10 Ways To Stop A Runny Nose

9. Try Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a chemical found in spicy foods. As noted above, spicy foods can be incredibly helpful when battling stuffy or runny noses. Capsaicin works by irritating mucous membranes, which encourages the production of more mucus. This mucus runs out of the nose, trying to clear the chemical. As the mucus runs, the nose clears. Capsaicin may also dull nasal sensation, making the runny nose less irritating.

Recent research suggests that a capsaicin nasal spray, good for symptoms brought about by rhinovirus, may also be helpful for nasal conditions brought on by allergies.