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Natural Treatment for Post Nasal Drip & Cough

Post nasal drip often causes coughing due to the mucus that runs down the back of the throat. Treating the source of the post nasal drip often helps to quell the cough. According to MedicinePlus, common causes include allergies, cold, flu, overuse of nasal spray, sinusitis and bacterial infections.

  1. Fluids

    • MedicinePlus recommends increasing fluid intake is a basic and fundamental treatment for post nasal drip and coughing for multiple reasons. Extra fluid is generally lost when a person suffers from the cold or flu. Coughing and congestion also cause mouth breathing, which dries out the throat. Drinking water helps to keep the tissue in the mouth and throat moisturized. Water also keeps mucous membranes moist and thins mucus. Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water every day, especially when you are sick.

    Humidity

    • Humidifying the air helps prevent colds and infections. When the air is too dry, it removes moisture from the nose, throat and lungs, which makes viruses easier to contract. Breathing in steam also helps reduce airway irritation and aids in coughing up mucus. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, and take a long, hot shower or bath once or twice a day. The steam from hot tea can be helpful as well.

    Herbal Remedies

    • Garlic is a natural antibiotic rich in chemical compounds that fight cough-causing viruses within the respiratory tract. Eat two to four cloves of garlic per day.

      Echinacea reduces the duration and severity of cough and cold symptoms while helping the immune system battle viruses. Take 12 drops of echinacea tincture four times per day or 1 to 2 capsules three to four times per day for 10 days to 2 weeks. If you suffer from allergies or an autoimmune disease, ask your doctor before taking echinacea .

      Ginger is a strong natural anti-inflammatory agent that helps quell swelling and irritation. Ginger can be bought fresh from the store or drank in tea form.

    Nasal Irrigation

    • To flush out stale post nasal drip, use over-the-counter saline spray or mix 1 teaspoon of table salt, 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of baking soda in a squirt bottle or medicine dropper. After using the spray, gently blow your nose.

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