Post Nasal Drip Home Remedies

Postnasal drip is caused by an overproduction of the mucus that clears bacteria and other foreign bodies out of your nasal passages. This extra mucus then drips down your throat and causes coughs or throat clearing. To alleviate these symptoms, try home remedies that can be just as effective as over-the-counter medicines.

Symptoms and Causes

• A hacking cough, a sore throat, or simply a "tickle" in the back of your throat can be a signal that you have postnasal drip. Colds, flu and allergies the main causes of postnasal drip. Air pollution and dust are also common culprits.

Good Old Salt Water

• It may seem old fashioned, but gargling with saltwater works. Try mixing 1/2 tsp of salt for every 8 oz. of water. The salt helps absorb some of the excess mucus.

Skip the Milk

• Lactose, a kind of sugar that's in cow's milk, actually stimulates mucus production. Skipping the milk, or finding a lactose-free alternative, might provide relief of your symptoms.