When the clove is removed, snot comes pouring out — seemingly evidence that the trick works. But Dr. Sindwani says blocking your nostril with a pungent piece of garlic can actually cause more mucus to build, which is what rushes out upon removal of the clove.
The claim is false. Sticking garlic cloves up your nose does not relieve congestion.
“When something as concentrated as a garlic clove is placed in the nose for long enough it will lead to contact irritation and the nose will begin to react,” he said. The reaction will be a buildup of mucus which will be seen rushing from the nose once the garlic is removed.
The harebrained hack has unofficial healers corking up their nostrils with raw garlic cloves for approximately 10 to 15 minutes in attempt to unclog a stuffy snout. After the user removes the garlic, a flash flood of mucus gushes from their noses, prompting the semblance and sensation of actual decongestion.
Place each of your index and middle fingers on either side of your nose, just between your cheekbones and upper jaw. Try using your thumbs instead of your index fingers for stronger pressure. Gently massage this area using a circular motion. Repeat for around 30 seconds to a minute.
Acupresssure Point LI4: Located on your hand between the thumb and index finger, this pressure point can help relieve sinus congestion. Acupresssure Point LI 20: Located at the base of your nose, this pressure point can help relieve sinus pressure.
Drink lots of water and clear fluids. Fluids help thin mucus and ease congestion. Use a saline nasal spray or wash to flush out mucus. Apply adhesive strips to your nose to open nasal passages.
After about 15 minutes sitting with raw garlic cloves in each nostril, most people gush streams of mucus, seemingly clearing their sinuses of pesky congestion.
The harebrained hack has unofficial healers corking up their nostrils with raw garlic cloves for approximately 10 to 15 minutes in attempt to unclog a stuffy snout. After the user removes the garlic, a flash flood of mucus gushes from their noses, prompting the semblance and sensation of actual decongestion.
Nasal washing or irrigation with saline (a natural nasal-safe decongestant) or a common over the counter nasal safe medicine can help reduce the excess mucus build-up and relieve other symptoms of post nasal drip, such as hacking and coughing.
Using your index and middle fingers, apply pressure near your nose between your cheekbones and jaw. Move your fingers in a circular motion toward your ears. You can use your thumbs instead of your fingers for a deeper massage. This should take 30 seconds to a minute.
Warm and Cool Compresses: Using a rotation of warm and cool compresses on the face and around the sinus areas will help to reduce inflammation and promote natural drainage. They can also provide natural relief of symptoms such as headaches and sinus pressure.
The best sleeping position for sinus drainage problems and other sinus issues is to sleep with your head propped up. Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.
The doctor puts a thin tube into your nose. Attached at one end of it is a small balloon. They then guide the balloon to the blocked area inside your nose and inflates it. This helps clear the passageway so your sinuses can drain better and you won't be so congested.
"Increased blood flow causes congestion in one nostril for about 3 to 6 hours before switching to the other side. There is also increased congestion when one is lying down, which can be especially noticeable when the head is turned to one side," Jennifer Shu reports for CNN.