Method, rate of relief, duration, cost, potential drawbacks
Decongestant spray, 2 to 5 minutes, 3 to 6 hours (rebound effect possible) $$ Addiction, irritation
Neti pot: 10 to 15 minutes, 4 to 8 hours. Risk of infection if not properly cleaned.
Antihistamine 30 to 60 minutes 12 to 24 hours $$ Drowsiness, dryness
Inhaling clove vapors for 5 to 10 minutes provides 8 to 24 hours of effective relief. It's virtually free of charge and has minimal side effects when used carefully.
Tips for optimal results:
Use 8–10 whole cloves (they are stronger than ground).
Cloves can be reused 2-3 times (store in the refrigerator).
Take a hot shower to increase humidity.
Then rinse with lukewarm water for a soothing effect.
Imagine cooler mornings and brighter days. Start slowly tonight and gradually increase the intensity.
Conclusion: Breathe better with this age-old trick.