A septum is a wall of bone and cartilage separating the nasal passages which are lined with mucous membranes on either side. When the wall is severely tilted to one side that is referred to in the medical world as a "deviated septum". Visually you can tell when a septum has deviated because it looks like one nostril is bigger than the other. A deviated septum, depending on the severity, can cause a number of health issues such as difficulty breathing due to disrupted airflow, headaches, facial pain, sleep apnea, increased rate of infection, and a postnasal drip.
While only surgery can actually fix a deviated septum, for a less severe case, there are a few different natural ways to relieve the symptoms brought on by a deviated septum and help you to breathe more easily. Some of these may not be long term solutions but, if the prospect of a costly surgery with a recovery period is not something you are willing to investigate yet, you may be interested in some of these more natural home remedies.
When it comes to caring for our bodies in the most natural way, nature has an incredible array of medicinal plants that are extremely beneficial for curing ailments in the body. Having a deviated septum can affect the airflow in the nose and cause breathing patterns to be heavier or more erratic.
Here are are a few natural ways to help relieve these symptoms.
Home Remedies for Deviated Septum
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is made from the eucalyptus plant and is known for having amazing anti-inflammatory properties to reduce facial pain. It also contains other healing properties to help manage the condition. Put a few drops of the oil on a damp handkerchief, hold it over your nose and breathe it in deeply for a few seconds. Do this multiple times a day for best results. Before bed and early in the morning are the most beneficial times to do this.
Peppermint Oil\ Herbal Tea
Eucalyptus oil is made from the eucalyptus plant and is known for having amazing anti-inflammatory properties to reduce facial pain. It also contains other healing properties to help manage the condition. Put a few drops of the oil on a damp handkerchief, hold it over your nose and breathe it in deeply for a few seconds. Do this multiple times a day for best results. Before bed and early in the morning are the most beneficial times to do this.
Lavender Oil
Lavender can also be used to relieve symptoms. Massage it on your nose for a few minutes or put some drops in a steaming cup and inhale. Lavender has wonderful relaxing benefits that can aid in the aches and pains associated with a deviated septum.
Diet can also have a major impact on the severity of your condition, and by eating certain foods you can increase relief of your symptoms and promote healing in your body in general.
Cayenne Pepper\Hot peppers
Cayenne pepper is very spicy and hot spicy foods are a great decongestant. It's also great for boosting immunity and improving blood circulation. Mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a cup of hot water and drink it twice daily. You can also add it to foods during mealtimes to increase your intake.
Raw Ginger
Raw ginger contains healing properties for common symptoms of a deviated septum such as headaches, congestion, and difficulty breathing. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps maintain the cilia in the nose which filters out allergens. To use effectively, boil ginger bulbs in water for 15 minutes. Next, strain out the ginger bulbs and drink the ginger water mixture.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very helpful for nosebleeds which is a common symptom of a deviated septum. It helps prevents loss of blood by sealing off broken blood vessels in the body which contribute to the nosebleeds.
To apply, soak a cotton wool rag with apple cider vinegar and insert into the nostril one at a time. Apply to each for 15 minutes.
Another great way to treat nosebleeds is with a cold compress. The low temperature in a cold compress aids in restricting the flow of blood so it can achieve the clotting process.
Vitamin C
By eating foods that are very high in vitamin C such as broccoli, cabbage, lemon, and strawberries, can help to reduce mucus secretion which contributes to congestion.
Magnesium and Calcium
If you have trouble sleeping, taking the daily recommended dose of magnesium and calcium can induce regular sleeping patterns. It's best to avoid dairy as much as possible as it can cause congestion.
Vaporizers and Humidifiers
Vaporizers and Humidifiers are small machines you can buy that add moisture to the air and help to relieve congestion just by breathing it in. Make sure the room in which you choose to use it has a chance to dry out beforehand to prevent mold from growing. The steam from a hot shower does the same thing as a vaporizer or humidifier and can help to reduce nasal congestion.
If you have a deviated septum, make sure to avoid anything that can cause nasal congestion to be worse. Stay away from things you may be allergic to such as pollen, dust mites, animals, etc. Also, avoid being around smoke, chemicals, paint fumes, and other things that can cause nasal inflammation. Also changing your sheets often will help you stay clear of inhaling these irritants.
One of the most difficult challenges people face with a deviated septum is difficulty sleeping and getting proper exercise due to difficulty with normal breathing. Getting outside daily for fresh air and taking a slow walk around the block or down the street may actually help with congestion and your overall well being. The stress, discomfort, and headaches that tend to be symptoms all benefit from at least some form of light exercise on a daily basis. For better sleep, try sleeping on the side of your face of the nostril that gives you trouble. That way you have space in your unobstructed nostril for a better quality of airflow which results in a better quality of sleep.
Sources:
Best Home Remedies for Deviated Septum
Effective and Beneficial Ways to Cure Deviated Septum Naturally
Home Remedies and Medicines for Deviated Septum
Dr Oz: Deviated Septum Signs & How to Breathe Better When You Sleep
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