If you're experiencing a running nose, then there are a few home remedies that you can try. In this article, we'll discuss few of the best home remedies for a running nose. We'll also provide instructions on how to use each remedy. So if you're looking for ways to relieve your running nose, keep reading!
Running nose is a symptom of many conditions. It’s characterized by mucus draining or dripping from the nostril. Mucus is a protective substance produced by the mucous membrane, a type of tissue lining the nasal cavity. Mucus moistens the air you breathe, and it acts as a barrier to keep dust, pollen, and bacteria out of your lungs. Your nose produces mucus every day, yet you probably don’t notice because it mixes with saliva and drips down the back of your throat.1
A running nose is excess nasal drainage. It may be a thin clear fluid, thick mucus, or something in between. The terms “rhinorrhea” and “rhinitis” are often used to refer to a running nose. Rhinorrhea refers to a thin, mostly clear nasal discharge. Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of nasal tissues resulting in a runny nose. Treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, and adequate rest. Symptoms can be relieved by saline nasal spray, vasoconstrictor nasal sprays, placing a cool-moist humidifier near your bed to combat congestion, and antihistamines.2,3
Signs and symptoms of running nose1,3
- Sometimes, a runny nose and a congested nose are seen together. Congestion occurs when the tissues lining the nose become swollen and make it difficult to breathe.
- A runny nose due to a cold or flu may be accompanied by fatigue, sore throat, cough, facial pressure, headache, chills, congestion, and sometimes a fever.
- When due to allergy, it is associated with sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, sore throat, and headache.
Causes of running nose4
- Allergies
- Common cold
- Influenza
- Dry air
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated nasal septum
- Nonallergic rhinitis
- Occupational asthma
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Acute and chronic sinusitis
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- COVID-19
- Tobacco smoke
Tests advised in running nose
- Blood tests: Haemogram
Absolute eosinophil count
- Radiological: plain X-ray of the nose and paranasal sinuses to rule out sinusitis, hypertrophied turbinates, or deviated nasal septum.
- CT scan of nose and paranasal sinuses.
Running Nose – An Ayurvedic View
Pratishyaya in Ayurveda is correlated with a runny nose. The word Pratishyaya is derived from two words- “Prati” – against the direction and “shyaya” – moving or flowing. It is important among the Nasagata roga. Acharya Charaka defined it as Kapha, Pitta, and Raktha which are present in Ghrana moola (the root of the nose). These combine with Vata dosha and cause secretions to flow from the nose against inspired air.5
Etiology explained are indigestion, drinking too much water, drinking cold water in excess, or drinking hot and cold water alternatively. Intake of excess sweet, cold, dry food items. Staying in an environment where the air is impure, full of allergens, and micro-organisms, controlling natural urges like sneezing, etc.6
Pratishyaya is divided into vataja, pittaja, kaphaja and sannipataja based on dosha involved.7 Symptoms of each type are as follows:
- Vataja: Obstruction to the nasal passage due to inflammation, watery discharge from the nose, excessive sneezing, dryness of the throat, and change in the voice.
- Pittaja: yellow-colored warm discharge from the nose and feeling of hotness.
- Kaphaja: white-colored cold discharge from the nose, heaviness in the head.
- Sannipataja: Frequent episodes of coryza.
Ayurvedic treatment for running nose
Common treatment modalities explained for pratishyaya are Snehana (oleation), Swedana (sudation), Vamana (emesis), Dhoomapana (inhalation of medicated smoke), Gandusha (mouth gargles). Nasya (installation of drops into nostrils) is a very important treatment for Pratishyaya.6
For Nasya medicines used are Anu taila, Dashamooladi taila, Shadbindu taila, etc can be used.
For Dhoomapana, Guggulu dhoomapana, ingudi varti etc. are used.
For gargles, a decoction of salt water, a powder of trikatu (long pepper + black pepper+ ginger), etc.
Common Ayurvedic medicines used in running nose
Various ayurvedic medicines are used in treating running noses depending on the dosha predominance.
- Vyoshadi vati
- Eladi vati
- Chukkumthippalyadi gulika
- Lavangadi choorna
- Trikatu choorna
- Sitopaladi choorna
- Talisadi choorna
- Sootashekhara rasa
- Tribhuvana kirti rasa
- Agastya haritaki rasayana
- Ashwagandha avaleha
- Dashamoola haritaki avaleha
- Vasakasava
- Amrutarishta
- Dashamoolarishta
- Khadirarishta
- Dashamoola katutraya kashaya
- Shadbindu taila for installation in nostrils
- Anu taila for installation in nostrils
- Application of Rasnadi choorna over forehead or bregma
Diet and Lifestyle to be followed
Warm food, an old variety of rice, pepper, ginger, garlic, warm water, wheat, hot soups such as chicken soup, vegetable soup, etc., and spicy food intake are the dietary instructions.
Avoid cold breeze and polluted air, and avoid exposure to air conditioners.
Wear a mask to cover the nose and mouth, regular nasal douching, apply a moist, apply warm wet cloth to the face several times a day, inhalation of steam (3-4 times a day), and use nasal sprays to be followed when you are suffering from runny nose.6,8
Running nose Home remedies6,7,8,9
- The use of Pepper + jaggery with curds reduces inflammation and congestion of the nose.
- Decoction of equal parts of raisins + black pepper and leaves of vasa for a drink.
- Decoction of equal parts of dalchini and licorice rhizomes for a drink.
- Leaves of holy basil (Tulsi) mixed with an equal quantity of dried ginger powder. This can be taken by adding sugar to the drink.
- Juice of wet ginger and tulsi- each teaspoon mixed with one teaspoon of honey and taken 2-3 times a day.
- Half teaspoon of powdered black pepper mixed with jaggery and taken two times a day.
- Small piece of ginger (wet) fried in ghee to be taken two times a day.
- Turmeric milk: One teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with hot milk for a drink.
- Drink a glass of hot water mixed with the juice of lemon and sugar.
- Two or three teaspoons of Amla juice is beneficial for a running nose.
- Boil lemon leaves in water and add sugar to the drink.
- Ginger tea, Cinnamon tea, Lemon tea, and Garlic tea are the hot beverages to get relieved by a running nose.
- Gargle with warm turmeric water for 2-3 times a day to relieve sore throat.
- Mouth gargles with saline water are very beneficial.
When to see a doctor10
If the symptoms last more than ten days, if there is a high fever, if the nasal discharge is yellow and green, blood mixed nasal discharge.
If there is swelling of the eyes, nose, or cheeks.
If there is a nasal discharge following a head injury.
If there is severe throat pain, white or yellow spots on the tonsils.
Conclusion
A running nose is the most common condition seen in various diseases. It is a symptom associated with various other respiratory symptoms such as cough, sneeze, sore throat, etc. Several home remedies can be effective in the initial stages themselves. Ayurvedic medicines can be safe and cost-effective to treat a running nose. Nasya is the most acceptable treatment modality for runny nose along with dhoomapana and gandusha.
NOTE:
“This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this WebSite. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call or visit your doctor.”
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References and citations
- https://www.healthline.com/health/runny-nose-causes
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/runny-nose/basics/definition/sym-20050640
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17660-runny-nose
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/runny-nose/basics/causes/sym-20050640
- https://unisciencepub.com/storage/2020/11/Ayurvedic-Literature-Review-of-Pratishyaya-w.s.r.-Rhinitis.pdf
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338995731_STANDARD_TREATMENT_GUIDELINES_IN_AYURVEDA_FOR_PRATISHYAYA
- http://nhp.gov.in/pratishyayacommon-cold_mtl
- https://pharmeasy.in/blog/home-remedies-for-runny-nose/amp/
- https://vikaspedia.in/health/ayush/ayurveda-1/ayurveda-for-common-disease-conditions/ayurveda-for-common-cold
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/runny-nose/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050640