Suffering from a stuffy nose: Try the ice trick, it helps better than drops

A red nose, a headache and a handkerchief always at hand. We all know it. A cold can make life pretty unpleasant and getting rid of it is not a matter of moments. These problems can haunt you for a long time, but fortunately there is one trick to unclog a stuffy nose.

You’ve tried a lot of options, but the cold still won’t go away. Drops, inhalations and nasal sprays don’t work, so in the end, there’s nothing to do but wait. However, effective help lies within reach. You may be surprised, but a very simple thing that you don’t have to go to the pharmacy for will help. You can find it at home in the freezer or you can easily make it yourself.

Icing a stuffy nose

When you have a cold, the cause of a stuffy nose is usually swelling of the nasal mucosa. The space in the nasal passages is reduced, which restricts airflow. However, there are networks of nerves in the root of the nose and in the tissues in the nasal cavity that are connected to the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the expansion and contraction of blood vessels. Thus, you will find help with the ice cube. If you put anything icy on the nose, the nerves are activated. As a result, the blood vessels begin to constrict, the swelling quickly disappears and the space in the nasal cavity expands. The airflow will improve in a moment and you will be able to breathe freely.

How to proceed

Rhyme is a constant companion over the winter, so we decided to try this trick, which is a hit on social media. The procedure is very simple. Although the ice pack seems uncomfortable, after a few seconds it starts to feel nice. And the most important thing? You’ll feel relief almost immediately.

Prepare a small ice cube and press it on the root of your nose for 30-60 seconds. However, do not place the ice directly on the skin, wrap it in a handkerchief or napkin, or a small bandana. You will feel relief immediately, but it usually lasts only temporarily. It won’t get rid of the cold completely, but it will effectively suppress the most pronounced symptoms. You can repeat this procedure several times during the day. Although an ice cube is not a miracle cure, it offers a safe way to relieve the symptoms.

Other methods to relieve a stuffy nose

If you want to hasten your recovery or endure the effects of a cold much better, there are a number of other solutions. Studies confirm the action of eucalyptus oil, which has been used for therapeutic purposes in traditional medicine for centuries. It contains components that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly recommended for inhalation. Add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and then inhale the steam for a few minutes.

It may sound trite to you, but among the traditional ways to get rid of a stuffy nose, drinking plenty of fluids is recommended. This is because the immune system is better able to fight the infection. However, you should avoid coffee and sweetened drinks.