Nasal Drip? Learn these Natural Remedies to Cure it!
Who in this entire world will like to have a constant runny nose? Now, what if the same drippy mucus of your nose flows back from the nasal passage to your throat? Horrible, isn’t it? This is an embarrassing reality for a few people. If you are amongst them, read this article on how to get rid of post-nasal drip and breath easy.
Your nose and sinuses develop mucus which you swallow unnoticeably on a regular basis. But when this mucus becomes thicker or when the organs start producing more mucus than usual, this is known as post-nasal drip. It involves the feeling of mucus moving down the throat causing post-nasal drip cough.
Sometimes, too much mucus is not the problem, instead uncleared mucus is. Problems during swallowing can be a major reason for mucus build-up in the throat which can feel like post-nasal drip. Ageing, blockage or gastroesophageal reflux can be a cause of this condition.
Table of Contents
How to Cure Post Nasal Drip
- Home Remedies
- Nasal Irrigation
- Herbs
- Supplements
- Essential oils
- Alternate Treatments
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
A Nasal drip makes breathing and swallowing of food difficult for you. It also leads to a sore throat and nasal infection which causes bad breath as well. Alleviate these symptoms with the following foods and beverages to get rid of excess mucus blockage.
1. Ginger Tea
With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the spicy root boasts of numerous health benefits.
How to use
- In a pan allow one cup water to simmer
- Put one or two slices of ginger root in the pan.
- Leave it to boil for 5 to 10 minutes.
- You can add honey if you want.
How many times:
You can have this tea 2 to 3 times a day.
Precautions:
Taking ginger directly through the mouth is not suitable for pregnant ladies.
Benefits:
Ginger tea is a caffeine-free beverage which helps to fight nearly all the symptoms of nasal drip including a sore throat and cough.
2. Soup
Soups are soothing, comforting, and they are mild meal options which work very effectively as a remedy for nasal drip.
How to use:
Choose mild soups which are easy to swallow and are also full of nutrients and health benefits. You can make healthy soups at home or slurp-on the prepackaged soups from the market. Go for classic chicken noodle soup or vegetable soup for best results. Follow the instructions for preparation on the product.
Precautions:
Avoid using spicy, chunky and creamy soups as these may worsen the condition.
Benefits:
You can get rid of a sore throat and sores inside the nose with these steamy, tasty soups.
3. Honey
Honey helps in building a strong immune system. It fights with the bacteria and controls mucus buildup.
How to use
Ingredients
- Organic honey – 1 tablespoon
- Warm water – 1 cup
Procedure
- Take a cup of warm water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to it.
- Stir well till the honey dissolves completely.
Sip this solution.
How many times:
this solution 2 to 3 times a day.
Benefits:
Honey has many medicinal properties. It is a decongestant and possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help excellently against post nasal drip.
4. Apple Cider vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is rich in Vitamin C, beneficial acids and fiber which boosts the body’s immunity and breaks the mucus caused due to post nasal drip, thus providing you with relief(1).
How to use
Ingredients
- Distilled Water – 1 glass
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
Procedure
- Take a glass of distilled water
- Add 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to it
- Add 1 teaspoon of Honey to this
- Mix well to form a consistent solution
How many times:
Drink this solution 2 times a day.
Benefits:
Apple cider vinegar helps to treat most of the post nasal drip symptoms the solution boasts of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Precautions:
The use of apple cider vinegar may cause digestive problems in some people. So, consult a doctor before using it. Never use raw apple cider vinegar.
CURE 2: Nasal Irrigation
This is another very effective remedy for post-nasal drip that helps provide relief to people having chronic sinusitis and allergies too.
How to Use
You can use a Neti pot for nasal irritation.
Procedure
- Add a ¼ tablespoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda to one cup of warm water.
- Fill a neti pot with this solution.
- Stand over a sink and tilt your head to one side.
- Squirt the solution to one of your nostrils.
- Move your head back, forward, and sideways.
- Blow your nose to release mucus and the solution.
- Repeat the process with the other nostril too.
Benefits
Nasal irrigation is easy and very effective in getting away with excess mucus and irritants from the nasal passage.
Precautions:
- Never use tap water or any liquid that is not sterile.
- Don’t use neti pot treatment in case of a stuffy nose or chronic congestion or chronic stuffy nose.
Foods To Avoid
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated drinks
- Citrus fruits
CURE 3: Herbs for Treating Nasal Drip
Herbs have been used for medical purposes from centuries. They help you to fight many respiratory tract ailments and thus prove to be an effective remedy for treating nasal drip. Some of the best herbal remedies for the purpose include:
1. Green tea
Green tea has been used as a treatment for nasal drips from many decades. It is said to clear nasal congestion very effectively.
How to use:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Distilled Water
- 1 tablespoon Green Tea or 1 Green Tea Bag
- Honey – 1 spoon
- A pan to boil the water
Procedure
- Boil a cup of water in a pan.
- Put the hot water in a cup.
- Slip a green Tea bag into the water.
- Let it steep for about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the honey.
- Mix well till the honey completely dissolves.
How many times:
Drink this tea at least three times a day.
Benefits:
Green Tea is full of antioxidants called catechin which help your body to fight against infections. The anti-inflammatory properties of Green Tea, provide relief from inflamed nasal passages.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a popular remedy for treating several ailments at home. It is easily available and is being used for centuries to treat inflammations, burns, infections, indigestion, and swelling.
How to use
You can consume fresh Aloe Vera juice on a regular basis. This juice is readily available in the market or you can prepare it at home.
Ingredients:
- Aloe Vera Gel – 1 cup
- Distilled Water – 1 glass
- Honey – 2 spoons
Procedure
- Add Aloe Vera Gel and a glass of water into a blender.
- Blend both of them to an even consistency.
- Add 2 spoons of Honey to it.
- Mix well.
How many times:
Drink this solution 1 time daily
Benefits:
It acts as a powerful remedy against nasal drip owing to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties allow it to treat a cough, reduce inflammation and provide relief.
3. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne Pepper has capsaicin which thins the mucus. It also has antihistamine properties which make it one of the best remedies to treat an irritated throat which is a major symptom of post nasal drip.
How to use
Ingredients
- Cayenne Pepper Powder – ½ teaspoon
- Distilled Warm Water – 1 glass
Procedure
- Take a glass of distilled warm water
- Add ½ teaspoons of Cayenne Pepper Powder to it
- Stir well
Sip this like tea
How many times:
Have this solution once a day
Benefits:
Cayenne pepper relieves you from symptoms of post nasal drip and opens airways by thinning the mucus.
CURE 4: Supplements
These vital nutrients are very useful in treating post-nasal drip.
How to Use
- Use vitamin C and D3 pills and tablets.
- You can also substitute pills for vitamin C and vitamin D rich foods like lemon, fish, etc.
- Sunlight is one of the best sources of vitamin D
Benefits:
They have antibacterial properties. And if you are encumbered with thoughts on �?how to get rid of post-nasal drip’, these properties will make it a favorite solution
CURE 5: Essential Oils for Post Nasal Drip
Aromatic plants bestow us with wonderful essential oils that are full of health benefits. They are excellent remedies for post nasal drip that help you get instant relief. So try the following essential oils and get rid of the symptoms of post nasal drip.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil helps in preventing oral and nasal infection. So, it is an excellent remedy for curing post nasal drip. It also has anti-fungal and antiviral properties as well which help in preventing colds and throat infections.
How to use
Ingredients
- Tea Tree Oil – 4 drops
- Coconut Oil – 2 Tablespoons
- A small container
Procedure
- Take 2 tablespoons of Coconut oil in a small container.
- Add 4 drops of Tea Tree oil to it.
- Mix well.
- Rub this on to your throat, chest, and back.
How many times:
Do this once a day.
Benefits:
Tea Tree Oil is an excellent remedy for curing post nasal drip. It also has antifungal and antiviral properties which help in preventing colds and throat infections.
2. Lavender Essential oil
Lavender Essential Oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in relieving symptoms of the common cold and influenza. So, it can be an effective treatment to treat post-nasal drip.
How to use:
Ingredients
- Lavender Essential Oil – 4 drops
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- A small container
Procedure
- Take 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small container.
- Add 4 drops of Lavender Essential oil to it.
- Mix well.
- Rub this on to your throat, chest, and back.
How many times:
Do this just before going to bed.
Benefits:
It helps to alleviate symptoms of cold and flu and hence is a potent remedy for treating post-nasal drip very effectively.
Precautions:
Do not use essential oils without diluting them with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Keep these oils away from the reach of children. Pregnant and lactating mothers should consult a doctor before using essential oils.
3. Thieves Essential Oil
Thieves essential oil is a combination of clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
How to use
Ingredients
- Distilled Water – 1 glass
- Thieves Essential Oil – 5 drops
Procedure
- Take a glass of warm water.
- Add 5 drops of Thieves essential oil to it.
- Mix well.
Use this solution as a mouth gargle
How many times:
You can do this 2 times a day.
Benefits:
Thieves Essential Oil has rich antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects. It not only helps in reducing the symptoms of post nasal drip, but also provides relief to the throat and nose.
4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil has unusual properties that aid in curing Post Nasal Drip. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that will give relief to a sore throat open up nasal passages. It is also a great expectorant that will aid in the production of the right amount of mucus.
How to use
Ingredients
- 1 Litre of distilled water
- 6-8 drops of Eucalyptus oil
- A clean and dry towel
- A container to heat the water
Procedure
- Heat the water till it comes to a boil.
- Turn off the heat.
- Add 6-8 drops of Eucalyptus oil to it.
- Cover the container completely with the towel with your head inside it.
- Taking deep breaths, Inhale the aroma without touching the container.
How many times:
You can do this once a day before going to bed.
Benefits:
Eucalyptus oil gives relief to a sore throat and opens up nasal passages when you are suffering from post nasal drip.
The glands of the throat, nose lining, and airways produce mucus preventing them to become dry by keeping the airways moist. When the upper airways are affected by bacteria, the moist and warm atmosphere serves a perfect ground for them to breed. When your immune system fights against these bacteria, the body response produces thick phlegm and mucus.
Post nasal drip leads to an irritating sensation in the throat, nose, and nasal passage of the sufferer. The sense of heaviness and fullness of the mucus often makes the person irritated and frustrated.
To treat this irritating ailment and to get relief and proper sleep, try the above-mentioned remedies which are very effective.
CURE 6: Alternate Treatment for Post-Nasal Treatment
Yoga for Post Nasal Treatment
Yoga has been a remedy for treating many kinds of body ailments from centuries now. The results it yields certainly has long term benefits. Performing Yoga is mainly centered around concentrating on inhaling and exhaling, as it aims to provide good levels of oxygen to the body, thereby treating ailments. Perform the below-mentioned yoga poses and get rid of post-nasal drip at home.
Halasana or The Plow Pose
Lie down on a mat facing the roof. Exhale the air completely. Bend your hips and lower your toes slowly above and beyond your head. Your torso should be perpendicular to the floor. Press your hands against the back of your torso. Hold your breath as long as you can. Then, inhaling air very slowly, come back to your normal lying position.
Precautions:
Women during their menstruation, pregnant women, people who have a neck injury or suffering from diarrhea should not perform this pose.
Benefits:
Halasana calms the brain, stimulates the thyroid and abdominal organs, supplies optimum oxygen to the lungs and reduces fatigue and stress.
Pranayama
Sit cross-legged with your spine straight. Put the tip of your right index finger just between the eyebrows, on the center of your forehead. With your right thumb, close the right nostril and inhale deeply. Hold your breath as long as you can. Now, with your right ring finger, close the left nostril. Release the thumb from the right nostril and exhale the air very slowly. Inhale air again through the right nostril and with your right thumb, close the right nostril and releasing the ring finger exhale out through the left nostril.
Do this 10 to 15 times. For best results, do it outdoors early in the morning, to benefit from fresh air.
Benefits:
Nasal congestions release instantly. Ample fresh oxygen is sent to the bloodstream and the brain. Releases mental tension and makes you physically very active.
The glands of the throat, nose lining, and airways produce mucus preventing them to become dry by keeping the airways moist. When the upper airways are affected by bacteria, the moist and warm atmosphere serves a perfect ground for them to breed. When your immune system fights against these bacteria, the body response produces thick phlegm and mucus.
Post-nasal drip leads to an irritating sensation in the throat, nose, and nasal passage of the sufferer. The sense of heaviness and fullness of the mucus often makes the person irritated and frustrated.
To treat this irritating ailment and to get relief and proper sleep, try the above-mentioned remedies which are very effective.
Also Read: Yoga Poses for Beginners
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I have a post-nasal drip or not?
The first thing you will probably feel is �?something thick’ at the back of the throat. You would also feel mucus dripping down inside your throat which prompts you to swallow. Symptoms like sore throat and severe cough especially at nights after lying down are also experienced. If you experience all this, you could be having post-nasal drip.
Can I treat post nasal drip at home?
Well, the answer is �?Yes’. You can treat post-nasal drip at home. Follow the below tips which can be done at home.
- To stop the mucus from draining into the upper airways, use more than 2 pillows.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air in your sleeping room moist.
- The steam from a hot bath can thin the mucus along the nasal passage promoting easier drainage.
- To keep your mucous membrane moist, irrigate your nose with saline solution.
What is good for post-nasal Drip?
Non-drowsy antihistamines are very effective in treating post-nasal Drip but they should be taken for many days. Meanwhile, saline nasal sprays for post-nasal Drip help you in keeping the nasal passages moist, preventing worsening of the situation.
When should I go to a doctor?
A post-nasal drip can be cured at home without even going to a doctor. If bacteria are the cause, the following symptoms suggest that you should see a doctor.
- Yellow, green or brown mucus which is thickly draining from the nose or from behind the throat
- Bleeding nose or blood discharge when you clear your throat.
- Repeated fevers.
- If the phlegm of the throat and the mucus of the nose smells really bad.
- Change or hoarseness of voice.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s time you visit the doctor.
