Blocked Nose: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A blocked nose, medically known as nasal congestion or rhinorrhea, is a condition where the nasal passages are obstructed, restricting airflow and leading to difficulty breathing.

This can be caused by colds, allergies, sinus infections, or anatomical issues such as a deviated septum. Prolonged nasal congestion can lead to headaches, fatigue, and increased risk of respiratory infections. To alleviate a blocked nose, herbal remedies like eucalyptus, peppermint, and ginger can be used in teas, inhaling their vapors, or as ointments.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have underlying health conditions or allergies, and to follow proper dosages to avoid adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of blocked nose, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of blocked nose?

The main causes of blocked nose are nasal congestion due to excess mucus production caused by viral infections such as the common cold and flu, allergic reactions to airborne substances like pollen, dust, and pet dander, anatomical issues like a deviated septum, and anatomical blockages such as nasal polyps, enlarged tonsils, or adenoids, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation, which can cause nasal congestion and swelling.

The main causes of blocked nose are nasal congestion due to excess mucus production caused by viral infections such as the common cold and flu, allergic reactions to airborne substances like pollen, dust, and pet dander, anatomical issues like a deviated septum, and anatomical blockages such as nasal polyps, enlarged tonsils, or adenoids, and also hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation, which can cause nasal congestion and swelling.

• Allergies: Allergies trigger the release of histamine, leading to nasal congestion, inflammation, and swelling of the nasal passages, which can cause a blocked nose.
• Common Cold: The common cold causes nasal congestion due to the swelling of the nasal passages and production of excess mucus, which can block the airflow through the nose.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis, an inflammation or infection of the sinuses, can cause a blocked nose due to the swelling of the nasal passages and production of excess mucus.
• Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps are growths on the lining of the nasal passages that can cause nasal congestion and a blocked nose.
• Deviated Septum: A deviated septum, a crooked partition between the nostrils, can cause a blocked nose by restricting airflow through one of the nasal passages.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can cause nasal congestion and a blocked nose due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause a blocked nose due to the irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages, which can lead to the production of excess mucus.
• Asthma: Asthma can cause a blocked nose due to the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages and airways.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as pollution, dust, and strong odors can cause nasal congestion and a blocked nose due to the irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as decongestants and sedatives, can cause a blocked nose as a side effect due to their ability to dry out the nasal passages or cause drowsiness.
• Anatomical Abnormalities: Anatomical abnormalities, such as a narrow nasal passage or a large tongue, can cause a blocked nose by restricting airflow through the nose.
• Food Allergies: Food allergies can cause a blocked nose due to the release of histamine and other chemicals that can lead to nasal congestion and inflammation.
• Irritants: Irritants such as chemical fumes, strong perfumes, and cleaning products can cause a blocked nose due to the irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages.
• Tumors: Tumors, such as nasal cancer, can cause a blocked nose due to the obstruction of the nasal passages by the tumor.
• Genetic Disorders: Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, can cause a blocked nose due to the production of thick and sticky mucus that can block the nasal passages.
• Infections: Infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, can cause a blocked nose due to the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages and production of excess mucus.
• Anatomical Malformations: Anatomical malformations, such as a cleft palate, can cause a blocked nose due to the obstruction of the nasal passages by the malformation.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory conditions, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, can cause a blocked nose due to the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for blocked nose?

The main medicinal herbs used for blocked nose are Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Mentha x piperita, Thymus serpyllum, Sambucus nigra.

Eucalyptus globulus contains eucalyptol which has expectorant properties helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, relieving congestion. Zingiber officinale or ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and ease congestion in the nasal passages. Rosmarinus officinalis or rosemary and Thymus vulgaris or thyme contain compounds that exhibit antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections causing the blockage, while Ocimum basilicum or basil and Mentha x piperita or peppermint may help ease congestion through their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Sambucus nigra or elderflower and Glycyrrhiza glabra or licorice root may aid in thinning mucus, while Thymus serpyllum or wild thyme has antimicrobial properties similar to those of Thymus vulgaris or thyme, all contributing to relief from blocked nose.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with blocked nose due to its expectorant properties, which are attributed to the presence of eucalyptol, a compound that helps to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with blocked nose due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to the presence of gingerols and shogaols, compounds that help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with blocked nose due to its immune-boosting properties, which are attributed to the presence of alkylamides and polysaccharides, compounds that help to stimulate the immune system and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis helps with blocked nose due to its decongestant properties, which are attributed to the presence of camphor and borneol, compounds that help to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.
• Ocimum basilicum: Ocimum basilicum helps with blocked nose due to its expectorant properties, which are attributed to the presence of eugenol and linalool, compounds that help to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with blocked nose due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to the presence of glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris helps with blocked nose due to its expectorant properties, which are attributed to the presence of thymol and carvacrol, compounds that help to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with blocked nose due to its decongestant properties, which are attributed to the presence of menthol and menthone, compounds that help to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.
• Thymus serpyllum: Thymus serpyllum helps with blocked nose due to its expectorant properties, which are attributed to the presence of thymol and carvacrol, compounds that help to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra helps with blocked nose due to its expectorant properties, which are attributed to the presence of saponins and flavonoids, compounds that help to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.

What are the main herbal preparations used for blocked nose?

The main herbal preparations used for blocked nose are Decoction, Tincture, Capsules, Salve, Lozenges, Poultice, Suppository, Cream, Ointments, Gargle.

Decoction involves boiling herbs in water to release their active compounds, which are then inhaled to relieve nasal congestion. Tincture, Capsules, Salve, and Cream contain concentrated herbal extracts that are either inhaled, ingested, or applied topically to reduce inflammation and promote mucus drainage. Lozenges, Poultice, and Gargle are used to soothe and moisturize the nasal passages and throat, while Suppositories are inserted to promote drainage and reduce swelling.

Ointments and Creams containing herbs like Echinacea, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint help to ease congestion by thinning mucus and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.

• Decoction: A decoction of Echinacea purpurea helps with blocked nose by reducing inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages through the release of anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Tincture: A tincture of Thymus vulgaris helps with blocked nose by releasing thymol, a natural decongestant that helps to thin mucus and reduce nasal congestion.
• Capsules: Capsules containing Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) help with blocked nose by releasing anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce swelling in the nasal passages and promote drainage of mucus.
• Salve: A salve of Eucalyptus globulus helps with blocked nose by releasing eucalyptol, a natural decongestant that helps to thin mucus and reduce nasal congestion.
• Lozenges: Lozenges containing Mentha piperita help with blocked nose by releasing menthol, a natural decongestant that helps to thin mucus and reduce nasal congestion.
• Poultice: A poultice of Plantago major helps with blocked nose by releasing anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce swelling in the nasal passages and promote drainage of mucus.
• Suppository: A suppository of Galium aparine helps with blocked nose by releasing anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce swelling in the nasal passages and promote drainage of mucus.
• Cream: A cream of Calendula officinalis helps with blocked nose by releasing anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce swelling in the nasal passages and promote drainage of mucus.
• Ointments: Ointments containing Eucalyptus globulus help with blocked nose by releasing eucalyptol, a natural decongestant that helps to thin mucus and reduce nasal congestion.
• Gargle: A gargle of Hydrastis canadensis helps with blocked nose by releasing anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce swelling in the nasal passages and promote drainage of mucus.