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Natural Remedies for Post Nasal Drip

Often generated by a common cold, allergies or sinus infections, post nasal drip is a minor problem caused by excessive mucus dripping down or settling in the back of your throat. Because post nasal drip triggers assorted maladies like chronic or nighttime coughing and a sore throat, however, you may wish to treat it with natural home remedies that will dry or thin the mucus to relieve related symptoms.

  1. Combat Post Nasal Drip with Water

    • Post nasal drip is most noticeable and uncomfortable when mucus thickens. By drinking eight cups of water each day, you'll thin the mucus and moisten nasal passages, making the post nasal drip less likely to cause bothersome throat clearing and coughing. Gargling with a half teaspoon of water dissolved in a cup of warm water can also relieve the sore throat caused by nighttime post nasal drip.

    Use a Humidifier

    • A dry house, particularly in winter months, can increase allergies and sinus problems that lead to post nasal drip. Using a room humidifier that maintains moisture levels between 30 to 40 percent can reduce irritation to sinuses that can produce excess, thick mucus. Keep the humidity level below 50 percent, however, since an environment that's too moist can increase allergens, dust mites and mold.

    Try Nasal Spray

    • Thin and remove thicker mucus with a nasal spray made by diluting one teaspoon of salt or baking soda in one pint of warm or hot water. Spray the solution into your nose three times with a rubber bulb syringe often used to remove secretions from children's noses. Blow your nose immediately after using the nasal spray. Because it doesn't contain active ingredients, you can use homemade or over-the-counter saline nasal spray two to four times a day to clear or moisten nasal passages.

    Avoid Allergens

    • If allergies or exposure to environmental elements increase your post nasal drip symptoms, reduce your contact with the irritants. Stay indoors when smog alerts indicate poor air quality outside, steer clear of areas where you'll breathe second-hand cigarette smoke or clean surfaces and wash bedding often to cut down on indoor allergens like pet dander and dust.

    Alter Eating Habits

    • Change your dietary habits to reduce consumption of foods and beverages that can lead to post nasal drip. Hot chili peppers, pungent condiments like horseradish and spices like curry powder or chili powder, for example, can make your nose run, leading to post nasal drip. Meanwhile, dairy products like milk may thicken mucus, leading to the uncomfortable, slow dripping of mucus down the back of your throat.

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