How To Stop A Runny Nose (Rhinorrhea) Fast

A runny nose is characterized by excessive discharge or drainage from the nose. This is generally caused by infections or the presence of foreign particles in the nose.

This common problem can be easily managed with home remedies and self-care measures. However, if the condition doesn’t subside in a week, you must consult a doctor. 

Home Remedies for a Runny Nose

The following home remedies can help manage a runny nose.

1. Saline Rinse

Using salt water to clear your nasal passages is probably one of the easiest and cheapest ways to stop a runny nose in its tracks. Studies show that participants who used saline irrigation during a cold experienced a significant reduction in symptoms, including nasal secretions, sore throat, nasal breathing score and nasal obstruction, as well as reduced use of additional nasal decongestant medications. (1)

In addition to providing immediate relief from a runny nose, salt has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help kill the microbes responsible for your sniffles in the first place. (2)

To make a saline rinse, mix ½ teaspoon of sea salt with 2 cups of warm water until dissolved. Use a dropper to add the salt solution to the inside of your nostrils, keeping your head tilted back while breathing very slowly. Now tilt your head back down and blow your nose.

Repeat this a couple times a day until your mucus has lessened significantly. 

 

2. Steam Bath

Inhaling steam helps break down and remove the excess mucus from your nasal passages that are causing your runny nose. Adding an antimicrobial essential oil like thyme, peppermint, or eucalyptus can also help kill cold bugs, while aiding in mucus removal. Several of the essential oils contain compounds like menthol and thymol, which act as powerful decongestants. (3)

To prepare a steam bath, heat a cup or two of water in a pot until it begins to steam (but is not boiling). Add in a couple drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or thyme essential oil. Grab a towel, drape it over your head, and lean into the steam, inhaling deeply. Stay here for 7 to 10 minutes, then blow your nose. Repeat a few times a day. 

 

3. Hot Drinks

Simply drinking hot water can help ease cold symptoms such as a runny nose. Studies found that hot drinks provided immediate relief to many symptoms and provided lasting relief. (4) Researchers believe this may be due to hot water’s ability to flush out and break down excess mucus.

By adding lemon to your hot water, or by adding an anti-inflammatory herb such as chamomile, you add a dose of antibacterial and antiviral properties as well. (5) 

 

4. Mustard Oil

In Ayurveda, mustard oil is traditionally used to treat sinus problems where it helps break up mucus. Research has shown that mustard oil is also a strong antibacterial, defeating even the most resistant pathogens such as E. Coli. (6)

To use mustard oil, warm a small amount in a pan until lukewarm. Using a dropper, add a couple drops to each nostril with your head tilted back. Let it sit for a moment, then blow your nose. Repeat this once or twice a day. 

 

5. Ginger

Ginger has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of cold symptoms. Modern research backs up the age-old claims of its effectiveness, showing that ginger is an effective remedy against the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). Ginger can help stop the virus from attaching to cells, which could prevent symptoms such as a runny nose before they occur. (7)

According to research, fresh ginger is best for cold symptoms. If you can’t handle the taste of chewing on a fresh piece, however, try taking some with a little raw honey, or grating it on your food. In addition, you can also make a ginger tea by cutting a few pieces of ginger into slices and steeping it in hot water for 10 minutes. 

 

6. Garlic

Garlic is a superstar when it comes to fighting off the bugs that bring about runny noses. It has potent antibacterial and antiviral properties that come from its main compound, allicin. Studies have shown that participants who consume garlic catch fewer colds than those who don’t and also have shortened colds if they do get them. (8)

To use garlic in your arsenal against a runny nose, try getting in at least one clove per day. Always be sure to crush and/or slice the clove before you eat it and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the allicin.

You can eat garlic raw in a soup or salad, or if the taste is too much, either cook it or take it in capsule form. 

 

7. Licorice Root

Licorice root’s active component, glycyrrhizin, contains properties that help break down excess mucus, which can shorten the duration of your runny nose. (9) In addition, licorice root is also antiviral, antibacterial, and contains numerous antioxidants to support your immune system. (10)

You can prepare licorice root as a tea (in this way you’ll get the decongestant benefits of a hot drink as well), or take it in capsule form.