The term Catarrh usually applies to the excess secretion of mucus produced in the respiratory airways and sinuses, and elsewhere in the body. It is characterized by congestion of airways, excess mucus, runny nose, postnasal drip, sore throats, persistent coughing, headaches, pain and swelling around the face, ear problems, loss of smell, loss of taste, excessive tiredness, etc. Mucus secretion is the first sign of a foreign body in the respiratory system. Besides, during winters, the winds tend to make the air we breathe very dry. If the nose senses excessive dryness, it produces more discharge compensating for the lack of humidity.
Some people use commercial nasal sprays, for getting rid of catarrh. Such relief is short lived and an unhealthy dependency on nasal sprays could develop. Most doctors advise patients to use simple home and natural remedies in order to get rid of catarrh at a faster pace. Some of the common home herbal remedies for catarrh are given below:
Home Herbal Remedies for Catarrh
Steam inhalation is the most useful treatment for catarrh. Boil around 6 cups of water in a large pot and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to it. Once the water comes to a boil, place the boiling pot on a flat surface, wait for around 5 to 10 minutes before bending your head directly over the water. Cover your head as well as the pot with a large towel, to trap all the steam within. Take in deep breaths and inhale the steam vapors for as long as you can. Care must be exercised as the steam is hot and the herbs are strong. Continue inhaling the steam until it cools. Other essential oils such as sandalwood, tea tree, lavender, peppermint, etc., can also be used. The steam inhalation helps loosen mucus and fight infection.
Nasal irrigation using a warm saline solution to clean the nasal passages, is also very useful.
Facial massage with lavender oil over the sinus area, can also be beneficial to help decongest and soothe inflamed sinuses.
Gargling with warm water, several three times a day, may bring about instant relief.
Turmeric powder is an excellent home remedy for catarrh. Drink one cup of warm milk with some turmeric powder added, just before going to bed. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder to your gargle water can also be effective.
Avoid mucus forming foods: dairy products such as milk, butter, cheese, cream, ice cream, yoghurt, milk-chocolate are commonly considered mucus forming, as are refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice and pasta, cakes, puddings, biscuits, pastry and anything containing refined sugars i.e., sweets, sugar, syrup, fizzy drinks, squash, etc. Fried foods, peanuts and eggs too can promote mucus formation.
Besides, avoid large, heavy meals. Get plenty of sunshine, fresh air, exercise and sleep. Avoid dusty, polluted or smoky atmospheres where possible.
Fruits & vegetables: When the problem is severe, go on a 24 hour fruit and vegetable diet, supplemented with 1 to 2 liters of water, juice and herbal teas. Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially raw, provide essential vitamins and minerals, and have a gentle cleansing action on the body. The next day introduce some starchy foods, like brown rice and potatoes, and on the third day include a little protein such as chicken or fish.
Vitamin A plays an important role in strengthening the mucus membranes of the respiratory system. Red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as red peppers, carrots, beetroot, berries, mango and tomato contain beta-carotene. So do sweet potatoes, broccoli, dark-green or red cabbage and carrots.
Antioxidants: Vitamin C and Zinc are antioxidant nutrients, enhancing immune system function, helping to fight off infection. Vitamin C is found in most fresh fruits and vegetables. Good sources of zinc include shellfish, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and Wheat germ.
Also include in your food:
Whole grain cereals – buckwheat, millet, oats, brown rice, spelt, and quinoa.
Oily fish: mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon, anchovies.
Pulses – kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, sprouted beans.
Nuts and seeds – almonds, walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Natural sweeteners as an alternative to refined sugars – honey, maple syrup, malt extract.
Black seed oil provides instant relief from catarrh caused by allergic reactions. It has powerful anti-inflammatory, bronchial-dilating and anti-histamine properties, and works by assisting the body in its own natural healing processes.
Garlic, onions and leeks – Eat large amounts of garlic, leeks, scallions, chives and onions, all of which are traditional remedies for catarrh relief. Garlic and onions contain volatile oils with antiseptic and decongestant properties. Raw garlic has the most powerful action. Thyme and rosemary too, are useful in a similar way; use these when cooking.
Adding cinnamon to herbal teas also helps to clear the problem.
Ginger, chilies, etc. Culinary herbs including ginger, chilies, cayenne, horseradish, and sage are known to have antiseptic and decongestant properties and can be easily included in the diet.
Goldenseal has excellent anti-catarrhal properties. You can take capsules of the powdered goldenseal herb, or a few drops of its tincture, several times a day. Avoid during pregnancy.
Catmint helps to ease nasal congestion and improve the circulation through the nasal passages.
Elderflower has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing swelling of the membranes and easing mucus production. It also has antiviral activity, and can be used where allergy may be a cause.
Chamomile: Teas made with chamomile are also helpful, easing sore and irritated nasal passageways. Warm chamomile tea may also be carefully inhaled up the nose.
Plantain reduces catarrhal secretion and inflammation within upper respiratory passageways.
Golden Rod is an astringent, toning up the membranes and also reducing excess mucus.
Hyssop loosens up thick phlegm, while calming the breathing; it is also good if there is restlessness and problems with sleeping due to difficulty in breathing.
You may try mixing marshmallow leaves, ribwort plantain, eyebright and dried elderflower in equal proportions and then use it by adding two teaspoons to boiling water in a cup about, four times each day.
Excellent balm of Nasal Congestion
Try making an excellent balm of antiseptic, volatile oils to relieve nasal congestion. It may be applied in a very small amount to the nostril and so be inhaled, or it can be rubbed on the chest at night so that the vapours will be breathed in. Take
Peppermint oil 15ml
Eucalyptus oil 15ml
Pine oil 15ml
Vaseline 500g
Melt the vaseline, without over heating it. when it just turns liquid, add the oil and stir them in. Pour the mixture into pots and seal them when the balm has reached room temperature.
Another way to inhale volatile oils is to use the method of steam inhalation. We can either use some Eucalyptus, Pine Needles or even Chamomile with boiling water to inhale. Inhale through the nose for about ten minutes about two to three times a day.
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