain the tea to remove the leaves, pouring it into a cup.
- Optionally, add a small amount of honey (to taste) for added sweetness and soothing properties.
- Sip the tea slowly, allowing the warmth and peppermint aroma to help clear your nasal passages.
2. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus tea provides relief for a blocked nose due to its active components, specifically eucalyptus oil.
This oil contains compounds such as cineole, which possesses potent anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties. These properties work together to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and thin out excessive mucus, making it easier to expel.
As a result, the airways become clearer, alleviating the sensation of a blocked nose. Furthermore, eucalyptus oil's expectorant effect promotes the discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract, contributing to further relief.
Therefore, drinking eucalyptus tea brings about decongestion, illustrating its value as a traditional remedy for a blocked nose.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in eucalyptus tea that help with blocked nose.
- Leaves: The leaves are rich in eucalyptus oil, which helps to relieve nasal congestion.
- Bark: The bark contains tannins that have an astringent effect, helping to reduce inflammation in the nose.
- Buds: Eucalyptus buds are a potent source of flavonoids and essential oils, which possesses anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Flowers: Eucalyptus flowers are known to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful for treating blocked noses.
- Stems: Although less potent than the leaves or bark, eucalyptus stems can still provide some relief for nasal congestion.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in eucalyptus tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Eucalyptol: This compound has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and thin out mucus.
- Cineole: As a powerful expectorant, cineole helps to loosen phlegm and clear blocked airways, providing relief from a congested nose.
- Alpha-terpineol: This compound has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce nasal congestion and alleviate symptoms of colds and flu.
- Limonene: As a natural decongestant, limonene can help to clear blocked nasal passages, promoting easier breathing.
- Globulol: With its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, globulol can help to reduce inflammation and fight infections, providing relief from a blocked nose.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic eucalyptus tea for blocked nose.
- In a saucepan, add 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil.
- Crush 1 tablespoon of dried eucalyptus leaves and add it to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the solids.
- Sip the warm tea, breathing in the eucalyptus-infused steam to help clear your nasal passages.
3. Elderflower
Elderflower tea aids in unblocking a nose due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, derived from bioactive compounds called flavonoids.
These flavonoids work by reducing swelling in the nasal passages, providing immediate relief. Furthermore, elderflower tea contains tannins known for their astringent qualities, which help tighten and dry out membranes, thus alleviating excess mucus production. Additionally, elderflower possesses natural antihistamine abilities, neutralizing the body's histamine response responsible for allergic reactions and blocked noses.
Lastly, studies show that elderflower has expectorant properties, assisting in the expulsion of phlegm and easing breathing.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in elderflower tea that help with blocked nose.
- Flowers: Elderflowers contain flavonoids and tannins that help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, providing relief for a blocked nose.
- Leaves: Elder leaves are known to have diaphoretic properties, promoting perspiration and helping to clear a stuffy nose.
- Stems: Although less potent than the flowers and leaves, elder stems can contribute to the overall effectiveness of the tea, as they contain similar beneficial compounds.
- Bark: The bark of the elder tree has expectorant properties, helping to loosen and expel mucus, further aiding in relieving a blocked nose.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in elderflower tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Flavonoids: These antioxidants reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, helping to alleviate a blocked nose.
- Phenolic Acids: With their anti-inflammatory properties, phenolic acids can help decrease congestion and ease breathing.
- Triterpenes: These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce nasal congestion.
- Essential Oils: The volatile oils in elderflower, including limonene and linalool, may have decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief for a blocked nose.
- Chlorogenic Acid: This polyphenol acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of a blocked nose.
- Rutin: A flavonoid glycoside, rutin exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, potentially aiding in reducing nasal congestion.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elderflower tea for blocked nose.
- Boil 1 cup of water and let it cool down until it reaches a warm temperature.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried elderflowers to a tea infuser or teapot.
- Pour the warm water over the elderflowers and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the tea infuser or strain the tea into a cup.
- Sip the elderflower tea slowly, enjoying the floral taste and breath in the warm steam to help clear your blocked nose.
4. Ginger
Ginger tea's therapeutic properties stem from gingerol, a bioactive compound known to alleviate inflammation.
This compound works by reducing the swelling in nasal passages, providing instant relief. Furthermore, gingerol acts as a natural antihistamine, combating the body's histamine response that leads to nasal congestion. Additionally, ginger tea's warmth promotes nasal drainage, helping to unclog the nose.
Lastly, ginger tea's soothing effect on the throat helps reduce the urge to cough or sneeze, further aiding in relieving a blocked nose.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with blocked nose.
- Rhizomes: Ginger rhizomes are underground stems with a thick, knotty appearance. They contain active compounds that help reduce inflammation, making them ideal for a medicinal tea to relieve a blocked nose.
- Leaves: Ginger leaves are thin and green, growing upward from the rhizome. They have essential oils and antioxidants that provide natural relief for nasal congestion.
- Flowers: Ginger flowers have a unique aroma and are either yellow or white. They contain bioactive compounds that aid in breaking up mucus and alleviating a blocked nose.
- Seeds: Ginger seeds are small, oval-shaped, and black. They possess natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated nasal passages.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Gingerols: Gingerols, the main active components in ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the nasal passages, providing relief for a blocked nose.
- Shogaols: Shogaols, derived from gingerols when ginger is dried or cooked, have decongestant effects, helping to unclog a blocked nose by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose.
- Zingerone: Zingerone, also found in ginger, has expectorant properties, aiding in the expulsion of mucus and reducing congestion, making it easier to breathe when you have a blocked nose.
- Limonene: Present in small amounts in ginger, limonene is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, which can help alleviate swelling in the nasal passages and ease breathing when dealing with a blocked nose.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for blocked nose.
- Peel and thinly slice 1 inch of fresh ginger root.
- Place ginger slices in a pot and add 4 cups of water.
- Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain tea into a cup, add honey and lemon to taste, then let cool slightly.
- Sip tea slowly to soothe a blocked nose.
5. Licorice
Licorice tea aids in alleviating a blocked nose due to its active compounds, primarily glycyrrhizin.
This compound possesses anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and facilitating breathing. Moreover, licorice tea acts as an expectorant, thinning and loosening mucus, making it easier to eliminate. The soothing warmth of the tea further helps to clear nasal congestion by increasing blood flow and promoting the drainage of mucus.
Finally, licorice tea exhibits antimicrobial qualities, combating potential infections contributing to a blocked nose, thus ensuring respiratory health.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with blocked nose.
- Roots: The roots of the licorice plant contain glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve a blocked nose.
- Rhizomes: The rhizomes of the licorice plant are used for medicinal teas due to their expectorant properties, which can help clear phlegm and alleviate a blocked nose.
- Leaves: The leaves of the licorice plant contain flavonoids that have been shown to reduce inflammation, making them useful for treating a blocked nose.
- Flowers: The flowers of the licorice plant contain antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and relieve symptoms of a blocked nose.
- Seeds: The seeds of the licorice plant contain a volatile oil that can help clear the respiratory tract and alleviate a blocked nose.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Glycyrrhizin: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and providing relief from a blocked nose.
- Flavonoids: Known for their antioxidant properties, flavonoids help soothe irritated nasal membranes, thereby helping to alleviate nasal congestion.
- Liquiritigenin: Acts as a phytoestrogen that can help decrease inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, providing relief for a blocked nose.
- Isoliquiritigenin: Exhibits anti-allergic properties, helping to reduce allergic responses that can lead to a blocked nose.
- Glabridin: Possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to the relief of nasal congestion and inflammation.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for blocked nose.
- In a teapot, combine 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root with 8 ounces of boiling water.
- Steep the licorice root in hot water for 10-15 minutes to allow the beneficial compounds to infuse.
- Strain the tea to remove the licorice root, leaving only the liquid.
- Optionally, add a small amount of honey or lemon to taste, but avoid adding milk or sugar.
- Sip the warm tea slowly to soothe a blocked nose and help clear your airways.
6. Chamomile
Chamomile tea assists with a blocked nose due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
This herbal beverage contains chamazulene, an organic compound that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Furthermore, chamomile boasts germ-fighting agents, known as bisabolol, which help eliminate bacteria responsible for congestion. Additionally, the soothing warmth of chamomile tea alleviates discomfort while increasing steam intake, which loosens mucus and clears nasal blockages.
Ultimately, chamomile tea's unique chemical composition and therapeutic warmth provide holistic relief for a blocked nose.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with blocked nose.
- Flowers: Chamomile flowers are used to make medicinal tea for a blocked nose due to their anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
- Leaves: The leaves of chamomile contain antioxidants that boost the immune system, helping to alleviate a blocked nose.
- Seeds: Chamomile seeds are rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help clear a blocked nose.
- Rhyzomes: Chamomile rhyzomes have been shown to have muscle relaxant properties, which can help alleviate congestion caused by a blocked nose.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Apigenin: A flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce nasal swelling and congestion.
- Chamazulene: A chemical compound that has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, helping to soothe irritated nasal passages and relieve muscle spasms that can contribute to a blocked nose.
- Bisabolol: A terpene with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, aiding in the reduction of inflammation and fighting off any potential infections that may be contributing to a blocked nose.
- Matricin: A chemical precursor to chamazulene, matricin has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, helping to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid that acts as a natural antihistamine, helping to alleviate symptoms of a blocked nose caused by allergies or inflammation.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for blocked nose.
- Boil 1 cup of water and let it cool down for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the hot water into a cup with 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers.
- Cover the cup and let the chamomile flowers steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove the chamomile flowers.
- Sip the warm chamomile tea, adding a little honey or lemon if desired.
7. Goldenrod
Goldenrod tea provides relief for a blocked nose due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling in nasal passages.
This plant contains bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and saponins, that possess expectorant qualities, helping to thin and expel mucus. Moreover, goldenrod's antimicrobial properties combat infection-induced nasal congestion. Additionally, goldenrod tea soothes irritated mucous membranes, alleviating discomfort and promoting easier breathing.
Its natural decongestant abilities make goldenrod tea an effective remedy for a blocked nose.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in goldenrod tea that help with blocked nose.
- Roots: The roots of the goldenrod plant contain active compounds that help reduce inflammation, making it effective in treating a blocked nose.
- Leaves: The leaves are rich in antioxidants and have antibacterial properties that aid in clearing up congestion and relieving nasal blockage.
- Flowers: Goldenrod flowers have been used traditionally to treat respiratory issues, including a blocked nose, due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Stems: The stems of the goldenrod plant contain essential oils and other compounds that have a decongestant effect, helping to unclog a blocked nose.
- Buds: Goldenrod buds are particularly potent in their ability to alleviate nasal congestion, as they contain higher concentrations of the plant's active medicinal compounds.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in goldenrod tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Phenols: These compounds have antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving a blocked nose.
- Flavonoids: These plant metabolites have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate nasal congestion.
- Saponins: These compounds can act as expectorants, helping to remove mucus from the respiratory tract and relieve a blocked nose.
- Essential oils: The essential oils in goldenrod, such as camphor and eucalyptol, have expectorant and decongestant properties that can help clear a blocked nose.
- Tannins: These astringent compounds can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages, providing relief from a blocked nose.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenrod tea for blocked nose.
- Harvest 2-3 tablespoons of fresh goldenrod flower heads, ensuring they are fully open and dry (about 10-15 minutes in the sun).
- Rinse the flower heads gently under cold running water to remove any dirt or insects, then let them drain (1-2 minutes).
- Coarsely chop the goldenrod flower heads and place them in a teapot or infuser.
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the chopped goldenrod and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the tea, discarding the solid plant material, and enjoy the warm goldenrod tea to help alleviate your blocked nose.
8. Yarrow
Yarrow tea aids in unblocking a stuffy nose due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
This plant also possesses expectorant qualities, helping to clear mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. Moreover, yarrow's antimicrobial attributes fight infections causing sinus congestion. Furthermore, yarrow tea acts as a natural pain reliever, soothing discomfort associated with sinus pressure.
Lastly, its diaphoretic effect promotes sweating, which can help to lower fever and alleviate symptoms of colds and flu, including a blocked nose.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in yarrow tea that help with blocked nose.
- Flowers: Rich in azulene, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, flowers help reduce nasal congestion.
- Leaves: Contain high amounts of antioxidants and essential oils, leaves aid in alleviating sinus pressure and nasal blockage.
- Stems: Packed with flavonoids and tannins, stems help soothe irritated nasal passages and promote clear breathing.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in yarrow tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in yarrow tea have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the swelling of nasal passages and provide relief from a blocked nose.
- Alkaloids: Certain alkaloids found in yarrow, like azulene, have a calming effect on the nasal lining, helping to alleviate nasal congestion and promote easier breathing.
- Sesquiterpene lactones: These compounds have been found to help reduce inflammation and act as natural decongestants, allowing for improved nasal airflow.
- Essential oils: The essential oils present in yarrow tea, such as alpha-pinene, can have a soothing effect and assist in clearing the nasal passages, thus helping with a blocked nose.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yarrow tea for blocked nose.
- Harvest dried yarrow flowers and leaves, finely chopping 2 tablespoons to release oils (5 minutes).
- Boil 2 cups of water in a teapot or saucepan, then add the chopped yarrow (1-2 minutes).
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the water to extract the medicinal properties.
- Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the used yarrow.
- Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day, to help clear a blocked nose.
9. Basil
Basil tea provides relief from a blocked nose due to its inherent properties.
Its active compounds, including rosmarinic acid and camphor, possess potent anti-inflammatory and decongestant abilities. By reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, basil tea encourages airflow, alleviating the symptoms of nasal congestion. Furthermore, its soothing warmth generates steam, helping to moisturize and clear the nasal cavity.
Additionally, basil tea's expectorant qualities loosen and expel mucus, contributing to the easing of a blocked nose.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in basil tea that help with blocked nose.
- Leaves: Rich in rosmarinic acid, the leaves of basil have strong anti-inflammatory properties that help unblock noses.
- Flowers: Packed with essential oils, basil flowers can alleviate nasal congestion and promote sinus health.
- Seeds: Basil seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients that can relieve blocked noses, acting as natural decongestants.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in basil tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Eugenol: This compound has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and relieve a blocked nose.
- Linalool: This compound has natural calming and soothing effects, which can help alleviate nasal congestion by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Methyl chavicol: This compound has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help clear the respiratory tract and reduce blockage in the nose.
- Rosmarinic acid: This compound acts as a natural decongestant and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve a blocked nose by reducing swelling in the nasal passages.
- Cirsimaritin: This flavonoid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, which can help alleviate nasal congestion caused by viral infections.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic basil tea for blocked nose.
- In a teapot, add 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves to 1 cup of boiling water.
- Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes to allow the basil's oils to release.
- Strain the tea to remove the basil leaves, creating a clear liquid.
- Optionally, add honey or lemon to taste.
- Sip the tea slowly, allowing the steam to help clear your nasal passages.
10. Marshmallow
Marshmallow tea, derived from the marshmallow plant's roots, contains mucilage, a slippery substance known for its soothing properties.
This mucilage, when combined with hot water, forms a gel-like consistency that coats and soothes the mouth, throat, and nasal passages. As this gel travels through the respiratory system, it helps remove excess mucus, easing congestion and reducing irritation. Consequently, marshmallow tea alleviates blocked noses by calming inflamed tissue and facilitating mucus expulsion, promoting clearer, easier breathing.
Its effectiveness arises from the robust demulcent qualities of mucilage, providing quick, dependable relief for users.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in marshmallow tea that help with blocked nose.
- Leaves: Rich in medicinal compounds, leaves of the marshmallow plant are used in teas for their anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe irritated nasal passages.
- Flowers: Packed with mucilage, marshmallow flowers in tea provide a demulcent effect, relieving discomfort from a blocked nose.
- Roots: Containing high mucilage content, marshmallow roots make an ideal base for medicinal tea, forming a protective layer in the nose, helping to ease congestion.
- Seeds: Marshmallow seeds are mucilaginous, and when used in tea, they create a soothing and hydrating action, beneficial for addressing a stuffy nose.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with blocked nose.
- Mucilage: The mucilage in marshmallow tea coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes, providing relief from a blocked nose.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids found in marshmallow tea have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and relieve congestion.
- Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid present in marshmallow tea supports the immune system and can help reduce the severity and duration of a blocked nose caused by a common cold or flu.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids found in marshmallow tea possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate a blocked nose and soothe irritated nasal passages.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for blocked nose.
- In a pot, combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root, and 1 teaspoon of crushed elderberries; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the herbs to release their medicinal properties.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a cup, pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired, for added sweetness and vitamin C.
- Sip the warm tea, allowing it to coat your throat and soothe your nasal passages for relief from congestion.
What is blocked nose and how can it affect your life?
A blocked nose, also known as nasal congestion, occurs when the tissue lining the nasal passages becomes inflamed, causing a stuffy or blocked sensation.
This condition can disrupt people's daily lives by interfering with their ability to breathe easily through their nose, affecting their sleep quality, and potentially leading to other health issues such as sinus infections.
The discomfort and inconvenience of a blocked nose can significantly impact a person's overall well-being and daily activities.
What other natural remedies help with blocked nose?
A blocked nose is a common ailment that can be alleviated through various natural remedies.
One such remedy is using a saline solution, which helps to increase moisture in the nostrils and reduce congestion. Another effective method is steam inhalation, where one breathes in hot water vapor to thin out mucus and soothe inflamed nasal passages.
Additionally, using a humidifier in the bedroom can help maintain a moist environment, preventing the nasal passages from becoming dry and blocked. Furthermore, incorporating physical activity into one's daily routine can promote nasal drainage and reduce congestion.
Lastly, ensuring proper hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm ones, can help to loosen up mucus and relieve a blocked nose.