I have recently become obsessed with using natural remedies to alleviate my dry skin since it is a problem that I hold very close to my heart. A dry nose, or more specifically, dried-out nasal passages, is almost as bad as chapped lips. I can feel the painful dryness setting in as the weather gets colder, and I find myself reaching for tissue more frequently. I just hate waking up in the morning when it gets that bad. Although many people reach for a small tub of petroleum jelly, I personally avoid doing so because it can be inhaled, and that would be bad if you ended up with a glob in your lungs.
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is simple, natural, effective, and it smells good. It also doesn’t glob like petroleum jelly does, so the risk of a big chunk getting sucked up isn’t there (although its solid at room temperature, it’s softened before use here.)
You will need…
-1/2 teaspoon or so of virgin coconut oil
-Cotton swabs
-A small bowl
Directions
Place a half a teaspoon or so of coconut oil in a small microwave safe
bowl and warm it until it is soft enough to be easily applied (about 10
seconds.) It does not need to be melted down into a liquid, and in fact
should be left semi-solid. Dip a cotton swab into it and generously
cover it. Apply to the inside of each nostril so that there is a good
through coating. Apply up to 3 times a day (and always before bed.)
2. Steam Bowl
Allowing steam to fill your noise can moisten the mucous membranes that have become dried out and painful. This really helps relieve discomfort in the short-term, and also clears out your nose so you don’t have to blow it a bunch (which dries it out even more.) With each breath it’s like a warm comforting wave of moisture is sinking into your sore nose and making it feel better by the second. I usually follow this treatment with coconut oil about 15 minutes afterwards.
You will need…
-A large bowl
-A towel
-Hot water
Directions
Bring several cups of water to boil and then pour into your bowl. Place
your face over the bowl (not too close though, as the steam can be quite
hot) and drape a towel over your head and the bowl to trap the steam.
Breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes, and then follow up 15 minutes later
with an application of coconut oil. If you don’t feel like making up a
bowl of hot water just for your nose, even inhaling the steam from a cup
of tea or taking a hot shower can really help.
3. Almond Oil and Aloe Vera Gel
Almond oil is a natural emollient, or moisturizer, helping the sensitive skin in the nostril to become softer and more pliable, therefore lessening the chance that it will crack. It may also help lessen evaporation. Aloe vera can help soothe the dryness quickly, but it won’t provide the same lasting moisture as the almond oil. I use it mostly for the initial relief (I refrigerate mine) but you can stick to just almond oil if you like.
You will need…
-1/2 teaspoon almond oil
-1/4 teaspoon aloe vera gel (optional)
Directions
Thoroughly mix almond oil and aloe vera gel. Soak a q-tip in the mixture
and swab gently inside your nostrils. You can also apply with a cotton
ball that has been soaked, but I find this way to be slightly more
difficult.
When I find my nose dried out and painful I tend to sink into despair. It sounds dramatic, but when it gets so dry it cracks and bleeds it can really be a downer. Before actually realizing I could probably do something for it, it felt like I had to suffer through the whole winter, but with the above remedies (that are truly about as easy as it gets) a dry nose is one less thing I have to worry about during these frigid months.
Dry Nose Tips
-Turn down the heat, turn up the humidifier. The heat will dry out the air more than it already is, while the humidifier adds moisture. This will also help if you wake up with dry eyes/a dry throat.
-If you are suffering from a nose dried out because you have a cold and have been blowing it too much, using a saline spray can help loosen up mucous and provide moisture/relief in a less harsh manner.
-Since it’s colder in the winter it’s easy to drink less water, but it’s just as important to stay hydrated. If you aren’t drinking enough, where will your body get the moisture to keep your nose comfortable?
