Post nasal drip is a common condition that affects many people. It happens when mucus from your nose drips down the back of your throat. It is a condition that causes a drippy feeling in the throat and nose. It can be quite uncomfortable and make you feel like you have a cold even though you don’t. It can make it difficult to speak, eat, and sleep. Post nasal drip can cause a variety of symptoms, such as a sore throat, coughing, feeling like you have something stuck in your throat, drooling, and a hoarse voice.
Post nasal drip is a common condition that causes a runny nose and nasal congestion. It can be triggered by allergies, a cold, or a deviated septum. There are a number of causes for this condition, including allergies, weather, and an imbalance of bacteria in the body.
Post nasal drip can be a nuisance, but it’s not dangerous. Most people experience it at one time or another and don’t even realize it. However, if the symptoms of post nasal drip are interfering with your daily activities, you should see your doctor. He or she can discuss treatment options with you, such as medication.
Top 10 Home Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
Here are a few of the home remedies that will help you get relief from your postnasal drip:
Steam Inhalation
You are encouraged to inhale steam whenever your nose is clogged because this will help clear out your nasal passageways. Steam inhalation is also meant to help you in postnasal drip because this can control the amount of mucus produced by your body.
- Prepare a basin with hot water.
- You can place a few drops of essential oil to improve its effectiveness.
- Drape a towel over your head and place your face near the hot water to inhale the steam.
- Inhale the steam for about 5 – 10 minutes. Make sure that you are profoundly inhaling to make it more effective.
- Blow your nose afterward.
Garlic
Garlic is a popular herb used for various dishes. It is also effective for post-nasal drip treatment. Garlic has antibiotic properties, which can help lessen the overproduction of mucus. At the same time, it also reduces the chance that you will get an infection.
- Prepare 3 – 4 garlic cloves and chop evenly.
- Roast with clarified butter for a minute.
- Prepare warm milk.
- Eat the roasted garlic with warm milk about twice every day.
- You are recommended to do this for 5 – 7 days.
Cayenne Pepper
If you want to treat your postnasal drip, you can take cayenne pepper because this can also act as an anti-histamine. Cayenne contains capsaicin that can help release the mucus stuck at the back of the throat. If you are suffering from a sore throat, you can also use this as a home remedy.
- Mix ½ teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper with honey.
- You can take this the whole day around 2 – 3 times.
- Make sure that you will only do this for about three days. If you want to consume more Cayenne Pepper, you can also include this in your cooking.
Salt Water
Saltwater has properties that can help alleviate the symptoms you are feeling.
- You can choose any salt, but sea salt may work best.
- Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt to the water.
- Remember not to drink salt water; instead, you should gargle.
- You can rinse with salt water whenever you feel any discomfort.
- You may have to do this until you no longer feel the symptoms of experiencing postnasal drip.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is highly effective in giving relief for various conditions, so it is not surprising that this can also get rid of postnasal drip. You can clear up your mucus by trying out this remedy.
- Prepare a cup of warm water.
- Add a bit of salt.
- Put a pinch of baking soda.
- Using a nasal syringe, you can squirt the mixture prepared on one nostril and let the water come out through your other nostril.
- You can do the same with the other nostril to clear your nose of excess mucus.
Ginger
Ginger is a decongestant with properties that can help prevent the symptoms from postnasal drip. Once the excess mucus stops, you will start to feel relief. Ginger is also used for a wide variety of health conditions.
- If you are fond of the taste of ginger, you can make ginger tea.
- Place a few slices of ginger in one cup of hot water.
- Let the ginger simmer in water for about 10 minutes.
- You can add a bit of raw and organic honey if you want to improve its taste.
- Sip this about 2x a day.
- If you want to finish the ginger immediately, you can chew on it instead of making it into tea.
Neti Pot
If you want to clear up your excess mucus, you can try this one of the remedies. Your nasal passages may get irritated, which can also help eliminate different irritants. You can also get rid of possible infections.
- Add salt and baking soda to distilled water. Make sure that the distilled water is warm.
- Fill your neti pot with the solution you have created.
- Tilt your head on one side and place the solution on one of your nostrils.
- Wait for the liquid to go out on your other nostril, and do the same for the other nostril.
- This needs to be done daily for a few days until you feel relief.
Hydrate Yourself
Water can help combat post-nasal drip. Since your mucus is watery and thin, it will be easier to remove.
- Make sure you drink about 8 – 10 glasses of water daily, although this may vary from person to person.
- If you do not like the taste of water, you can find other liquid forms through clear soups or other beverages.
- When choosing beverages, avoid anything with caffeine, especially if you are allergic, which may aggravate your condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar
No home remedy list will be complete without ACV. ACV can alkalize and thin the mucus so that it will be easier to remove from the body. At the same time, ACV can help improve your immunity so you will not be infected as often as before.
- Choose raw and unfiltered ACV to improve its effectiveness.
- Add 1 – 2 tablespoons of ACV to warm distilled water.
- You can also add honey if you want.
- Drink the mixture twice a day until you start to feel your symptoms begin to improve.
Vitamin C
You need to eat more Vitamin C-rich food products to boost your immune system. At the same time, Vitamin C reduces the amount of histamine produced by the body. Histamine makes people more prone to allergies.
- Include more vitamin-rich food products in your diet. Some food you can take are lemons, oranges, broccoli, and papaya.
- There are also some vitamins that you can take that will give you the daily dose of Vitamin C that you need.
- There are also some supplements that you can take that will help improve your resistance.
More Tips to Remember
If you are suffering from postnasal drip, here are a few things that you can do:
- You are recommended to blow your nose immediately whenever you feel that your nose is clogged. This can help get rid of excess mucus.
- Blow your nose in tissue that you can immediately dispose of, not to be spreading any infection.
- If you are aware of the allergens that can clog up your nose, avoid those allergens.
- Ensure that there is enough humidity inside your home or at least inside your room so that you will be able to breathe well.
- Try to get enough rest every day because when you are not well-rested, you become more susceptible to various diseases.
- If you are a smoker, try to avoid smoking, as this may worsen your condition.
- There is a possibility that you get the condition whenever you eat some food products. Most people get it from dairy products. If you suspect you are also allergic to dairy, look for alternatives.
- Tablets will help relieve your sore throat because of your present condition.
When to See Your Doctor
You know that if you have a postnatal drip and have done some home remedies, you still need to consult a doctor. Still, you need to see a medical professional immediately if you experience the following:
- You are having difficulty swallowing; sometimes, you cannot eat your saliva.
- There are times when you feel like you are choking.
- There is a possibility that you are experiencing a bacterial infection.
- It has been weeks since your postnatal drip started.
If home remedies do not work for you, ask for your doctor’s prescription for medications.
