Nasal Congestion: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Nasal congestion, also known as stuffiness or blocked nose, is a common condition characterized by a swollen and inflamed nasal passage, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.

It is often caused by allergies, colds, sinus infections, or exposure to environmental irritants. If left untreated, nasal congestion can lead to headaches, fatigue, and even sinus infections. To alleviate nasal congestion, herbal remedies such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and ginger can be used in teas, inhalers, or topical creams.

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

This article explains in detail what are the causes of nasal congestion, 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 nasal congestion?

The main causes of nasal congestion are primarily linked to inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, which can be triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores, as well as respiratory viruses like the common cold and flu.

Other contributing factors include anatomical abnormalities such as deviated septum, nasal polyps, and enlarged adenoids, which can obstruct airflow and cause congestion. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menstruation can also lead to nasal congestion due to increased blood flow and swelling of nasal tissues. Environmental irritants like tobacco smoke, pollution, and strong odors can cause nasal congestion by irritating the nasal mucosa and triggering an inflammatory response.

Additionally, anatomical issues such as nasal stenosis and nasal turbinate hypertrophy can also contribute to nasal congestion by reducing the cross-sectional area of the nasal passages.

• Rhinitis: Rhinitis is a common inflammatory condition of the nasal passages that causes nasal congestion due to the excessive production of mucus and swelling of the nasal tissues, often triggered by allergies, irritants, or infections.
• Cold: The common cold is a viral infection that causes nasal congestion due to the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, which leads to an increase in mucus production and difficulty breathing through the nose.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that causes nasal congestion due to the blockage of the sinus passages, which leads to a buildup of mucus and pressure in the face.
• Allergies: Allergies trigger an immune response that causes nasal congestion by releasing histamine, a chemical that increases mucus production and leads to swelling of the nasal tissues, in response to exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander.
• Anatomical issues: Anatomical issues, such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or a narrow nasal passage, can cause nasal congestion by obstructing airflow and forcing the nasal passages to work harder to breathe.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as pollution, tobacco smoke, or strong odors, can cause nasal congestion by irritating the nasal passages and triggering an inflammatory response.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menstruation, can cause nasal congestion by increasing the production of progesterone, a hormone that can lead to swelling of the nasal tissues and increased mucus production.
• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes nasal congestion due to the inflammation and constriction of the airways, which leads to difficulty breathing and increased mucus production.
• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes nasal congestion by allowing stomach acid to flow up into the throat and nasal passages, leading to inflammation and irritation of the nasal tissues.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines, or beta blockers, can cause nasal congestion as a side effect, either by drying out the nasal passages or by constricting the airways.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for nasal congestion?

The main medicinal herbs used for nasal congestion are Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Zingiber officinale, Ginkgo biloba, Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Ephedra sinica, Ocimum basilicum, Sambucus nigra, Thymus serpyllum.

Eucalyptus globulus contains cineole which helps to reduce nasal congestion by breaking down mucus, making it easier to expel. Zingiber officinale has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, thereby relieving congestion. Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow to the nasal passages, reducing congestion and promoting the removal of mucus, while Rosmarinus officinalis contains rosmarinic acid which has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.

Additionally, Thymus vulgaris, Ephedra sinica, Ocimum basilicum, Sambucus nigra, and Thymus serpyllum have various mechanisms, including expectorant, decongestant, and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to alleviate nasal congestion.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with nasal congestion due to the decongestant properties of its essential oil, eucalyptol, which acts as a bronchodilator by thinning mucus and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea does not directly address nasal congestion; however, its anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate sinusitis and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with nasal congestion due to the warming and vasodilatory effects of its active compound, gingerol, which increases blood flow to the nasal mucosa, reducing congestion and promoting sinus drainage.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba has no direct effect on nasal congestion; however, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help alleviate sinusitis and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary, contains camphor, a decongestant that may help thin mucus and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, thus alleviating nasal congestion.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris, or thyme, contains thymol, a natural decongestant that helps reduce inflammation and thin mucus in the nasal passages, thus alleviating nasal congestion.
• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica helps with nasal congestion due to the decongestant properties of its active compound, ephedrine, which acts as a bronchodilator by thinning mucus and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.
• Ocimum basilicum: Ocimum basilicum, or basil, has no proven direct effects on nasal congestion; however, its essential oil may possess antimicrobial properties that help alleviate sinusitis and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra, or elderberry, has no proven direct effects on nasal congestion; however, its antiviral properties may help alleviate sinusitis and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
• Thymus serpyllum: Thymus serpyllum, or wild thyme, contains thymol, a natural decongestant that helps reduce inflammation and thin mucus in the nasal passages, thus alleviating nasal congestion.

What are the main herbal preparations used for nasal congestion?

The main herbal preparations used for nasal congestion are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Capsule, Capsules, Cream, Suppository, Poultice, Lozenges, Ointment.

Decoction is a liquid extract made by boiling herbs in water, which helps to relieve nasal congestion by releasing active compounds. Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made by soaking herbs in a solvent, often ethanol, and is effective in treating nasal congestion due to its ability to act quickly on the nasal mucosa. Salve, Capsule, Capsules, Cream, and Ointment are topical preparations that are applied directly to the nasal area, often containing ingredients such as eucalyptus oil or menthol, which help to thin mucus and facilitate drainage.

Suppository, Poultice, and Lozenges are less common preparations, with Suppository delivering herbs directly to the nasal cavity, Poultice providing a topical application of heat and herbs to the nasal area, and Lozenges providing a sustained release of herbs to the nasal mucosa.

• Decoction: Decoction helps with nasal congestion by releasing the bioactive compounds of plants like Echinacea purpurea and Glycyrrhiza glabra into a liquid solution, which can be inhaled or consumed to thin mucus and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
• Tincture: Tincture helps with nasal congestion by delivering the bioactive compounds of plants like Thymus vulgaris and Eucalyptus globulus in a concentrated liquid form, which can be added to water or steam for inhalation to loosen mucus and reduce congestion.
• Salve: Salve helps with nasal congestion by providing a topical application of plant oils and waxes like Beeswax and Melaleuca alternifolia, which can be applied to the chest or nose to help loosen mucus and reduce congestion.
• Capsule: Capsule helps with nasal congestion by releasing the bioactive compounds of plants like Ginkgo biloba and Boswellia serrata in a controlled manner, which can be swallowed to reduce inflammation and thin mucus in the nasal passages.
• Capsules: Capsules help with nasal congestion by releasing the bioactive compounds of plants like Echinacea purpurea and Glycyrrhiza glabra in a controlled manner, which can be swallowed to reduce inflammation and thin mucus in the nasal passages.
• Cream: Cream helps with nasal congestion by providing a topical application of plant oils and extracts like Calendula officinalis and Eucalyptus globulus, which can be applied to the nose and surrounding area to help loosen mucus and reduce congestion.
• Suppository: Suppository helps with nasal congestion by releasing the bioactive compounds of plants like Echinacea purpurea and Glycyrrhiza glabra directly into the nasal passages, where they can reduce inflammation and thin mucus.
• Poultice: Poultice helps with nasal congestion by applying a warm, moist compress made from plants like Eucalyptus globulus and Thymus vulgaris to the face, which can help loosen mucus and reduce congestion in the nasal passages.
• Lozenges: Lozenges help with nasal congestion by releasing the bioactive compounds of plants like Thymus vulgaris and Eucalyptus globulus in a controlled manner, which can be sucked on to thin mucus and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
• Ointment: Ointment helps with nasal congestion by providing a topical application of plant oils and extracts like Beeswax and Melaleuca alternifolia, which can be applied to the chest or nose to help loosen mucus and reduce congestion.