Avoid Allergens

• To ease sinus and congestion pressure associated with allergies, one of the best plans of attack it to simply avoid contact with the allergen. If this means your symptoms act up during the arrival of spring and its resultant blooms, avoid the outdoors as much as possible during this time. Likewise, if you experience symptoms when exposed to other allergens, such as dust or mold, avoid those things. This is one of the simplest home remedies there is to treat a stuffy and congested nose.
  
  

Humidifiers

• Use a humidifier to loosen chest congestion and open up clogged nasal passages. This will help to keep the mucous flowing in the nasal passages, as well as allow them to drain. Stand in the shower at least twice a day for a basic version of a humidifier and allow the steam to build up in the shower for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, put a standard humidifier in an enclosed room and breathe in the soothing vapors. Another option is to fill a basin with hot, steamy water. Place a bath towel over your head, lean over the steam, and allow it to penetrate your nasal passages. Stanley N. Farb, M.D states in the book, "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies", that humidity is key to keeping the cilia working in the nose.
  
  

Nasal Washes

• Use a nasal wash system to remove debris from your nose. This helps to eliminate stale nasal secretions. Simply mix one teaspoon of table salt with two cups of warm water. Pour into a small shot glass, tilt your head back and pour into the nostrils, one at a time. Close one nostril, and pour into the remaining nostril. Repeat, then blow your nose gently.
  
  

Moist Heat

• Apply moist heat over the sinuses to remove the feeling of pain and congestion. Put a warm, wet washcloth over your cheekbones, nose and eyes to hep open up the sinuses. Leave on for two to three minutes or until you feel symptoms subside.
  
  

Spicy Foods

• Eat spicy food to encourage the flow of mucous within nasal passages. Garlic, horseradish and cayenne all encourage the thinning of nasal mucous. Add these spices to everyday foods and eat whenever you feel congested.