We are in the middle of flu and cold season. Just when we think we are out of the woods and nearly past the dreadful time, cases of the common cold become more likely. The structure of the influenza virus allows it to replicate and spread best when the air is cold and dry. When that happens, we feel ill and have to contend with a stuffy nose.

A blocked nose is very annoying. Your nose drips and runs, you sound funny when you talk, and just when you want to blow your nose to finally breathe again, nothing comes out.

Many people mistakenly think a stuffy nose is the result of too much mucus in your nasal passages, but it’s actually quite the contrary. A stuffy or clogged nose is actually caused by inflamed blood vessels in your sinuses.

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To rid yourself of that, get five garlic cloves, a pot of water and a bath towel.

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First, bring the water to a boil. Then, crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of a chef’s knife, remove and discard the skins, add the crushed cloves to the pot of boiling water and turn off the heat.

Put your head a safe distance over the pot at about two to four inches and cover with the towel so the steam doesn’t escape.

Take long breaths by breathing in and out for a few minutes.

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This approach works because of an ingredient that is released when garlic is crushed known as allicin. Allicin helps to thin the mucus blocking your nasal passages.

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Next time your stuffed up, give this a try!

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