By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 04, 2024
10 Best Herbal Decoctions For Blocked Nose
Herbal decoctions for blocked nose are a natural remedy that involves steeping herbs in hot water to create a soothing drink that helps to relieve congestion and clear out nasal passages.
These decoctions work by warming the body, thinning mucus, and reducing inflammation, making it easier to breathe. Examples of herbal decoctions that help with blocked nose include peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger tea, which can be sipped throughout the day to provide ongoing relief.
By using these decoctions, individuals with a blocked nose can feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives, whether it's going back to work or simply being able to enjoy everyday activities without feeling stuffy and congested.
The following article describes in detail the most important decoctions for blocked nose, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Echinacea angustifolia
- 2. Pelargonium sidoides
- 3. Thymus vulgaris
- 4. Eupatorium perfoliatum
- 5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 6. Mentha x piperita
- 7. Salvia officinalis
- 8. Allium sativum
- 9. Angelica archangelica
- 10. Sambucus nigra
- What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for blocked nose?
- What ailments similar to blocked nose are treated with herbal decoctions?
1. Echinacea angustifolia
Kansas coneflower decoctions helps with blocked nose because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
The decoction's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and flavonoids, work to reduce swelling in the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing. Additionally, the natural antibacterial and antiviral agents in the decoction help combat underlying infections that may be contributing to congestion.
As a result, Kansas coneflower decoctions provide fast and effective relief from blocked noses, making it a popular natural remedy for sinus pressure and respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help reduce inflammation and mucus production in the nasal passages, thereby alleviating congestion and promoting easier breathing.
- Alkylamides: Alkylamides exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier to breathe and relieving blocked nose symptoms.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, particularly caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, have been found to possess antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat infections and reduce nasal congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Roots: They are the most commonly used part, as they contain a high concentration of alkaloids and phenolic compounds that help to combat respiratory issues.
- Leaves: Their decoctions are used to relieve congestion and promote expectoration due to their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for blocked nose.
- Harvest fresh or dried roots of echinacea angustifolia in late summer or early fall season.
- Crush or chop 2-4 grams of dried roots or 4-6 grams of fresh roots into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped roots with 1 quart of boiling water and steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
- Discard the solids and store the decoction in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Pelargonium sidoides
Umckaloabo decoctions helps with blocked nose because of its potent antimicrobial properties, which help to combat the underlying infection that is causing the congestion.
The decoction's expectorant properties also work to loosen and clear out excess mucus, allowing for easier breathing and a significant reduction in nasal congestion.
Additionally, umckaloabo's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling and irritation in the nasal passages, further alleviating symptoms of a blocked nose.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Pelargonium sidoides decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Ursolic acid: A triterpenoid present in Pelargonium sidoides decoctions, ursolic acid helps with blocked nose by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties that reduce nasal congestion and swelling.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound found in the plant, rosmarinic acid helps alleviate blocked nose by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that reduces inflammation and mucus production in the nasal passages.
- Pentacyclic triterpenoids: These compounds, including ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, contribute to the decongestant properties of Pelargonium sidoides decoctions by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes that contribute to nasal congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of umckaloabo used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Roots: They are the primary part used due to their high content of sesquiterpene lactones, which are believed to have decongestant properties.
- Leaves: Leaves are also used, as they contain similar compounds to the roots, contributing to their decongestant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Barks: Some sources suggest that the barks of Pelargonium sidoides may be used, possibly for their additional medicinal properties, although this is less documented.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic umckaloabo for blocked nose.
- Harvest 200g of fresh roots from pelargonium sidoides plants in the morning when moisture is lowest.
- Wash the roots thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt or debris and pat dry.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and then grind them into a fine powder using a mill.
- Combine the powder with 500ml of boiling water in a saucepan to make the decoction.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes and then strain it through a cheesecloth to remove any residue.
3. Thymus vulgaris
Thyme decoctions helps with blocked nose because of its natural expectorant properties, which loosen and clear out mucus from the nasal passages.
The active compounds in thyme, such as thymol and carvacrol, have a dual action, both reducing inflammation and thinning out excess mucus, making it easier to breathe.
Additionally, thyme's antimicrobial properties help combat any underlying infections that may be contributing to the blockage, providing natural relief from congestion and sinus pressure.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Thymol: Thymol has natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages, thereby relieving blocked nose symptoms.
- Carvacrol: Carvacrol has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that help to combat infections and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
- Eugenol: Eugenol has natural expectorant properties that help to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe and relieving blocked nose symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Leaves: The leaves of Thymus vulgaris are commonly used due to their high concentration of thymol, a compound with decongestant and antibacterial properties.
- Stems: The stems of the plant are utilized for their essential oils, which help to clear nasal passages and reduce inflammation associated with a blocked nose.
- Buds: Thymus vulgaris buds are used in decoctions for their fragrance and to provide relief from nasal congestion due to their expectorant properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for blocked nose.
- Gather 20-30 grams of thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.
- Chop the thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers into smaller pieces to increase their surface area for infusion.
- Combine the chopped thymus vulgaris with 500ml of boiling water in a heat-resistant glass or ceramic container.
- Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes on low heat or allow it to steep for 30 minutes to extract the active compounds.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container discarding the solids.
4. Eupatorium perfoliatum
Joe pye weed decoctions helps with blocked nose because it contains compounds like beta-amyrin and oleanolic acid, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
When taken as a decoction, these compounds can help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing and relieving congestion. Additionally, the decoction's expectorant properties can help to loosen and clear out excess mucus, further alleviating blocked nose symptoms.
Overall, Joe pye weed decoctions offer a natural and effective solution for sinus pressure and congestion relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eupatorium perfoliatum decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids present in Eupatorium perfoliatum, such as eupatorin and eupatorin 3-O-β-glucoside, may help with blocked nose by exhibiting spasmolytic properties, relaxing smooth muscle in the nasal passages and sinuses.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, including flavone glycosides like eupatorin and eupatorin 3-O-β-glucoside, may help with blocked nose by acting as anti-inflammatory agents, reducing swelling and congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses.
- Terpenes: Terpenes, such as sesquiterpenes like eupatorin and eupatorin 3-O-β-glucoside, may help with blocked nose by exhibiting expectorant properties, thinning mucus and facilitating its clearance from the nasal passages and sinuses.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of joe pye weed used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Leaves: They are used to make decoctions for blocked nose due to their expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
- Stems: They are used for the same purpose, with their anti-inflammatory properties helping to reduce swelling and ease congestion in the nasal passages.
- Roots: They are used to make decoctions for blocked nose due to their ability to stimulate the immune system, helping to fight off underlying infections that may be causing the congestion.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic joe pye weed for blocked nose.
- Collect 20-30 grams of dried eupatorium perfoliatum roots and stems from a trusted herbal supplier.
- Combine the collected eupatorium perfoliatum with 1 liter of cold water in a large pot.
- Bring the water to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
- Allow the decoction to cool and then refrigerate it for up to 3 days before use.
5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice decoctions helps with blocked nose because of its natural mucolytic properties, which break down mucus and thicken it, making it easier to expel.
The decoction's anti-inflammatory compounds also reduce swelling in the nasal passages, allowing for a clearer airway. Additionally, licorice root's expectorant properties help loosen and clear out excess mucus, providing instant relief from congestion.
By promoting healthy mucus production and reducing inflammation, licorice decoctions offer a natural remedy for clearing a blocked nose.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Saponins: These triterpenoid saponins help with blocked nose by reducing inflammation and mucus production in the nasal passages, thereby relieving congestion.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
- Liquiritin: As a phenolic compound, liquiritin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce nasal congestion by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and mucus.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Roots: They contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation and open up airways.
- Barks: They have anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease congestion and promote drainage.
- Leaves: They possess expectorant properties that help to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for blocked nose.
- Harvest 2-3 handfuls of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots from a trusted supplier.
- Rinse the roots thoroughly with water and chop them into small pieces.
- Combine 1-2 teaspoons of the chopped roots with 1 liter of boiling water.
- Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes over low heat or 30 minutes over high heat.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
6. Mentha x piperita
Peppermint decoctions helps with blocked nose because it contains menthol, a natural expectorant that thins mucus and loosens congestion, making it easier to breathe.
The soothing properties of peppermint also help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, allowing for easier drainage of mucus.
Additionally, peppermint's cooling sensation can help open up airways, providing instant relief from stuffiness and sinus pressure, making it an effective remedy for clearing a blocked nose naturally.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Menthol: It helps to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to expel from the nasal passages, thereby relieving congestion.
- Limonene: This terpene has been shown to have decongestant and expectorant properties, helping to reduce nasal congestion and promote mucus clearance.
- Eucalyptol: It has a decongestant effect by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and thinning mucus, making it easier to breathe and relieving congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Leaves: Their menthol content helps to ease congestion and open airways.
- Stems: Like leaves, stems contain menthol, which has a decongestant effect.
- Roots: The menthol and other compounds in roots can help to reduce inflammation and ease breathing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for blocked nose.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of fresh menta x piperita leaves and flowers in the morning for optimal potency.
- Dry the harvested leaves and flowers in a single layer at 30-40°c for 2-3 hours.
- Grind 5-10 grams of dried menta x piperita leaves and flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Combine the ground powder with 250 milliliters of boiling water and steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh into a clean container and discard the solids.
7. Salvia officinalis
Sage decoctions helps with blocked nose because its essential oils and antioxidants work to reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages.
The decongestant properties of sage help to open up airways, allowing for easier breathing and relief from stuffiness. Additionally, sage's anti-inflammatory compounds may help to soothe irritated mucous membranes and reduce excess mucus production, further alleviating blocked nose symptoms.
Overall, sage decoctions provide a natural and effective way to combat nasal congestion and breathe easily once again.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Rosmarinic acid: As a phenolic compound, rosmarinic acid helps with blocked nose by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and enzymes that contribute to nasal congestion and swelling.
- Caryophyllene oxide: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce nasal congestion and swelling by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
- Ursolic acid: As a triterpenoid, ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to relieve nasal congestion by reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus from the nasal passages.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Leaves: The leaves of Salvia officinalis are the most commonly used part, as they contain the highest concentration of essential oils, which provide the medicinal properties.
- Roots: The roots are used to make decoctions for blocked nose due to their ability to warm and stimulate the body.
- Buds: The buds of Salvia officinalis are used to make decoctions for blocked nose because they contain compounds that help to clear mucus and reduce congestion.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for blocked nose.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of dried salvia officinalis leaves from a trusted source in the morning.
- Combine the dried leaves with 250 milliliters of boiling water in a glass container.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh to remove the solids.
- Discard the solids and store the decoction in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
8. Allium sativum
Garlic decoctions helps with blocked nose because of its natural decongestant and expectorant properties.
The active compounds in garlic, such as allicin and diallyl disulfide, help to thin out mucus and reduce its viscosity, making it easier to expel from the nasal passages. Additionally, garlic's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help to combat underlying infections and reduce swelling in the nasal tissues, further alleviating congestion and promoting a clear airway.
Regular consumption of herbal garlic decoctions can provide long-term relief from blocked noses.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Allium sativum decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Allicin: Allicin is a sulfur compound found in garlic that helps break down the thick mucus in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe and relieving congestion.
- Diallyl disulfide: Diallyl disulfide is another sulfur compound in garlic that has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier to breathe.
- Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid present in garlic that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier to breathe and relieving congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of garlic used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Roots: The roots are commonly used due to their high concentration of compounds like allicin, which has natural decongestant properties.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes are utilized for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce nasal congestion and alleviate symptoms.
- (optional) leaves: The leaves are occasionally used due to their mild flavor and aroma, although they are less potent than the roots and rhyzomes in terms of decongestant properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic garlic for blocked nose.
- Harvest 25-50 grams of fresh or dried allium sativum roots from a trusted source to ensure quality.
- Cut the allium sativum roots into small pieces to increase their surface area for better infusion.
- Combine the chopped allium sativum roots with 1 liter of boiling water in a heat-resistant glass container.
- Steep the mixture for 10-15 minutes or 20-30 minutes for a stronger decoction at low heat.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove solids.
9. Angelica archangelica
Angelica decoctions helps with blocked nose because of its natural expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear out mucus from the nasal passages.
The herb's bioactive compounds, such as volatile oils and flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce swelling in the nasal tissues, allowing for easier breathing.
Additionally, angelica decoctions can help to thin out thickened mucus, making it easier to expel, providing relief from congestion and sinus pressure.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Angelica archangelica decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Bornyl acetate: This terpene has decongestant properties, helping to reduce nasal congestion by relaxing the muscles in the nose and sinuses.
- Bornyl alcohol: Similar to bornyl acetate, bornyl alcohol is also a terpene that contributes to the decongestant and expectorant effects of Angelica archangelica, easing nasal blockage and promoting mucus secretion.
- Sesquiterpene lactones: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, which help to reduce swelling and break down thick mucus, making it easier to breathe and relieving nasal congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of angelica used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Roots: They are the primary part used due to their high concentration of compounds that help relieve congestion and promote nasal decongestion.
- Leaves: The leaves are another commonly used part, as they contain essential oils that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and ease breathing.
- Stems: The stems of Angelica archangelica are also used in decoctions to take advantage of their expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic angelica for blocked nose.
- Gather fresh or dried angelica archangelica roots and rhizomes in quantities of 2-4 tablespoons per 8 oz of water.
- Combine the angelica archangelica roots and rhizomes with 8 oz of cold water in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
- Store the decoction in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours or freeze for later use.
10. Sambucus nigra
Elder decoctions helps with blocked nose because of its natural expectorant properties, which loosen and clear out mucus and phlegm from the nasal passages.
The antioxidants present in elder also reduce inflammation and irritation, helping to ease congestion and sinus pressure. Additionally, elder's antimicrobial compounds combat infections that can cause chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, allowing for a clearer airway and improved breathing.
This natural remedy provides a gentle yet effective solution for alleviating blocked noses without harsh chemicals or medications.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra decoctions that help with blocked nose.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, which can contribute to a blocked nose.
- Phenylethylamine: These compounds have decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce nasal congestion and promote easier breathing.
- Coumarins: These compounds have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat viral infections that cause nasal congestion and sinusitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of elder used to make decoctions for blocked nose.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high content of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help to relieve nasal congestion.
- Leaves: Leaves are used because they contain salicylic acid, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of a blocked nose.
- Buds: Buds are used due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and clear the nasal passages.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elder for blocked nose.
- Collect fresh or dried sambucus nigra flowers and leaves in sufficient quantities for the intended use.
- Gently dry the collected sambucus nigra flowers and leaves in a well-ventilated area for 7 days.
- Combine 20-30 grams of dried sambucus nigra with 1 liter of boiling water for a decoction.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes or until the liquid has reached the desired strength.
- Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids.
What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for blocked nose?
The best combination of herbal decoctions that help with blocked nose is a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and ginger.
Eucalyptus oil helps to loosen mucus and reduce congestion, while peppermint oil's decongestant properties help to ease sinus pressure. Ginger adds anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and promoting a clear airway.
Together, these decoctions provide a natural and effective remedy to relieve nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe and promoting a healthy respiratory system.
What ailments similar to blocked nose are treated with herbal decoctions?
Ailments similar to blocked nose that are treated with herbal decoctions are various respiratory issues, such as bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis.
Herbal decoctions can help relieve congestion, reduce inflammation, and soothe the throat and lungs. Echinacea, ginger, and slippery elm are common herbs used in decoctions to treat these conditions.
These remedies can provide natural relief from symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.