Home Remedies for Post Nasal Drip
The glands in the throat, nose, air passages, stomach and the intestines produce mucous everyday. This mucous is thick and wet and keeps these areas well moistened and helps them to trap and destroy foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. The mucous in the nose is hardly noticeable because it mixes with the saliva and drips down the back of the throat where it is swallowed continuously. When the body produces excessive mucous and the mucous is thicker than usual, it comes out of the nose as a runny nose.
But if this excess mucous runs down the back of the nose into the throat, it is known as postnasal drip. This condition is mostly caused by the common cold, allergies, flu, sinusitis, sudden change in the temperature and exposure to harmful chemicals and smoke. There is a constant irritating feeling in the throat which makes you want to clear your throat consistently. Postnasal drip can also cause severe coughing, a sore and hoarse throat and ear infection.
How to treat a Post Nasal Drip ?
- Postnasal drip can be controlled by simple home remedies. The best way to treat it is by drinking a lot of water to cause thinning of the mucous.
- Inhaling steam at frequent intervals also helps keep the airways in your throat moist and helps relieving a postnasal drip.
- Ginger tea or a concoction made by boiling some crushed ginger in water can be sipped at frequent intervals to relieve a postnasal drip. Ginger can also be chewed like a candy for a similar effect. You should read about the 5 foods to relieve a sore throat.
- Removing the mucuos occasionally by blowing your nose relieves a postnasal drip.
- Using saline nasal sprays is a useful method as it flushes out mucous along with the bacteria and allergens that cause infections.
- Massaging the pressure points on your nose to relieve your sinuses also helps in treating a postnasal drip. Watch the following video to perform a massage to relieve your sinuses.
Black Pepper for Post Nasal Drip :-
- Black pepper is the king of spices and is over rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.
- It is also full of antimicrobial properties which destroy all types of infections and cure a number of diseases.
- It prevents the excessive production of mucous and helps the accumulated mucous in the throat to run down easily.
- It detoxifies the body and keeps it free from infections.
- Crush six peppercorns coarsely.
- Heat one teaspoon of ghee and roast the pepper in it for a minute.
- Add some lump sugar to the mixture and eat it while it is still hot.
- Eat this twice daily.
- Do not drink water for half an hour after eating this mixture.
Garlic for Post Nasal Drip:-
- Garlic has potent healing capabilities and is a panacea for almost all diseases and ailments.
- It is full of antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which help in dislodging the accumulated mucous and prevent its excessive formation.
- Garlic easily eradicates all types of infections and effects quick healing.
- Chop four cloves of garlic.
- Heat a teaspoon of ghee and roast the chopped garlic into it for a minute.
- Swallow the mixture with a little warm milk every morning and every night before going to bed.
Onion for Post Nasal Drip:-
- Chop one onion finely and add a grated piece of ginger to it.
- Place these in a pan and put the pan over a low heat.
- Add three teaspoons of sugar to the mixture and toss for a while.
- Put off the flame and cover the pan. Leave it for ten minutes.
- Eat this mixture three times daily.
- Onion is a natural antibiotic that destroys infection and helps the phlegm to be easily expelled from the body.
- It also acts as a tonic and heals quickly.
Drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated for Post Nasal Drip:-
- Dehydration can aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis and postnasal drip.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration.
- Water is the best choice to remain hydrated while suffering from rhinitis and postnasal drip.
- Look at your urine to determine if you’re getting enough water during the day.
- If your urine is yellow, you’re probably not getting enough water.
- If your urine is clearer, with at most a hint of yellow, you’re probably drinking enough water.
Blow your nose frequently to remove excess mucus in the nasal cavity for Post Nasal Drip:-
- Blowing the nose can remove irritants, which causes a buildup of mucus.
- For mucus that cannot be cleared after blowing the nose, some people prefer snorting and spitting the excess mucus from the back of the throat, avoiding bad breath and dry mouth.
Stay Away From Certain Foods for Post Nasal Drip:-
- Many foods can trigger post-nasal drip especially spicy foods and some dairy products including milk and ice cream.
- Instead opt for a balanced diet of grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
- Keeping your food on the bland side can help ease the irritation and help stop the mucus from continuing to thicken and form at an excessive rate.
Take A Shower for Post Nasal Drip:-
- Taking a warm shower can help break up the mucus thanks to the steam.
- You might also want to put the shower on hot and close the door to allow the bathroom to get full of steam.
- Do not go into the shower but instead sit in the bathroom and breathe in the steam to help relieve your post-nasal drip.
Keep The Air Clean for Post-Nasal Drip:-
- Post-nasal drip can be caused by dry air, so in order to help prevent post-nasal drip from happening or to help it ease up, keeping the air clean is key.
- Use air filters or a humidifier to clean the air from allergens and to hold more moisture in the air.
- This will help provide your nasal passages with healthier air that is easier to breathe in and won’t dry it out your nose and throat.