The symptoms of blocked noses, sinusitis, catarrh and head colds can all be relieved by a simple steam inhalation. Fill a bowl or jug with very hot water (not boiling to avoid scalds). Place a towel over your head and breathe in steadily over the bowl for a few minutes. This should loosen and ease the blocked passages.

Saline nose drops dilute the secretions of the nasal passages and help relieve nasal symptoms. Use a sterile saline solution (as described in Antiseptics, above, boiled, cooled water plus a teaspoonful of salt, or buy Normasol or Steripod sachets); place a few drops in each nostril.

Ice cubes held on sore and inflamed sinuses can bring relief.

Use a menthol or plant oil inhalation (such as Karvol) only if you are not chemically sensitive and not sensitive to plant terpenes. Add a spoonful or a capsule to hot, but not boiling, water and inhale the vapour.

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