· Try a neti pot – Designed to push water from one nasal passage to the other, it can flush allergens and other irritants from the passageways. Using distilled or sterile water, tilt your head over the sink. Place the spout of the neti pot in a nostril and tilt the pot until water flows from one nostril to the other. Do this for at least a minute per side. A neti pot is safe to use every day. A study found that use of a neti pot every day found greater symptom improvement over two months than the use of nasal spray. The reason you want to use distilled or sterilized water is because you are flushing permeable membranes. You don’t want to introduce anything toxic to your sinuses or nasal passages.

· Saline spray – A simple solution of sterilized or distilled water mixed with saline sprayed into your nose could do wonders for your congestion. The nasal spray increases the moisture in your passageways and sinuses and allows drainage of a thinner mucus. This, in turn, reduces pain and pressure from the nasal passages' inflammation.

If your saline spray also contains decongestants or antihistamines, talk to your doctor before using it. With overuse, your condition may worsen, or the drugs may interact with other medications.

· Warm compresses – This comforting practice may help open up nasal passages from the outside. The warmth can relieve sinus inflammation. Place a warm, damp towel over your face, nose, forehead or wherever you experience pain.

· Garlic – Helpful because of its antiviral and antifungal properties, garlic has been found to be useful in the fight against respiratory infections. Make a garlic tea and drink it daily until your congestion clears. If your family and friends don’t mind you eating garlic cloves, this practice has been noted to relieve stiffness and discomfort from ailments.

· Black pepper – No, really. This is legit. We all know sneezing lets fly a lot of things from noses and mouths. And this is about sneezing to unblock sinuses and nasal passages from potentially unhealthy substances. Shake a little black pepper in your hand and mix some sesame seed oil with it. Apply this mixture to the opening of your nostrils. This should induce sneezing, and because that is the purpose of this exercise, don’t hold back. This is meant to clear your passageways.