Natural ways to unclog a stuffy nose

 

Home remedies such as steam inhalation and eating hot soups can help with the stuffiness one experiences when having the common cold.

It begins with a sore or itchy throat, a mild headache, constant sneezing, achy joints and muscles, and a feeling of being unwell. Before you know it, you have a cold and just as annoying as a runny nose is a stuffy one, because it makes your head feel heavy and breathing difficult.

“While most people think it is due to an excess production of mucus, a blocked nose, or nasal congestion, is your immune system’s response to the presence of the cold virus in your nasal lining,” according to Paulo Angelo D.C. Catindig, MD, an otorhinolaryngologist of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

“As the immune system releases white blood cells to fight the infection, the blood vessels in your nasal passages become inflamed and swell. This narrows the airways, leaving little room for air and mucus to pass through. This results in the stuffiness you experience.”

A common cold lasts between 7 and 10 days; till then, there is no need to suffer through the stuffiness. “Nonprescription decongestants (in pill, syrup, and nasal spray form) work by shrinking swollen vessels in your nasal passages,” says the MakatiMed doctor. “Look for ingredients like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine but take them only as prescribed in the package or by your doctor.”

A number of home remedies have also been known to help clear clogged nasal passages and make you breathe better:

Nasal inhalers, like the popular Hong Thai and Vicks, combine ingredients like camphor, menthol, and natural herbs that provide a refreshingly cool sensation when inhaled through each nostril. “It does not unclog the nose but rather gives a quick, temporary relief from the stuffiness,” explains Dr. Catindig.

Steam inhalation involves pouring boiled water into a large bowl, placing the bowl on a steady, flat surface, and leaning over the bowl while draping a large towel or blanket over the back of your head to trap the rising moisture. “Keep your eyes closed and your face about 12 inches away from the boiling water,” advises Dr. Catindig. “Inhale slowly through your nose. The steam softens and loosens thick, trapped mucus, allowing you to breathe better.” Again, this does not cure the underlying cause of your cold, but it does relieve you of the congestion, albeit temporarily.

Food is also an effective way to address nasal congestion. “Hot soups and broths soothe a sore throat, and the steam can unclog a stuffy nose,” points out Dr. Catindig. “Add a bit of spice to the soup, as they help thin mucus, lessen nasal swelling, and stimulate sinus drainage.” The steam from hot tea has the same effect; choose flavors with peppermint and ginger, which act as a natural decongestant.

Getting adequate rest can hasten recovery from a cold and the stuffy feeling that comes with it. “Remember, this is just temporary,” says Dr. Catindig. “With these home remedies and a few days at home, you will be breathing better in no time. See your doctor if your cold does not improve after 10 days and if it comes with symptoms like a fever, a persistent sore throat, pain in the ear, and difficulty breathing.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

Treat your grandparents to their Mang Nasal faves up to Sept. 20

 

Make your grandparents feel extra special with the Mang Inasal Grandparents' Day Fiesta Treat that runs until Sept 20. 

Exclusive for takeout, delivery and drive-thru, the promo offers savings of up to P140 for the Mang Inasal Family Fiesta bundle of Chicken Inasal Paa or Pecho and Pork BBQ, with java rice, four Extra Creamy Halo-Halo 8 oz, and four small drinks. You may also opt for an all-chicken Family Fiesta meal.

For simpler celebrations, you may order the Mang Inasal Buddy Fiesta bundle and save as much as P70.

These bundles are ideal for families who want to spend time with their grandparents over a shared meal, whether after errands, during a quick catch-up, or simply as a way to make time for each other.

“Grandparents’ Day is a meaningful opportunity for families to make time for the people who have helped bring generations together,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. “Through our Grandparents’ Day offerings, we want to make it easier for families to celebrate in ways that feel true to them—from a generous family feast to a simple get-together shared with Lolo and Lola.”

Beyond the food, the occasion reflects a distinctly Filipino way of celebrating. Gathering around the table is often an expression of love, gratitude, and togetherness, making shared meals an important part of family milestones and traditions.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.ph for the latest news, manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw- Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!

DTI 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair generates P309.57M in sales

 

DTI Sec. Ma. Cristina Roque (4th from left) formally opened the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair held on September 26 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The 5-day event generated P309.57M in total sales for the participating cocopreneurs. 

Proving that trade exhibitions offer far more than simple product exposure, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair generated P309.57 million in total sales. The impressive figure marks a major milestone for Filipino coconut enterprises following the event held from August 26 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

This year’s fair brought together 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Philippines. The sales performance represents a massive leap from the P96.9 million generated by 213 participating businesses during last year’s event.

Participating “cocopreneurs” showcased a wide variety of value-added products across food and beverage, health and wellness, personal care, home and lifestyle items, craft, and sustainable non-food materials. The strong turnout highlights both an expanding local coconut industry and the growing capacity of domestic businesses to meet diverse consumer and commercial demands.

Held in conjunction with National Coconut Week, the fair demonstrated a collaborative, whole-of-government approach. DTI’s market-development strategies in tandem with programs led by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and partner agencies under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

As the lead implementing agency, the PCA coordinates targeted initiatives designed to strengthen the coconut sector and raise incomes for local farming communities. The wider CFIDP ecosystem also supports total industry growth—funding farmer assistance, cooperative training, research, technology adoption, product innovation and enterprise building.

The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque alongside key PCA leadership. Highlights of the opening included the release of the CFIDP Coffee Table Book, the launch of the 2022–2025 CFIDP Terminal Report documenting key milestones and beneficiary stories, and the debut of the official CFIDP website to streamline public access to industry resources.

To maximize commercial opportunities, the event featured a dedicated Buyers Lounge. Here, coconut MSMEs met directly with corporate and institutional buyers to pitch product lines, discuss sourcing requirements and secure long-term business partnerships.

Ultimately, the success of the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair reinforces how research, technology, and market development can align under unified government leadership to create sustainable, high-value economic opportunities for Filipino coconut farmers.

DQ’s Breakout Blizz is for those moments when you can’t help but say ‘DQ na kaya’

 

We’ve all had those moments where our brains just completely run out of RAM, our inboxes are basically screaming at us, and we find ourselves sitting in meetings and lectures nodding along to things we don’t even remotely understand. We could try to sit there and do those deep breathing exercises people always talk about, or we can just give in to the simple, guilty pleasures that actually make us happy. You know, like ice cream! 

When life gets ridiculously loud and overwhelming, you can always count on DQ for your well-deserved break from, well, everything, with sweet treats to help you hit pause and enjoy a  ve the perfect excuse to finally slow down and live in the moment!

Made in collaboration with KitKat, the new Breakout Blizz collection features six irresistible desserts centered around the iconic chocolate wafer biscuit. KitKat has always been known for perfectly locking down the whole “take a break” vibe, and this team up with DQ will surely elevate your well- deserved ice cream breaks, making them more indulgent and satisfying!

Treat yourself to a fun little recess and dig into the rich, salty-sweet swirls of the new Caramel Almond Chill Blizzard (starts at P119), made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve mixed with caramel fudge, chopped almond nuts, chocolate fudge, and KitKat pieces, and then topped with a caramel-chocolate drizzle and half a KitKat piece! 

Drop everything now and dive straight into a vibrant, fruity dessert with the new Berry Much Done Blizzard (starts at P119), made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve mixed with blueberry syrup, mini marshmallows, and KitKat pieces, and then topped with a blueberry drizzle and half a KitKat piece!

Take a timeout and savor the new Tired-Me-Su Blizzard (starts at P119), made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve mixed with coffee concentrate, cheesecake bits, and KitKat pieces, and then topped with even more cheesecake bits and half a KitKat piece!

For a quick selfie break, you’ll never go wrong with the new Caramel Almond Chill Parfait (P189), featuring layers of DQ's signature vanilla soft serve with caramel fudge, chocolate fudge, chopped almond nuts, and KitKat pieces in between, and then topped with whipped cream!

Or take your sweet time with the new Mudpie Me-Time Tin Cake (P439), a 100-percent ice cream cakemade with DQ's signature soft serve, chocolate fudge, coffee concentrate, and KitKat pieces, all in a to-go tin can so you can enjoy it at your own pace! 

And finally, take a breather with the whole gang with the new Cherry-Out-Here Blizzard Cake (starts at P749), a 100-percent ice cream cake made with DQ's signature soft serve, cake crunch, and chocolate fudge, made even more delectable with frosting, cherries and KitKat pieces! 

Enjoy these new offers together with your other favorites from DQ by visiting your nearest store today for dine-in or take-out or have them delivered straight to your doorstep by ordering through DQ’s official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary). 

Stay updated about anything and everything DQ by following the brand and giving a like on Facebook, Instagram, and X!

‘Tis the season for manipeds, but don’t forget what’s beneath the polish

 

With the holiday season fast approaching, salons are getting booked and busy with people glamming up for all the year-end parties and reunions. A glamorous look is incomplete without the magic of perfectly manicured fingers and toes.

Beyond French tips and glossy colors, a mani-pedi session has evolved into a form of art and self-expression. Intricate and elaborate nail art now use gel polish, dip powder, acrylic extensions, as well as studded and magnetic designs, which include whimsical fruit and beach designs in playful jelly-like 3D art, Met Gala- approved metallic nails with chrome accents, or even fool-proof dainty gemstone flowers. Sky’s the limit these days!

Nail art may be a great way to elevate a look, but it is important to keep your nails healthy. Top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) reminds that playing with colors and embellishments shouldn’t get in the way of taking care of your actual nails.

“What may look pretty on the surface may be covering an entirely different story underneath. Our nails can provide us with clues and hints about our health as a whole,” explains dermatologist Sharon Osmena Lim, MD, FPDS, DPSV. “Keep an eye out as changes in nail color, its texture, shape, and even its strength. These can point to underlying medical conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, and possibly even cancer, which will definitely require further attention.”

A healthy nail usually feels smooth, strong, and is uniformly pink with white tips. Dr. Lim underscores that unusual changes in the nails should not be overlooked.

When nails feel brittle or break easily, this may be linked to many causes which can include poor nutrition, fad diets, decreased circulation, or trauma from excessive manipulation during a mani-pedi session.

Brittle, discolored nails can also be the result of harmful exposure to chemicals or even excessive chemicals in nail polish and cuticle removers, excessive removal of the nail itself, traumatic removal of ingrown nails, as well as excessive removal of the cuticle meant to protect the nails.

Unsightly discolored or yellowish nails may be caused by nail polish stain, but it can also signal a fungal infection. Moreover, horizontal ridges across the nails, known as Beau’s lines, may stem from an illness or injury. In addition, dents or pits on the surface of the nail may also be linked to skin problems including psoriasis.

“Discoloration, changes in color or thickness, swelling of the finger or toe, separation of the nail from the nail bed, and pain require medical evaluation, especially if the condition worsens over time or does not resolve on their own. This is particularly crucial for individuals diagnosed with systemic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease and other conditions that may affect wound healing,” Dr. Lim adds.

Dr. Lim also notes that such changes may also be related to other illnesses such as anemia, thyroid problems, and issues with circulation. “While we cannot diagnose a health issue just by basing it on the changes in one’s nail appearance, it can serve as a starting point for further assessment by a medical professional.”

Regular manicures with gel nails and nail art can also affect nail health, the MakatiMed doctor stresses. This is primarily due to the cocktail of chemicals in nail products, the nail’s exposure to the UV curing lamps, and the application and removal processes of the extensions and gems that can weaken the natural nail plate over time.

Some tips for nail health

Dr. Lim underlines that taking care of your nails should go beyond the regular sessions you have with your go-to nail technician. It is important to maintain proper hygiene and habits to keep your nails strong and healthy, especially if you love wearing nail art designs.

“Make sure that our nails are always kept clean and dry to avoid bacteria and fungi from growing, as they thrive in moist environments. A good practice is to use a non-fragrant, mild cleanser and to always dry our hands after being exposed to water or chemicals,” Dr. Lim states. “Avoid frequent hand-washing and nail- biting and picking, as well as using your nails as tools like opening hard containers. When handling chemicals, wear gloves as a precautionary measure.”

Finally, Dr. Lim strongly advises going bare. “Give your nails a break from all the buffing and chemical and UV exposure. Allotting recovery time after treatments can reduce risks of long-term damage that may be harder to reverse – or worse, cause permanent damage.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.