Post-nasal drip (PND) is a very common problem that is happening due to excessive mucus production by the nasal mucosa. This is a very uncomfortable and irritating situation to deal with, and it can affect people of all ages.
Glands in your airways, throat, and lining of your nose continually produce mucus which is a kind of thick and wet substance. It cleans and moistens the nasal membranes, fights infections, traps and clears inhaled foreign matter, and humidifies the air in the airways. It is normal not to notice the mucus from your nose as you swallow it unconsciously throughout the day. But when the mucus is overproduced, then the mucus starts dripping from the back of your nose, and this causes post–nasal drip.
Additional symptoms can include a general feeling of weakness, difficulty swallowing, congestion, coughing, and irritated or sore throat. There are many different causes that can trigger post–nasal drip, such as smoke, fumes from cleaning products, perfumes and fumes from chemicals, hormonal changes in the body, certain medications, spicy food, excessively dry air, cold temperature, sinus infection, allergies, flu, and the common cold.
You can treat many causes of post–nasal drip with simple home remedies that we gave in this article. If the post–nasal drip continues for more than one week, then you should talk with your doctor.
Talk with your doctor if you have some of the mentioned symptoms of post–nasal drip to tell which are the best home remedies for you. You should blow out your nose regularly to flush out the excessive mucus in the nasal cavity. Keep out of the smoke, and if you smoke, quit smoking.
12 Home remedies for post–nasal drip
Contents
Cayenne pepper
This natural cure acts as an antihistamine, and it can help to treat post–nasal drip. It has capsaicin which can help to thin the mucus for easy elimination. It can help to soothe the irritated throat.
You should mix ½ teaspoon of honey and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and have this home remedy two or three times per day for a period of a few days. Also, you can add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to one cup of warm water and sip it slowly. Repeat this natural treatment a few times per day. Also, you should include cayenne pepper in your cooking. [1]
Ginger root
This is a natural decongestant that has expectorant, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can reduce the overproduction of mucus, and it will aid its expulsion. It can treat the symptoms of post–nasal drip and relieve sore throat, hoarseness, and chest congestion.
You should drink ginger tea two or three times per day. To make the ginger tea, you should put one tablespoon of sliced ginger in one to two cups of water and simmer it on low heat for ten minutes. Strain it, add a little raw honey to it and then drink it. Also, you can chew raw ginger slices several times per day and add ginger to your cooking. [2]
Use a vaporizer or humidifier
When you use a humidifier, then it can raise the moisture level in the air.
Tulsi
Tulsi has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties which are all essential effects and are making the tulsi a worthy ingredient for post–nasal drip care. You can take ten crushed tulsi leaves into some boiling water. After boiling for two minutes, take it out and let the water cool for five minutes. Then, you should put some lump sugar and consume this home remedy without straining three cups per day. [3]
Garlic
This is a potent herb that has powerful antibiotic properties. It can help to control the overproduction of mucus, and it will prevent infection. Also, it can promote quick recovery.
You should chop three to four garlic cloves and roast them in one teaspoon of clarified butter for one minute. You should eat them with warm milk two times per day for a period of a few days. Also, you have another option, and that is to chew a small piece of raw garlic a few times per day. You can take garlic supplements but firstly, talk with your doctor. [4]
Nasal irrigation
This can help to clear up the excess mucus. It can help to keep your nasal passages from irritants, and it can prevent further infection.
In one cup of warm distilled water, you should add a pinch of baking soda and ¼ teaspoon of salt. You should fill a neti pot with this home remedy. While standing over a sink, you should tilt your head to one side and squirt this home remedy into one of your nostrils. You should move your head back, forward, and side–to–side because this will help the natural cure to reach your nasal cavities. You should blow your nose to remove the excess mucus and solution. Repeat this process with your other nostril. You should do this natural treatment once per day for a period of a few days and then a few times per week.
Steam inhalation
You should use steam treatments with or without essential oils because this can help to control the excess mucus production that causes post–nasal drip. You should make a bowl of hot and boiling water. If you want, add a few drops of any essential oil.
You should drape a towel over your head. Hold your face over the hot water. Deeply inhale the steam for about ten minutes, and then blow your nose. You should do this natural treatment two or three times per day until you recover completely. Also, you can take warm showers to help break up the mucus. You should know that steam inhalation isn’t recommended for very small children.
Gargle with salt water
This is one of the best home remedies which can help to ease the discomforts of post–nasal drip. It can help to thin the mucus, making it easier for you to rid of it. Also, it flushes the irritants out of your nasal passages. In one cup of warm water, you should add ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir thoroughly until the salt dissolves. You should gargle with this home remedy a few times per day for a period of two to three days. [5]
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an alkalizing home remedy that is a very effective home treatment for post–nasal drip. It can help to thin the mucus, making the inflammation easier. Also, it can boost your immune system to fight infections.
You should mix one to two tablespoons of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a small amount of raw honey in one cup of warm water. You should drink this tonic two times per day for a period of a few days. Also, you can dilute raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water. Heat this home remedy until it steams, and then you should inhale the steam. You should do this natural treatment a few times per day for a period of a few days.
Lemon
This home remedy can help to loosen the mucus for easy elimination. It is rich in Vitamin C, which can improve the body’s resistance to infections. You should squeeze the juice of ½ lemon and add it into one cup of warm water. Add raw honey for taste. You should drink this home remedy when you wake up in the morning on an empty stomach and a few times throughout the day to control the overproduction of mucus. Also, you can add lemon juice to one cup of green or black tea.
Increase Vitamin C intake
When people suffer from post–nasal drip, then it is very important to eat more food rich in Vitamin C. This is a powerful antioxidant that can boost your immune system, and it builds resistance to various kinds of infections. Also, it can help you to lower the production of histamine in your body, which is involved in allergic reactions.
You should eat more Vitamin C-rich food such as papayas, tomatoes, broccoli, dark leafy greens, berries, kiwis, bell peppers, oranges, and lemons. Also, you can take Vitamin C supplements but talk with your doctor before you start taking them. [6]
Drink more water
You should increase your fluid intake because this will help to thin the mucus and to promote quick recovery. It can keep your body and nasal passages well hydrated. Dehydration can aggravate the symptoms of post–nasal drip, and this will make your condition worse. You should drink an ample amount of water throughout the day. If you want to have the best results, then you should drink warm water. Also, you can drink green tea and lemonade and eat broths, vegetable soup, and chicken soup. You should avoid soda, alcohol, and caffeine because they can cause dehydration. If you have kidney–related problems, then you need to talk with your doctor before you increase your fluid intake.
References
[1] Gevorgyan A, Segboer C, Gorissen R, et al. Capsaicin for non-allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). 2015;7:CD010591.
[2] Bode AM, Dong Z. Chapter 7: The amazing and mighty ginger. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S (Ed.). 2011.
[3] Cohen MM. Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2014;5(4):251-259.
[4] Ried K, Travica N, Sali A. The effect of kyolic aged garlic extract on gut microbiota, inflammation, and cardiovascular markers in hypertensives: The GarGIC trial. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2018.
[5] American Family Physician. Patient information: Saline nasal irrigation for sinus problems.” 2009;80:1121.
[6] Dhanawat GS. Rhinitis, sinusitis and ocular disease – 2100. New approach to treat allergic rhinitis with Vitamin E, cod liver oil and Vitamin C with use of nasal steroidal spray. World Allergy Organization Journal. 2013;6(Suppl1):175.
Thankyou very informative