Colds & Breathing
Blocked Nose & Sinus Pressure
Stuffy nose, pressure in forehead or cheeks, thick mucus.
⚡ Quick & easy version · 5 min
Hot Shower Steam
Only a few things you probably already have at home.
You need
- ◆Hot shower
Steps
- Breathe the steam deeply for a few minutes.
- Gently massage beside your nostrils.
Scallion & Ginger Steam
You need
- ◆3 scallion whites
- ◆5 slices ginger
- ◆A few mint leaves
- ◆1 L hot water
How to make it
- 1
Pour hot (not boiling) water over the herbs in a bowl.
- 2
Lean over at a safe distance with a towel over your head, breathe 5–10 min.
Angelica Dahurica & Chrysanthemum Tea
You need
- ◆6 g bai zhi
- ◆5 g chrysanthemum
- ◆400 ml water
How to make it
- 1
Simmer bai zhi 10 min, add chrysanthemum and steep 5 min.
- 2
Drink warm twice a day.
Helpful herbs
The TCM view
Wind and Dampness blocking the nose. Formula Cang Er Zi San uses angelica dahurica (bai zhi), magnolia flower and mint to 'open the orifices'.
Food tips
Eat / do
- Warm soups, ginger, scallion
- Saline nose rinse
Avoid
- Dairy and sweets in excess
- Cold drinks
Sources
⚠ Safety
- Not for young children (steam burns).
- Bai zhi can make skin sun-sensitive.
- Fever over 3 days, severe one-sided pain or swelling around the eye: see a doctor.
- Not a replacement for medical care. Ask a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.