In order to treat a stuffy nose we must understand why we get it and how we can actually prevent it without over the counter medication. Prevention is better than cure, is the saying and that is the most affordable and healthiest way to do it. The golden rule of thumb is to go with nature and not against it.
A stuffy nose can be caused by several things like infection, abnormalities in the nasal passages, or a disease called Rhinitis but most of the time it is due to an allergy. The allergic reactions can be caused by a variety of things in the atmosphere and even by the food you eat on a daily basis. Pollen from flowering plants, dust, mold and even sudden changes in temperature can cause these allergic reactions and in the end a stuffy nose with blocked nasal passages that can cause headache. These allergic reactions might be seasonal in the case of pollen molds or dust allergy, so it is actually easy to identify.
When the stuffy nose is due to Vasomotor Rhinitis it is most probably because the nose membranes are irritated by either smoking, perfume or the prolonged use of nasal sprays. Try to eliminate or minimize exposure to these substances if you have a stuffy nose because that might bring relieve. Surgery is your last option but will definitely bring relief.
An infection of the nasal membranes normally take place when you have a normal cold or flue. The best way to treat a cold is by preventing it but if you get it, then there are a variety of over the counter drugs that you can take in order to take care of the cold and eventually the stuffy nose.
Structural abnormalities in the nose or nasal passages restrict the flow of air and usually have a combined infection due to the blockages in the nasal passages. There is not much you can do to prevent these abnormalities because they are mostly caused by damage to the nose or a birth defect. Surgery is very effective in getting rid of a stuffy nose and over the counter medicine can bring relief in the short term as well.
So, there is things we can identify which cause a stuffy nose and then theres some things we can do nothing about. We should try and control the the ones we can.The best way to treat a stuffy nose is to prevent it from occurring by leading a healthy live style. Sometimes it is out of our control and then the best thing to do is to consult a physician.
There are certain natural products like Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia) and Spirulina that boosts the immune system and they are very good in preventing a stuffy nose and giving you a better quality life.
To summarize, first identify why you get a stuffy nose and do something about it by eliminating those actions or by taking taking a natural substance and leading a healthy life style. If this does not work get some over the counter drugs or visit a physician as last resort.