Spices & Herbs to Fight Post-Nasal Drip

Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus accumulation from the back of the nose runs down the throat causing a cough and constant clearing of the throat. Post-nasal drip is not a medical condition; it is a symptom of many conditions, such as colds, allergies, sinus infection, pregnancy, anxiety, stress, air pollution, acid reflux and even high blood pressure. Over-the-counter and prescribed medications used to treat colds or allergies provide relief for post-nasal drip, but natural remedies using spices and herbs help you to avoid the potential side effects of medications.

Great Mullein

• Great mullein, also called Aaron's rod, alleviates post-nasal drip as well as chest and sinus problems. Its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties break up mucus to ease congestion. To prepare this herb as a tea, pour boiling water over 1/4 cup of fresh mullein (leaves and flowers) or 2 tsp. of dried mullein. Let the tea stand for five minutes, strain it, and sweeten with honey before drinking. Herbal remedies are potent and are not meant for continuous use. Drink 1 cup a day for a maximum of 10 days.

Sage

• The essential oils in sage provide this herb's astringent properties and make it beneficial as a decongestant and for the relief of coughs. Dry up the mucus that causes your post-nasal drip by drinking tea made with fresh or dried sage leaves. Boil 1 cup of water. After the bubbling stops, pour the water over 2 tsp. of fresh sage or 1 tsp. of dried sage. Cover the tea and let it steep for about 10 minutes, then strain and drink. Drink 1 to 2 cups per day.

Red and White Clover

• Red and white clover contain natural expectorants which make them beneficial for relieving sinus problems, post-nasal drip, constant cough, bronchitis and whooping cough. Make a tea with 2 tsp. of dried clover or 1/4 cup of leaves and flowers from fresh clover. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the clover and let it stand for five minutes. Strain your tea before drinking. As stated above, herbal remedies are potent and are not meant for continuous use. Drink 1 cup a day for a maximum of 10 days.

Onions

• Onions are natural expectorants and decongestants that help to loosen mucus buildup. Add onions to your food or cut up fresh onions and mix them with honey. Refrigerate the mixture and take 2 tsp. of the mixture every four hours.

Horseradish

• Horseradish contains compounds that loosen and drain mucus. Place some grated horseradish root in your mouth and remove it when it loses its taste.

Poultices

• When used in poultices, ginger root and black mustard stimulate circulation and decongest nasal passages. To make your poultice, mix 5 oz. of dried ginger powder or 4 oz. of ground black mustard seeds with enough hot water to make a paste. Spread your mixture between two layers of gauze or inside a folded cloth and cover the sinus areas on your forehead and nose. Leave your poultice on for a maximum five minutes. The black mustard poultice is more potent than the ginger poultice.

Warning

• If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any of the above treatment methods. Herbal remedies are extremely potent. Use them with caution and only for a limited time. Check with your physician or dietitian to determine the safest amount of time to use your herbal remedy for the condition being treated. Some alternative treatments may interfere with medications you presently take or may worsen a medical condition. Consult your pharmacist in reference to medication interactions.