By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Blocked Nose
Herbal tinctures for blocked nose are liquid extracts made from plants, trees, and flowers that have natural decongestant properties.
These tinctures help to alleviate congestion by loosening mucus and reducing swelling in the nasal passages. For example, eucalyptus and peppermint tinctures can be used to relieve stuffiness and sinus pressure, making it easier to breathe.
By using these tinctures, individuals with blocked noses can enjoy improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, and enhanced daily functioning.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures 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 tinctures to use for blocked nose?
- What ailments similar to blocked nose are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Echinacea angustifolia
Kansas coneflower tinctures helps with blocked nose because its active compound, echinacea, has natural anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.
The tincture's decongestant effects also help to clear out mucus and debris that can cause blockages. Additionally, the herb's immunomodulatory actions may enhance the body's natural defenses against infections, further alleviating symptoms of a blocked nose.
As a result, Kansas coneflower tinctures offer a safe and effective way to soothe and relieve nasal congestion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages, thereby relieving blocked nose symptoms.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Echinacea angustifolia tinctures have been found to possess antimicrobial properties, which can help combat infections that may be contributing to nasal congestion and blocked nose.
- Alkylamides: Alkylamides are known for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response in the body, potentially alleviating blocked nose symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as alkylamides and phenolic acids, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Stems: The stems contain a significant amount of echinacoside, a glycoside that is thought to contribute to the plant's immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Leaves: The leaves are also used for their bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may help to reduce inflammation and alleviate respiratory issues.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for blocked nose.
- Gather 2 parts of dried echinacea angustifolia roots and 1 part of dried echinacea angustifolia flowers.
- Combine the dried plant material in a clean glass jar with a lid to store.
- Steep the plant material in 4 cups of 80-proof vodka for 2 to 3 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar.
- Store the herbal echinacea angustifolia tincture in a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid for 6 months.
2. Pelargonium sidoides
Umckaloabo tinctures helps with blocked nose because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses.
The tincture's active compounds, such as umckalenone and umckalinol, help to break down mucus and open up airways, relieving congestion and sinus pressure.
Additionally, Umckaloabo's antimicrobial properties help to combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the blockage, promoting a faster recovery and improved breathing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Pelargonium sidoides tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound is a potent antioxidant that can help alleviate nasal congestion and inflammation, making it easier to breathe.
- Tiliroside: This phenylethanoid glycoside has anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties, which can help reduce nasal swelling, itching, and congestion.
- Geranin: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the nasal passages, making breathing easier.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of umckaloabo used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Roots: They are rich in phenolic compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help alleviate congestion and sinusitis.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in relieving nasal congestion and sinus infections.
- Stems: They are rich in phenolic compounds, which help to reduce inflammation and fight off infections that cause a blocked nose and sinusitis.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic umckaloabo for blocked nose.
- Harvest the roots of pelargonium sidoides in late summer when they are mature and the plant is in full dormancy.
- Clean the roots by rinsing them thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Dry the cleaned roots by spreading them out in a single layer on paper trays.
- Steep the dried roots in a solvent such as ethanol or glycerin in a ratio of 1:3 for 2-3 weeks.
- Filter the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and bottle it in a dark glass container.
3. Thymus vulgaris
Thyme tinctures helps with blocked nose because of its natural decongestant properties.
The thymol present in thyme oil is a natural expectorant that can help loosen and clear out mucus, reducing congestion and promoting easier breathing. Additionally, thyme's antimicrobial properties can also help combat underlying infections or inflammation that may be contributing to the blocked nose.
By stimulating the lymphatic system and improving circulation, thyme tinctures can provide quick relief from stuffy noses and sinus pressure.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Carvacrol: This phenolic compound helps with blocked nose by exhibiting expectorant properties, which aid in loosening and expelling mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract.
- Thymol: As a phenolic compound, thymol helps to combat the underlying cause of blocked nose by possessing antimicrobial properties, reducing inflammation and infection in the nasal passages and sinuses.
- Bornyl acetate: This terpene constituent helps to alleviate blocked nose by acting as a bronchodilator, relaxing the airway muscles and increasing airflow, which in turn helps to clear mucus and debris from the nasal passages.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Leaves: Used due to their rich content of thymol, a natural decongestant and expectorant that helps relieve nasal congestion.
- Flowers: Used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing nasal swelling and promoting drainage.
- Buds: Used for their concentrated thymol content, which helps to break down mucus and clear congestion in the nasal passages.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for blocked nose.
- Harvest fresh thymus vulgaris leaves in the morning when the dew is still present on the plant.
- Dry the harvested leaves at a low temperature of 35 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
- Combine 250 grams of dried thymus vulgaris leaves with 500 milliliters of high-proof ethanol in a glass container.
- Steep the mixture for 2 to 3 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain the thymus vulgaris tincture.
4. Eupatorium perfoliatum
Joe pye weed tinctures helps with blocked nose because its active compounds, including 6-methoxymellenol and hyperforin, possess natural anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce nasal congestion.
The herb's expectorant effects also aid in loosening mucus, making it easier to breathe through a congested nose. Additionally, joe pye weed's vasodilatory properties help dilate blood vessels, increasing oxygen supply to the nasal passages and sinuses, promoting healthy respiratory function.
By addressing these underlying causes of blocked nose, joe pye weed tinctures provide natural relief from sinus pressure and discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eupatorium perfoliatum tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds help to reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, providing relief from blocked nose.
- Flavonoids: The flavonoids present in Eupatorium perfoliatum, such as quercetin, have anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease nasal congestion and promote sinus drainage.
- Iridoids: Iridoids, including aucubin, possess anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help to thin mucus, reduce congestion, and promote the expulsion of mucus from the nasal passages.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of joe pye weed used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Leaves: They are used due to their antispasmodic and expectorant properties, which help relieve nasal congestion and promote mucus release.
- Roots: They are used because of their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing nasal congestion and inflammation.
- Stems: They are used for their antispasmodic properties, which help relax airway muscles and alleviate blocked nose symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic joe pye weed for blocked nose.
- Harvest approximately two cups of fresh eupatorium perfoliatum flowers and leaves in the early morning or late evening.
- Chop the harvested material into small pieces to increase surface area for extraction.
- Combine the chopped eupatorium perfoliatum with a neutral solvent such as 80 proof vodka in a ratio of one part herb to two parts solvent.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for four to six weeks, shaking the container every day.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container, discard the solids.
5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with blocked nose because it contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
This property allows it to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, which can help alleviate congestion and promote normal breathing. Additionally, licorice tincture's expectorant qualities help loosen and clear out mucus, further relieving blocked noses.
Its antiviral and antibacterial properties also combat underlying infections that may be causing the blockage, making it a natural and effective solution for sinus pressure and congestion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Saponins: These triterpenoid glycosides help relieve nasal congestion by reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus and other debris from the nasal passages.
- Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate nasal congestion and promote nasal breathing.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help thin and clear mucus from the nasal passages, thereby relieving blocked nose symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve nasal congestion.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are also used to make tinctures for their expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
- Flowers: The flowers of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used in some herbal remedies for a blocked nose, as they contain compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and promote drainage.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for blocked nose.
- Harvest 50-100 grams of glycyrrhiza glabra roots in the fall when the plant is mature and the roots are fully developed.
- Clean the harvested roots by washing them gently with water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Dry the cleaned roots in a warm and well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks to reduce moisture content to 10%.
- Combine 10-20 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots with 70% ethanol in a glass container at a ratio of 1:5.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking the container occasionally to facilitate extraction.
6. Mentha x piperita
Peppermint tinctures helps with blocked nose because of its natural ability to ease congestion and open airways.
The menthol content in peppermint oil has a warming effect on the nasal passages, helping to loosen mucus and reduce swelling. This allows for easier breathing and can provide instant relief from stuffy noses. Additionally, peppermint's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness and irritation, further alleviating congestion symptoms.
As a natural remedy, herbal peppermint tinctures offer a safe and effective way to tackle blocked noses.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Limonene: This terpene helps to break down and eliminate excess mucus, thereby relieving congestion.
- Menthol: As a volatile oil, menthol has a decongestant effect, helping to thin out mucus and ease breathing.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of menthol, which helps to decongest the nasal passages.
- Stems: Stems are also used to make tinctures as they contain menthol and other compounds that aid in relieving congestion.
- Roots: Roots of Mentha x piperita are used to make tinctures that can help to clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for blocked nose.
- Harvest 100g of fresh mentha x piperita leaves in the morning to ensure optimal potency.
- Chop the leaves into small pieces using a sharp knife or scissors to increase surface area.
- Combine the chopped leaves with 500ml of high-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place to allow for efficient extraction.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.
7. Salvia officinalis
Sage tinctures helps with blocked nose because of its natural decongestant properties, which help to ease sinus pressure and promote a clear breathing passage.
The essential oils present in sage, such as thujone and camphor, have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce swelling in the nasal passages, allowing mucus to drain more easily and alleviating congestion.
Additionally, sage tinctures can also help to thin mucus, making it easier to expel, and soothe irritated tissues, providing relief from a blocked nose.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling in nasal passages and sinuses, thereby relieving congestion.
- Carvacrol: A terpene with decongestant properties, which helps to break down mucus and reduce nasal secretions, making it easier to breathe.
- Caryophyllene: A sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which helps to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and promote the clearance of mucus, thus relieving blocked nose symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part of Salvia officinalis for making tinctures due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly thujone and camphor, which help to relieve congestion.
- Stems: Stems are also used, as they contain some of the plant's medicinal compounds, such as camphor, which may aid in decongesting the nasal passages.
- Roots: Roots are occasionally used, but less frequently than leaves or stems, as they contain some of the plant's medicinal compounds, like ursolic acid, which may contribute to their decongestant properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for blocked nose.
- Harvest 1 part of fresh salvia officinalis leaves and flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
- Chop 1 part of the harvested salvia officinalis into small pieces using a sharp knife for 10 minutes.
- Combine the chopped salvia officinalis with 2 parts of 95% ethanol in a clean glass jar for 2 weeks.
- Shake the jar containing the salvia officinalis and ethanol mixture 2 times a day for 14 days.
- Filter the tincture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool dark place for 2 months.
8. Allium sativum
Garlic tinctures helps with blocked nose because its active compounds, such as allicin and ajoene, have natural decongestant properties.
These compounds work to break down excess mucus and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing and relief from congestion.
Additionally, garlic tincture's antimicrobial properties help combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the blockage, further reducing sinus pressure and promoting clear breathing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Allium sativum tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Allicin: A sulfur-containing compound that acts as a natural expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages and sinuses, thereby relieving congestion.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties that helps to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier to breathe.
- Garlic oil's diallyl disulfide: A volatile sulfur compound that has decongestant and mucolytic properties, helping to break down mucus and reduce congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of garlic used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Rhyzomes: They contain compounds like allicin, which has natural decongestant and antimicrobial properties that help clear congestion.
- Buds: The buds of garlic contain a higher concentration of allicin than the mature cloves, making them a more potent option for relieving nasal congestion.
- Leaves: Garlic leaves, while not as commonly used as the rhyzomes or buds, also contain compounds that help to break down mucus and open up airways.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic garlic for blocked nose.
- Harvest mature allium sativum bulbs in the fall season to ensure optimal potency and flavor.
- Clean and dry the harvested bulbs thoroughly to prevent contamination and spoilage.
- Chop the dried bulbs into small pieces to increase their surface area for extraction.
- Combine the chopped bulbs with 80 proof vodka in a 1:5 ratio by weight to create the tincture.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks to allow the extraction process.
9. Angelica archangelica
Angelica tinctures helps with blocked nose because of its natural expectorant properties that soothe and loosen mucus, allowing for easier breathing.
The herb's bioactive compounds, such as angelic acid and isoimperatorin, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, thereby alleviating congestion and sinus pressure.
Additionally, the tincture's mucolytic effects help break down thick mucus, making it simpler for the body to expel, providing fast and effective relief from a blocked nose.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Angelica archangelica tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Ligustilide: This terpenoid has anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties, which help to relax nasal passages and improve breathing in cases of congestion.
- Butylphthalide: This terpenoid has been shown to have a decongestant effect by reducing inflammation and improving nasal blood flow, making it easier to breathe.
- Isobutylphthalide: Similar to butylphthalide, this terpenoid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce nasal congestion and promote easier breathing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of angelica used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Roots: They are the primary component used to make tinctures for blocked nose due to their high content of essential oils and compounds that help in decongesting the nasal passages.
- Leaves: They are often used in combination with roots to make tinctures that help alleviate blocked nose and other respiratory issues due to their anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Buds: They are used to make tinctures that can help relieve congestion and sinus pressure due to their high concentration of volatile oils that act as a natural expectorant and decongestant.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic angelica for blocked nose.
- Harvest 20-30 angelica roots in the early morning after the dew has evaporated and the soil is dry.
- Clean the roots thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris from the harvest.
- Dry the cleaned roots in a warm dry place for 2-3 weeks to reduce moisture content to 10%.
- Steep 50 grams of dried angelica roots in 500 milliliters of 70% ethanol for 2-3 weeks in a dark glass container.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and store in a cool dark place for 2 months.
10. Sambucus nigra
Elder tinctures helps with blocked nose because of its natural decongestant properties.
The bioactive compounds present in elderberries, such as flavonoids and terpenes, work together to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, thereby alleviating congestion.
Additionally, the expectorant properties of elder tincture help loosen and clear out mucus, promoting a healthy draining of the sinuses and leaving the airways feeling clear and refreshed.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra tinctures that help with blocked nose.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, particularly rutin and hesperidin, found in Sambucus nigra, possess anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties, helping to reduce nasal congestion by improving blood flow and reducing swelling in the nasal passages.
- Phenylethanol glycosides: Phenylethanol glycosides, such as sambunigron and sambutriol, present in Sambucus nigra, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which can help alleviate nasal congestion and sinusitis by reducing inflammation and combating underlying infections.
- Volatile oils: The volatile oils, particularly geraniol, found in Sambucus nigra, have natural expectorant properties, helping to loosen mucus and promote its clearance from the nasal passages, thereby providing relief from blocked nose.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of elder used to make tinctures for blocked nose.
- Flowers: They are high in expectorant properties, which help to break down and expel mucus from the nasal passages.
- Leaves: They possess antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing nasal congestion and soothing the mucous membranes.
- Stems: They contain flavonoids, which have a decongestant effect and help to reduce nasal swelling and promote drainage.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elder for blocked nose.
- Harvest 20-30 sambucus nigra flowers and leaves, choosing fresh material to minimize contamination and preserve potency.
- Dry the harvested material in a warm, well-ventilated area for 7-10 days to reduce moisture content.
- Combine 1 part dried sambucus nigra with 2 parts vodka in a clean glass jar, ensuring a 1:2 ratio.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place and steep for 2-3 weeks, shaking the mixture daily to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container, discarding the solids.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for blocked nose?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with blocked nose is a blend of Echinacea, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint.
Echinacea supports immune function and reduces inflammation, while Eucalyptus opens up airways and relieves congestion. Peppermint helps to decongest and soothe the nasal passages. Combining these three tinctures can help to alleviate symptoms of a blocked nose, reduce mucus, and promote a sense of ease and relief.
This combination can be taken orally or inhaled as a steam inhalation to maximize its benefits.
What ailments similar to blocked nose are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to blocked nose that are treated with herbal tinctures are sinusitis, bronchitis, and allergies.
Echinacea and Goldenseal tinctures help to reduce inflammation and congestion in the sinuses and respiratory tract, while Nettle leaf and Sage tinctures ease breathing and relieve allergy symptoms.
Additionally, Thyme and Lemon Balm tinctures can combat upper respiratory infections and soothe a sore throat, providing natural relief from various respiratory issues.