Natural Remedy for Post Nasal Drip

Postnasal drip can develop during a respiratory illness such as a cold or the flu, with seasonal allergies or after exposure to an irritant such as chemical sprays or air pollution. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat postnasal drip, including natural remedies that can be used safely at home by people of any age, although people with severe respiratory conditions or whose symptoms do not go away with natural remedies may need to use over the counter or prescription medications.

Behavioral Changes

• Certain behavioral changes can work as natural remedies for postnasal drip, according to the Mayo Clinic. Elevating the head at night while sleeping can help mucus drain and reduces irritations to the throat. Avoiding irritants such as tobacco smoke, alcohol and caffeine can also reduce the symptoms of postnasal drip.

Humidifiers

• Humidifiers used inside of the home or office may work as a remedy for postnasal drip, according to the Mayo Clinic. Using a humidifier at nighttime may help reduce symptoms that interfere with sleeping, such as coughing and stuffy noses caused by postnasal drip. Humidifiers can also help reduce irritations in the nose and throat that can be aggravated by postnasal drip.

Liquids

• Keeping mucus thin by increasing the amount of liquids consumed is a natural remedy for postnasal drip, according to the National Library of Medicine. Excessive mucus caused by the common cold can be treated with the classic natural remedy of chicken soup or chicken broth. Drinking plenty of water, fruit juices or sports drinks can also work as natural remedies to treat postnasal drip.

Mucus Removal

• According to the Mayo Clinic, removing mucus from the nose and sinuses is a natural remedy for postnasal drip. In older children and adults, this can be accomplished by blowing the nose or swallowing the mucus. In babies, parents may need to use suction bulbs to remove mucus; squirting a few drops of breast milk into the nostrils of babies may also thin mucus and reduce postnasal drip in babies.

Nasal Irrigation

• Nasal irrigation includes several different methods of washing out mucus from the nose, and is a natural remedy for postnasal drip according to the Mayo Clinic. Saline drops can be squirted or sprayed into one nostril at a time and are safe for anyone, from babies to adults. Using a saline solution to irrigate the nose with a neti pot is a natural remedy for postnasal drip that uses gravity to help get mucus out of the nose and sinuses.

Vitamins and Supplements

• Certain vitamins and minerals may be taken to reduce the symptoms of postnasal drip, according to the Mayo Clinic. Postnasal drips that are caused by infection with the common cold may be treated with vitamin C drops or supplements to shorten the duration of discomfort. The mineral zinc and the herb echinacea may also reduce postnasal drips that are caused by the common cold, especially if they are taken soon after the start of symptoms.