Updated: Nov 30, 2024
8 Herbal Tinctures For Runny Nose
Herbal tinctures can be a great relief for a runny nose.
You see, when you have a cold or allergies, your body produces excess mucus to trap and remove the invaders. This can cause your nose to run constantly, making it hard to breathe and feel comfortable. Herbal teas and tinctures can help by reducing the inflammation and congestion in your nasal passages. For example, Eucalyptus globulus is a popular herb used in many remedies for colds and congestion. Its active compounds, like eucalyptol, have natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease your symptoms. When you take a tincture of Eucalyptus globulus, the eucalyptol is absorbed into your bloodstream and then travels to your nasal passages, where it reduces swelling and clears out mucus.
Another herb that's often used to fight off infections is Echinacea purpurea. This plant has been shown to boost your immune system and reduce the severity of colds and flu. Its tincture can help your body fight off the underlying cause of your runny nose, rather than just treating the symptoms. Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry, is another herb that's often used to treat respiratory issues. Its tincture has antiviral properties that can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and shorten the duration of your illness. By taking a Sambucus nigra tincture, you may find that your runny nose clears up faster and you feel better sooner. By using herbal tinctures like these, you can find natural relief from a runny nose and get back to your normal life.
They can help you breathe easier, think more clearly, and feel more comfortable in your own skin.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for runny nose and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus tinctures contains eucalyptol, a key bioactive constituent that has decongestant properties.
Eucalyptol helps to thin and clear mucus from the nasal passages, relieving congestion and runny nose. The expectorant properties of eucalyptol also aid in the elimination of excess mucus, making it easier to breathe and reducing nasal discharge. Additionally, eucalyptol's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages, further alleviating congestion and runny nose.
When taken in tincture form, eucalyptol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing fast relief from runny nose symptoms.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of fresh eucalyptus leaves (Eucalyptus globulus), 1 cup of 80-100 proof vodka or glycerin, and a clean glass jar.
- Chop the eucalyptus leaves finely and pack them tightly into the glass jar, making sure they are completely covered by the jar.
- Pour 1 cup of vodka or glycerin over the eucalyptus leaves, making sure they are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day or two to help the tincture extract.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the eucalyptus leaves. Take 5-10 drops of the tincture in water or honey as needed to relieve a runny nose.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea tinctures contains bioactive constituents like alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and ease congestion in the nasal passages. Alkylamides, in particular, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to the symptoms of a runny nose. Glycosides, such as echinacoside, have antioxidant properties that help protect the body from oxidative stress and promote immune function.
By reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system, Echinacea purpurea tinctures can help alleviate runny nose symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Echinacea purpurea flowers and roots. You can buy them from a health food store.
- Combine the dried Echinacea with 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar. Stir well.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place. Take 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day, as needed to help with a runny nose.
3. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra tinctures contains bioactive constituents like sambunigrin and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties help reduce swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe and relieving congestion. The tannins in Sambucus nigra tinctures also help to dry up excess mucus, making it less likely to cause a runny nose. The astringent properties of the tannins constrict blood vessels, further reducing nasal discharge.
The combination of these properties in Sambucus nigra tinctures makes it a popular natural remedy for runny noses and colds.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Sambucus nigra flowers and leaves, and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Add the Sambucus nigra flowers and leaves to the jar, making sure they're completely covered by the vodka.
- Close the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After the 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Store the Sambucus nigra tincture in a cool, dark place and take 20-30 drops, 3 times a day, as needed to relieve a runny nose.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale tinctures contains the bioactive constituents gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help reduce swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. The anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties of gingerols and shogaols also help alleviate congestion and runny nose by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical that causes nasal passages to swell. Additionally, the warm and soothing properties of Zingiber officinale tinctures can help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel and clear the nasal passages.
Regular use of Zingiber officinale tinctures may help reduce the frequency and severity of runny nose episodes.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup of fresh Ginger root (Zingiber officinale), 2 cups of vodka (at least 80 proof), and a clean glass jar with a lid.
- Peel and chop the fresh Ginger root into small pieces. Fill the glass jar with the chopped Ginger root.
- Pour 2 cups of vodka over the chopped Ginger root in the jar. Make sure the Ginger root is completely covered.
- Seal the jar with a lid and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar every day to help the tincture steep.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle. Discard the Ginger root. Store the tincture in the fridge and take 20-30 drops as needed to help with a runny nose.
5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures contains glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin that has anti-inflammatory properties.
This compound helps to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, which can cause a runny nose. Glycyrrhizin also acts as an expectorant, loosening and thinning mucus, making it easier to expel. Additionally, the tannins present in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures help to dry up excess mucus and reduce congestion.
By reducing swelling and loosening mucus, Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures can provide relief from a runny nose.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Glycyrrhiza glabra roots.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and place them in a clean glass jar.
- Add 2 cups of vodka (at least 80 proof) to the jar, making sure the roots are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
6. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris tinctures contains thymol, carvacrol, and borneol as its main bioactive constituents.
These compounds have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and fight off infections in the nasal passages. Thymol, in particular, has a decongestant effect that helps to clear mucus and reduce the flow of excess fluid from the nose. Carvacrol also has antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of bacteria and other pathogens that can contribute to a runny nose.
By targeting the root causes of a runny nose, Thymus vulgaris tinctures can provide natural relief from this common symptom.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Thymus vulgaris leaves and 2 cups of vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Fill the jar with the Thymus vulgaris leaves, making sure they're completely covered by the vodka.
- Close the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into another clean glass jar.
- Discard the Thymus vulgaris leaves and store the tincture in a cool, dark place. Use 5-10 drops of the tincture in a cup of water when you have a runny nose.
7. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia tinctures contains linalool and linalyl acetate as its main bioactive constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. Linalool, in particular, has a decongestant effect, helping to clear out excess mucus and ease a runny nose. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of linalyl acetate help to combat infections that can cause nasal congestion, further alleviating symptoms of a runny nose.
By using Lavandula angustifolia tinctures, you can take advantage of these properties to find relief from a runny nose.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers, 2 cups of 80% ethanol (vodka or rubbing alcohol), a clean glass jar, and cheesecloth.
- Combine the dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers and 2 cups of 80% ethanol in the glass jar. Close the jar.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day to help the mixture steep.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the solids. Squeeze the cheesecloth to get all the liquid out.
- Transfer the tincture to a dropper bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. Take 10-20 drops, 2-3 times a day, to help soothe a runny nose.
8. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis tinctures contains rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
This anti-inflammatory effect is due to its ability to block the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause blood vessels to swell. Rosmarinus officinalis tinctures also contain carnosic acid, a compound that has been shown to have natural antihistamine properties, helping to alleviate nasal congestion and runny nose. The antiseptic properties of the tincture's active constituents, such as camphor and borneol, can also help to eliminate bacteria and other pathogens that may be contributing to the runny nose.
By reducing inflammation and eliminating pathogens, Rosmarinus officinalis tinctures can provide relief from a runny nose.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Rosmarinus officinalis leaves and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Pack the leaves tightly into the jar, leaving 1 inch of space at the top.
- Pour the vodka over the leaves, making sure they are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the leaves.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent runny nose from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help with a runny nose.
Peppermint tea, for example, has natural oils that can ease congestion and calm the nose. Ginger tea is another option, as it has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and soothe the nasal passages.
These teas may provide some relief.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for runny nose every day?
Herbal teas can help with a runny nose, but it's essential to be mindful of daily consumption.
Some teas, like peppermint and eucalyptus, have natural decongestant properties. However, overusing them may cause stomach upset or interact with other medications.
Moderation is key, so try to limit your intake to a few times a week.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in runny nose?
Herbal teas can help with a runny nose, but the time it takes to see results varies.
Some people notice a difference after a few hours, while others may not feel any changes until the next day.
Generally, it can take a few days to a week for your body to adjust and start responding to the herbal tea.