• Home Remedies Index
  • Feedback
  • Subscribe
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result
Advertisements
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result

Home » Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Post-Nasal Drip

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
February 22, 2019
38

Post-nasal drip (PND) is a common problem that occurs due to excessive mucus production by the nasal mucosa. It’s a very irritating and uncomfortable situation to deal with and can affect people of any age.

Glands in the lining of your nose, throat and airways continually produce mucus, a kind of thick, wet substance. It moistens and cleans the nasal membranes, humidifies the air in the airways, traps and clears inhaled foreign matter and fights infections.

Illustration Showing Post Nasal Drip
Illustration Showing Post Nasal Drip

Normally, you do not notice the mucus from your nose as you swallow it unconsciously throughout the day. But when it is overproduced, the mucus starts dripping from the back of your nose, causing post-nasal drip.

Additional symptoms include hoarseness, an irritated or sore throat, coughing, congestion, difficulty swallowing and a general feeling of weakness.

Advertisements

Post-nasal drip can be triggered by a variety of causes, such as the common cold, flu, allergies, sinus infection, cold temperature, excessively dry air, spicy foods, certain medications, hormonal changes in the body and fumes from chemicals, perfumes, cleaning products, smoke or other irritants.

While there are varied causes of excess mucus production, you can treat many cases of the condition at home using simple and readily available ingredients. However, if the problem persists for more than a week, consult a doctor.

post-nasal-drip-rev

Here are the top 10 home remedies for post-nasal drip.

Contents

  • 1. Gargle with Salt Water
  • 2. Steam Inhalation
  • 3. Nasal Irrigation
  • 4. Garlic
  • 5. Ginger
  • 6. Cayenne Pepper
  • 7. Lemon
  • 8. Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 9. Drink More Water
  • 10. Increase Vitamin C Intake

1. Gargle with Salt Water

Gargling with salt water is one of the best home remedies to ease the discomforts of post-nasal drip. It helps thin the mucus, making it easier for you to get rid of it. It also flushes the irritants out of the nasal passages.

  1. Add ½ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water.
  2. Stir thoroughly until the salt dissolves.
  3. Gargle with this solution a few times daily for 2 to 3 days.

2. Steam Inhalation

Use steam treatments, with or without essential oils, to control excess mucus production that causes post-nasal drip.

Advertisements
  1. Make a bowl of hot, boiling water.
  2. Optionally, add a few drops of any essential oil.
  3. Drape a towel over your head and hold your face over the hot water.
  4. Deeply inhale the steam for about 10 minutes, then blow your nose.
  5. Do this 2 or 3 times daily until you recover completely.

You can even take warm showers to help break up the mucus.

Note: Steam inhalation is not recommended for very small children.

3. Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation also helps clear up excess mucus. It even helps keep the nasal passages free from irritants and prevents further infection.

  1. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda to 1 cup of warm distilled water.
  2. Fill a neti pot with this solution.
  3. While standing over a sink, tilt your head to one side and squirt the solution into one of your nostrils.
  4. Move your head back, forward and side-to-side to help the solution reach your nasal cavities.
  5. Blow your nose to remove excess mucus and solution.
  6. Repeat the process with the other nostril.
  7. Do this once daily for a few days and then a few times a week.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a potent herb with powerful antibiotic properties. It helps control overproduction of mucus and prevents infection. It even promotes quick recovery.

  • Chop 3 to 4 garlic cloves and roast them in 1 teaspoon of clarified butter for 1 minute. Eat them with warm milk twice daily for a few days.
  • Another option is to chew a small piece of raw garlic a few times a day.
  • You can even take garlic supplements after consulting your doctor.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a natural decongestant and contains antiviral, antibacterial and expectorant properties. It helps reduce the overproduction of mucus and aids its expulsion. It also helps relieve chest congestion, hoarseness and a sore throat, common symptoms of post-nasal drip.

Advertisements
  • Drink ginger tea 2 or 3 times a day. To make the tea, put 1 tablespoon of sliced ginger in 1 to 2 cups of water and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Strain, add a little raw honey and drink it.
  • You can also chew raw ginger slices several times a day and add ginger to your cooking.

6. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper acts as an antihistamine and helps treat post-nasal drip. The capsaicin in cayenne helps thin the mucus for easy elimination. It even helps soothe an irritated throat.

  • Mix ½ teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and honey and have it 2 or 3 times daily for a few days.
  • Alternatively, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to a cup of warm water and sip it slowly. Repeat a few times a day.
  • Include cayenne pepper in your cooking as well.

7. Lemon

lemon

Lemon helps loosen mucus for easy elimination. In addition, the high vitamin C content improves the body’s resistance to infections.

  • Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon into a cup of warm water. Add raw honey for taste. Drink this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and a few times throughout the day to control the overproduction of mucus.
  • You can also add lemon juice to your cup of black or green tea.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

apple cider vinegar

An alkalizing remedy like apple cider vinegar is another effective option. It will help thin the mucus, making its elimination easier. In addition, it boosts your immunity to fight infections.

Advertisements
  • Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little raw honey in a cup of warm water. Drink this tonic 2 times a day for a few days.
  • You can also dilute raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water, heat the solution until it steams and then inhale the steam. Do this a few times a day for a few days.

9. Drink More Water

drinking water

Increasing your fluid intake will help thin the mucus and promote quick recovery. It will also keep your body and nasal passages well hydrated. Dehydration can aggravate your symptoms and make the condition even worse.

  • Drink an ample amount of water throughout the day. For best results, drink warm water.
  • You can even drink hot lemonade, green tea, chicken soup, vegetable soup and broths.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and soda, which can cause dehydration.

Note: If you have kidney-related problems, consult your doctor before increasing your fluid intake.

10. Increase Vitamin C Intake

vitamin C

When suffering from post-nasal drip, it is important to eat more vitamin C-rich foods. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and builds resistance to various kinds of infections.

It also helps lower the production of histamine in your body which is involved in allergic reactions.

  • Eat more vitamin C-rich foods like lemons, oranges, bell peppers, kiwis, berries, dark leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes, and papayas.
  • You can also take vitamin C supplements. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.

Additional Tips

  • Blow your nose frequently to remove excess mucus from the nasal cavity
  • Use a tissue to blow your nose, and throw your used tissues away immediately.
  • Wash your hands after blowing your nose.
  • Get plenty of rest for a few days to help your body recover quickly.
  • Maintain adequate humidity inside your house.
  • Stay away from possible allergens that may be aggravating your condition.
  • Steer clear of smog and other pollutants.
  • Avoid cigarette smoke, or quit smoking.
  • Suck on menthol candies or lozenges to soothe an irritated throat.
  • Stay away from some dairy products, including milk and ice cream, as they can trigger post-nasal drip.
  • Keep your house clean by vacuuming and dusting a couple times a week.

Resources:

http://www.entnet.org/content/post-nasal-drip

Advertisements

Comments 38

  1. Antwana Murphy says:
    6 years ago

    Thanks I’m going to start with the gargling of salt.

  2. roberta says:
    6 years ago

    this was very helpful

  3. Joy says:
    6 years ago

    #4-Garlic I can see, but not with milk. Milk causes the production of mucus.

    • Marie says:
      6 years ago

      I didn’t think that made sense either. Milk always produces more mucus for me.

  4. Mohsen Bayat says:
    6 years ago

    I`ve been suffering from postnasal drip for many years;despite using medications.
    thanks for your helpful advice.

  5. Bill says:
    6 years ago

    !/4 tsp ground ginger
    1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
    1 tblsp honey
    1 tblsp apple cider vinegar
    2 tblsp water
    Mix very well make cold take 2-3 tsp just before bed

  6. brian says:
    6 years ago

    Joy, that is a myth. Milk does not cause the production of mucus

  7. Eve Grace says:
    6 years ago

    I agree with Joy. Cut down on dairy. Otherwise very helpful.

  8. Ricco says:
    6 years ago

    THANKS,I’M GONNA TRY IT

  9. Leif Lindblad says:
    6 years ago

    Thank you so much for such good advice. You get no help of Swedish health care, and want to try natural treatments. I will immediately try this.
    / Leif L

  10. Albert Hall says:
    6 years ago

    Cayenne pepper, that’s hot!

  11. Mary says:
    5 years ago

    Ginger tea acts very quickly as it

  12. Santu says:
    5 years ago

    Yes I experience over production of mucus with milk

    • Nikki says:
      5 years ago

      According to the Mayo Clinic, milk doesn’t increase the production of mucus but it does thicken and irritate it, which may result in the sensation that there is more. That said, it seems it wouldn’t hurt to avoid it when trying to get post-nasal drip under the control! I only looked it up because I’ve managed to eliminate milk in everything but my tea – I’ve tried every “alternative” milk with my morning PG Tips and nothing prevails but I suppose I will have to keep up the search.

  13. Judith Day says:
    5 years ago

    I have post nasal drip, a cough and clear my throat a lot. I see an ENT. Do you think if I eliminate dairy this will help me. I am also going to start drinking ginger tea. Thanks for your advice. Thanks.

  14. Ida greene says:
    5 years ago

    The ginger really works when you have a cold and even when you don’t have a cold tried it and liked it it eorks

  15. Ida greene says:
    5 years ago

    Ginger tea, salt and chyannbpepper works

  16. Joel says:
    5 years ago

    Judith Day, I have your exact same symptoms. I’ve tried nasal sprays, anti biotics, asthma inhalers, antihistamines, and even had a chest xray done because of the cough. I’m just glad to see I’m not the only one.

    This sight gave me a lot of things I plan on trying tonight.

  17. Moira Reed says:
    5 years ago

    Hello and thank you…I’ve had a PND for the last fortnight due to a cold, absolutely exhausted from the coughing etc but I’ve just tried steam inhalation with a few drops of Lavender oil…the relief was instant and I haven’t coughed for 20 minutes now which is bliss! I will keep going with this and let you know how it goes….Thank you xx

  18. B ciccone says:
    5 years ago

    Just a couple of minutes to understand aND solve a problem that has persisted and made me suffer for seven years. Thank you

    • Mirna gaspare says:
      5 years ago

      I had this problem for 10 years I been to allergies doctors got lots of nose sprays , did not work ! And lately nose, throat and ear doctor even I had CTS , they find no problem .
      Now I get irritated throats and the drip can be very irritating specially above my nostril and a dry cough it feels like I have broken pieces of glass when I cough.
      Any suggestions ?? I am tire of doctors not finding my problem !!! I will appreciate your attention .

  19. RENEE says:
    5 years ago

    MILK DOES NOT CAUSE PRODUCTION OF MUCUS.
    THAT HAS BEEN A MYTH FOR MANY YEARS
    CHECK THE STUDIES ON IT AND YOU WILL SEE THAT THEY ARE ACTUALLY NOT RELATED.

    • Deb says:
      5 years ago

      The milk of another species is not natural or healthy for humans to consume. Our bodies recognise that and produce mucus. I know this from talking to many people who no longer consume dairy products and researching. Dairy is also often the cause of eczema, acne, asthma and other conditions.

      • T says:
        4 years ago

        I used to think that and it all lead to bone loss. LMAO. now i’m drinking milk and taking lots of vitamins and feel so much healthier. My pain is gone and I can exercise again! I still cough, but I believe that will eventually fix itself once my bones are healed. It all takes time.

    • Ingrid says:
      4 years ago

      My chronic cough and congested sinuses were eliminated after going off dairy. I went back on dairy and all my symptoms returned.

  20. Terry says:
    5 years ago

    The first research article I pulled up was funded by the Dairy Industry. “Support or Funding Information, National Dairy Council.” They have research centers around the country, in universities. They fund a lot of pro-dairy research and researchers….my personal experience and that of many people I’ve talked to is that cutting out milk helps with allergies and asthma and cuts down on mucous. The best thing is to give it a try…that is, remove dairy from your diet for a few weeks and judge for yourself. (I was not paid for this)

  21. Christine says:
    5 years ago

    The pollen this year caused misery for my sinuses! It’seems been two months of torture & expensive meds haven’t worked. Go ahead try all of your suggestions tomorrow. Thank you.

  22. gladys says:
    5 years ago

    Thanks ginger tea wirks wonders

  23. gladys says:
    5 years ago

    Thanks,ginger tea works wonders.

  24. chapman says:
    5 years ago

    You might also try, as an interim measure, putting your head upside down. I usually shake it about as well. You can feel the mucus draining. Works!

  25. Joy Abbott says:
    5 years ago

    To the person who says cows milk doesn’t cause mucus it sure does help in the production of it. It causes lots of problems and it’s not a natural thing for humans to drink but definitely for baby calves!

  26. Jay Jay says:
    5 years ago

    Thanks, I shook my head while I was bent over, in front of my husband. He thinks I’m a crazy bird now.

  27. Dee says:
    5 years ago

    I used to suffer from migraines. I stopped drinking milk for other reasons & realized that over time, my migraines had gone away. I drank organic milk & they never came back. I believe our allergies to milk are really allergies to all the pesticides & hormones that they put into it. I too, used to suffer from over-production of mucus from milk, but it doesn’t happen when I drink organic milk.

  28. Tom says:
    4 years ago

    Try chewing fresh ginger it really helps i had post nasal drip for a few days and started chewing fresh ginger and after 2-4 days it was gone

  29. Phil says:
    4 years ago

    I was a bit sceptical, but I tried ginger tea yesterday, gobsmacked….it actually works. Bought ginger and lemon tea bags (needed a bit of sugar though) and after just one day I can feel the difference. Thanks very much.

  30. Ghazanfar Ajaz says:
    4 years ago

    Thank you I will try to chew ginger

  31. Sharon says:
    4 years ago

    Huh, just reading all the comments on eliminating cows milk from diet and how it helped so many with PND, even someone with migraines! I have both…PND and migraine, have suffered for years with both. I changed to Soy milk a few years ago for other reasons and I can tell you it made no difference in relieving either ailment…not even a bit. I will say that a nasal steroid spray gives me relief from the dry scratchy cough but I’m told I can’t use that every single day which is what I’d need. So I’ll try some of these great natural remedies. Thank you!

  32. Anabel E Cañete says:
    4 years ago

    i have post nasal drip for 1 year.I’ve been experiencing hoarseness for 1 year also and i am ver depressed.I Love to sing and now i can’t sing anymore.I tried medications such as antibiotic,antihistamine,decongestant and i even avoid cold drinks for a year now but it keeps on coming back.I feel like crying everytime i saw a videoke machine,cause singing is my passion and now my voice isn’t good anymore

Recommended

face tingling treatment
Home Remedies

Facial Tingling: Causes, Diagnosis, Natural Treatment

by Mahesh Karandikar, MD - Neurosurgeon
July 11, 2019
0

A sudden tingling sensation overtaking your hands, feet, or face is a fairly common complaint reported by people in the...

Read more
Advertisements
how to sterilize baby bottles
Healthy Living

How to Sterilize Baby Bottles: 5 Safe Methods

by Karen M. Walker, MD, FAAP
April 1, 2019
0

The best way for a new mother to establish a nurturing bond with her baby is through breastfeeding. But sooner...

Read more
Advertisements

Homemade

DIY refreshing raw mango drink for summmer months
DIY Homemade

DIY Refreshing Raw Mango Drink for the Summer Months

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
January 29, 2019
2

Fight the intense summer heat with this tasty, healthy drink prepared from the pulp of boiled raw mangoes. This sweet...

Read more
Tasty DIY Bitter Gourd Recipe

Tasty DIY Bitter Gourd Juice Recipes for Diabetics

June 28, 2019
Advertisements

Trending

mediterranean diet benefits
Healthy Living

Mediterranean Diet 101: Benefits, Drawbacks, Myths and More

by Miriam Christie, MS, RD, LD, ABD
August 21, 2019
0

The Mediterranean diet emerges from the kind of foods eaten in countries situated along the Mediterranean Sea. These include France,...

Read more
Neem Oil for hair and skin
Healthy Living

Neem Oil for Hair and Skin: 9 Benefits and How to Use It

by Robert Signore, DO - Dermatologist
July 2, 2019
0

Neem is often referred to as Indian lilac as it is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, but its medicinal virtues...

Read more
Advertisements

Don't Miss

consume aloe vera

Different Ways to Consume Aloe Vera for its Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
March 5, 2021
0

Gone are the days when aloe vera was just a potted plant sitting on your windowsill, jazzing up your home...

honeydew melon for health

Honeydew Melon: Origins, Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

Honeydew melon makes for a sweet-tasting and refreshing treat that can take the sting out of the sweltering summer heat....

fava beans for health

Fava Beans: Nutritional Value, Recipes and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

The fava bean, alternatively known as broad bean, is a large, flat, green leguminous vegetable. The earliest record of its...

health benefits of curry leaves

Know the Amazing 10 Health Benefits of Curry Leaves

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
March 27, 2019
3

Curry leaves are a common cooking ingredient for people native to India’s subtropical and tropical regions. The curry leaves are...

Advertisements
how to use apple cider vinegar for heartburn
Common Conditions

Can Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Heartburn?

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
August 5, 2019
7

Apple cider vinegar is right up there with aloe vera, high on the list of the most versatile and effective...

Read more
Advertisements

All the tips mentioned here are strictly informational. This site does not provide medical advice. Consult with your doctor or other health care provider before using any of these tips or treatments. Read more.

 

Categories: Home Remedies | Kitchen Ingredients | Healthy Living | Pets | Common Conditions | Pregnancy | Healthy Foods

 

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Terms and Conditions of Use
  • Unsubscribe

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies

No Result
View All Result
  • Home Remedies
  • Kitchen Ingredients
  • DIY Homemade
  • Healthy Foods
  • Healthy Living
  • Pregnancy

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies