How to Ease Nasal Congestion with Saline

Allergies can be maddening. Sneezing, congestion and a feeling of spaciness can make each day a trial. To make matters worse, decongestant nose sprays are only supposed to be used a few days at a time, although allergy season is inevitably longer than that. Moreover, sometimes nasal congestion can turn into sinusitis. Can you treat it naturally?

Xylitol in Nasal Wash Helps Sinusitis:

Q. I spent at least half my life plagued with sinus infections until I heard about xylitol. I had been using irrigation for many years, and it helped. But when I began adding a small amount of xylitol to my bottle of nasal wash, the sinus problems became a part of my past. It felt like a miracle!

Also, xylitol is cheap. One important warning for pet owners, however, is that it is detrimental to pets.

A. Thanks for the testimonial. Xylitol, a natural antibacterial agent, is beneficial and safe as part of nasal irrigation (Biomedicines, June 20, 2024).

Xylitol is available in OTC nasal spray and sinus rinse under the brand name Xlear. If you make your own rinse for irrigation, be sure to use sterile water for safety.

Oil of Oregano May Ease Nasal Congestion:

Q. For years I’ve used organic essential oregano oil for nasal congestion and coughing due to allergies. I boil a cup of water and drop in one or two drops of oil, then very gently inhale the steam. It’s powerful!

It might cause a few sneezes but then my congestion, sneezing and coughing are gone. I use it once a day first thing in the morning when my allergies are the worst.

A. Thanks for the tip. A review of herbal medicines for nasal congestion found that oil of oregano can be effective for symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (Current Allergy & Asthma Reports, Feb. 2023).

Using Saline to Ease Nasal Congestion from Allergies:

Q. Almost three years ago, I was bothered with allergies and took allergy medicines every day. Then I started using a neti pot with a saline solution for the entire allergy season.

Now I do not take any allergy medicines. I only have to use the neti pot when I get congested. I am SO glad to cut my ties to allergy medicines.

I’ve thought: why WOULD there be any studies to combat allergies using saline irrigation when drug companies make bank on sales of the medicines?

Research on Saline Irrigation:

A. You are right that few drug companies would underwrite research on saline solution. There have been a few studies on saline irrigation for allergies, though.

In one pilot study, 25 youngsters with runny nose year round (perennial allergic rhinitis) had fewer symptoms after using saline nasal spray for three weeks (Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents, Jan-Mar., 2016). A review of several earlier studies notes that nasal irrigation with saline can be helpful in cases of chronic sinus irritation (Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, Apr., 2013).

Neti Pot or Saline Spray?

As the studies suggest, you don’t have to use a neti pot to ease nasal congestion. But if you are curious about how to use this Aladdin’s-lamp-shaped implement, you can read more about it here. This ancient Ayurvedic practice appeals to many people and is not difficult to master.

Some folks prefer a more modern system of nasal irrigation, such as one made by NeilMed. Another reader found that using plain saline nasal spray twice a day was helpful in preventing sinus problems.

What About Nasal Congestion from a Cold?

Q. I’ve had a cold and been very stuffed up for several days. I’m in a quandary about treating it. I’ve read that nasal sprays can cause “rebound congestion” when taken for too long. I’ve also heard concerns about pseudoephedrine pills.

I’d really prefer a natural remedy. Do you know of any that work?

A. A reader reports that Xlear Nasal Spray (www.xlear.com) with xylitol has been helpful for nasal symptoms. A study in the journal Laryngoscope (Nov. 2011) reported that nasal irrigation with a xylitol solution improved nasal congestion and sinus symptoms. (Please note that if you have dogs in your home, keep them away from any product with xylitol as it is toxic to canines.)

Learn More:

Ginger tea can help ease chest and nasal congestion temporarily. Natural supplements such as andrographis, astragalus, elderberry, vitamin D and zinc may help ease cold symptoms. To learn about many other natural approaches for nasal congestion, you may wish to read our eGuide to Colds, Coughs & the Flu. In addition, you might want to listen to our interview with sinus expert, Dr. Zara Patel of Stanford. It is Show 1448: How to Stop Suffering with Sinusitis.