Postnasal drip, also known as upper airway cough syndrome, is caused by excessive mucus production by the nasal mucosa. As alarming as it might sound, this condition prevails and can be taken on with basic home remedies to stop postnasal drip.
But why does it happen? In many cases, mucus in the body aids in the fight against health issues and eliminates breathed in particles. When much more mucus is generated than is required, it has a tendency to collect in the nasal passage and flow back. In that case, you may inadvertently ingest the mucus without also recognizing it. This ingesting of mucus automatically is described as postnasal drip disorder.
It is not the like a drippy nose where excessive mucous drains out externally. Postnasal drip is a problem where the mucous starts receding down the throat.
Continue reading to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and natural ways to treat postnasal drip.
Note: While the majority of the solutions in this post are not harmful or harmful, their efficacy needs to be developed with research study. If the problem lingers after 2 weeks despite using these treatments, see your physician right away.
In a survey performed on 2,724 clients from European countries, it was located that 71 % of clients have pain when they have a cool. It was noted that 19.3% usage self care methods for a drippy nose and chilly and 62% use a mix of pharmacological and non-pharmacological items for cool.
Particular medical ailments or medications can frequently cause postnasal drip syndrome. The possible reasons behind postnasal drip are stated below.
In This Article
Causes Of Postnasal Drip
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- A cold temperature
- Infections that cause cold and flu
- Chronic sinusitis
- Allergies
- Climate changes
- Medications such as birth control pills and drugs for blood pressure
- Fumes from perfumes, chemicals, or smoke
- Pregnancy
- A deviated septum or a crooked nose bone
- Spicy foods
The following are the signs and symptoms that are most commonly associated with postnasal drip.
Symptoms Of Postnasal Drip
- Coughs that are worse at night
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Soreness in the throat
- Nausea
- Bad breath
Now that you are cognizant of postnasal drip and its reasons and symptoms, have a look at some very easy and efficient natural remedies to treat this problem. These might become magical remedy for post-nasal drip cough.
Related: Sore Throat During Pregnancy: Signs & Remedies To Get Relief
Home Remedies To Stop Postnasal Drip
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Essential Oils
- Honey
- Ginger Tea
- Coconut Oil
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Oil Pulling
- Vitamins And Minerals
- Vicks VapoRub
- Salt Water Gargle
- GreenTea
- Lemon Juice
- PineappleJuice
- AloeVeraJuice
- OrangeJuice
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Unscientific proof suggests that apple cider vinegar (ACV) has anti-inflammatory homes, which might help in reducing the swelling in the nasal flow and relieve an aching throat.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 glass of water
- Honey (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Add apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Mix well.
- Consume this daily.
- You can also add honey for flavor.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times daily.
Quick TipInstead of honey you can add grapefruit juice and mint leaves, or food grade pepper mint oil to this treatment. These components can help remove your nose.
2. Essential Oils
a. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties ( 1 ), ( 2 ). It can additionally aid eliminate symptoms of cold and flu. Thus, it may be made use of to fight the infection causing the postnasal drip.
You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)
What You Have To Do
Add a few decreases of lavender oil to any provider oil and rub this mixture on your breast, back, and throat.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times daily.
b. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil, scientifically referred to as Mentha piperita , is a natural expectorant that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties ( 3 ), ( 4 ). Hence, it can help treat postnasal drip and its symptoms.
You Will Need
- 5-6 drops of peppermint oil
- 1 bowl of hot water
What You Have To Do
- Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a bowl of water.
- Inhale the steam.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
c. Oregano Oil
Oregano vital oil is known to have expectorant properties, i.e., it helps in the expulsion of mucous from the air passages ( 5 ). Research indicates that it also exhibits antibacterial activity ( 6 ). Hence, it may be used to combat the infection causing postnasal drip.
You Will Need
- 5-6 drops of oregano oil
- 1 bowl of hot water
- 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)
What You Have To Do
- Add a few drops of oregano essential oil to a bowl of water.
- Inhale the steam.
- Include a few decreases of oregano oil to any provider oil and rub this combination on your upper body, back, and throat.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
3. Honey
Honey acts as a decongestant and exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat cold and cough ( 7 ), ( 8 ).
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of organic honey
- 1 cup of warm water
What You Have To Do
Add honey to a cup of warm water and consume daily.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink this 2 to 3 times daily.
4. Ginger Tea
Ginger has been used for ages to treat the common cold ( 9 ), ( 10 ). It contains a compound called gingerol that exhibits antibacterial properties. Additionally, ginger is also anti-inflammatory ( 11 ). It can act as a decongestant and help in treating postnasal drip.
You Will Need
- 1-2 inches of fresh ginger
- 1 cup of hot water
- Honey (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Steep the ginger in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add honey for flavor and consume before it turns cold.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 3 times daily.
A food blog writer attempted a ginger product to avoid and treat her coughing and cold. She creates, "I used to have phlegm in my throat, throughout the year and I used to struggle with influenza, very commonly. After I began consuming this Kashayam often, gradually the phlegm went away and my influenza attacks decreased ( i ).”
5. Coconut Oil
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Coconut oil is used in folk remedies to treat issues like bronchitis, cold, cough, flu, and sore throat ( 12 ). It has antiviral properties that can help kill or inactivate infection-causing microorganisms in the body.
A research showed that an aerosol spray consisting of a mix of all-natural oils, including coconut oil, reduced inflammation in the upper respiratory system tract ( 13 ). This can be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil ( 14 ).
You Will Need
1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
Consume coconut oil every morning on an empty stomach.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily.
6. Garlic
Garlic contains a compound called allicin that exhibits antimicrobial properties ( 15 ). It is also widely used as a natural treatment for relieving symptoms of cough and cold ( 16 ). As we are aware, cold and cough are often the common reasons for an individual to develop postnasal drip.
You Will Need
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- Honey (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Crush the garlic cloves and extract the juice.
- Add some honey to this garlic extract and consume daily.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 3 times daily.
7. Turmeric
The curcumin in turmeric has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat flu (or influenza) ( 17 ). It also helps in the control of respiratory system-related complications ( 18 ). Turmeric is considered to be a natural decongestant and is widely used for treating cough and cold ( 19 ).
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 glass of hot milk
What You Have To Do
- Mix turmeric in a glass of hot milk.
- Consume the turmeric milk.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink this once daily.
8. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties ( 20 ), ( 21 ). hence, it can be an effective remedy to fight infections and inflammation related to postnasal drip.
You Will Need
200 mg of grapefruit seed extract supplement
What You Have To Do
Consume grapefruit seed extract.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times daily.
9. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a detoxifying treatment that can help in decongesting your throat ( 22 ), ( 23 ). The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory buildings of the oil that you utilize for swishing can help treat your postnasal drip naturally.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of coconut or olive or sesame oil
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
What You Have To Do
- Swish a tablespoon of the oil in your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes on an empty stomach.
- Spit it out and rinse your mouth.
- You can also add a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the oil.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily.
10. Vitamins And Minerals
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Vitamins C and D are recognized for their antibacterial properties, which makes them a great alternative for the therapy of postnasal drip. Zinc has additionally been discovered to help ease chilly extra effectively and much faster ( 24 ). Hence, it recommended increasing your intake of these vitamins via your diet or supplements to combat the condition.
Related: 10 Best Height Increasing Vitamins And Minerals For Children
11. Vicks VapoRub
Vicks Vapor Rub contains a couple of extremely helpful components like menthol and eucalyptus oil that can offer remedy for the symptoms of chilly and aid relaxing sleep ( 25 ).
You Will Need
Vicks VapoRub
What You Have To Do
Rub a generous amount of Vicks VapoRub on your chest, back, and throat for immediate relief.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 2 times daily.
12. Salt Water Gargle
The antimicrobial properties of salt and hot water can help in treating cold and flu ( 26 ), ( 27 ). Hence, it can help address the underlying infection causing the postnasal drip.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 glass of medium hot water
What You Have To Do
- Add salt to a glass of hot water.
- Use this water for gargling.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 3 to 4 times daily.
13. Green Tea
Green tea contains natural antioxidants called catechins that exhibit antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties ( 28 ), ( 29 ). Thus, green tea can help fight infections and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages that often accompanies postnasal drip.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves
- 1 cup of hot water
- Honey (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Steep the green tea leaves in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add honey for flavor and consume it before it turns cold.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink this tea 2-3 times daily.
14. Lemon Juice
Lemons are rich sources of vitamin C. While vitamin C does not reduce the occurrence of the cold, it can shorten its duration ( 30 ). This can help reduce the symptoms of postnasal drip.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 glass of water
- Honey (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Add lemon juice to a glass of water and mix well.
- Add honey for flavor and consume this.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 3 to 4 times daily.
15. Pineapple Juice
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Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties ( 31 ). Hence, it is often used as a potent expectorant to decongest the phlegm and treat postnasal drip.
You Will Need
- 1 cup of cut pineapples
- 1 cup of water
What You Have To Do
- Blend the pineapples with water.
- Drink this juice.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this at least once daily.
Related: 9 Health Benefits Of Pineapple, Nutrition, And Side Effects
16. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera extract was found to exhibit antiviral activity against influenza (flu) virus ( 32 ). It also has anti-inflammatory properties ( 33 ). Both these properties can help reduce the symptoms of postnasal drip.
You Will Need
1/4 to 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice
What You Have To Do
Consume aloe vera juice daily.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily.
Related: 15 Health Benefits Of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice
17. Orange Juice
Orange juice is a rich source of vitamin C ( 34 ). As we know, vitamin C can enhance resistance and shorten the period of the infection. This, subsequently, can help reduce postnasal drip.
You Will Need
1-2 oranges
What You Have To Do
- Squeeze the juice from the oranges.
- Consume this daily.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink this juice at least 2 to 3 times daily.
Utilizing these solutions as explained over can assist you eliminate postnasal drip at a quicker pace or perhaps stop post-nasal drip right away. You can additionally take on a few way of living adjustments and safety measures to avoid this problem from reoccuring.
Related: Is Orange Juice Good For Constipation?
Preventive Tips
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- Use a humidifier or vaporizer to increase the humidity inside your home.
- Include the following yoga asanas in your weekly routine:
- Balasana (Child’s Pose)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
- Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
- Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)
- Avoid intake of dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and gelato, as these can worsen your problem. Instead, choose a diet regimen rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and low-fat meats.
- Get proper hydration.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks.
- Quit smoking.
- Stay clear of allergens, such as dust and pollen, that can trigger postnasal drip.
Quick TipSeveral foods might also ease nasal congestion. Drink rasam, kokum juice, cozy chicken soup, or any kind of cozy drink to clear a stuffy nose.
When To See The Doctor
In addition to these natural home remedy, you might make use of a sinus flush to clear out the mucus from your nasal passage for added alleviation. If your signs last for greater than 10 days, or if you have a fever, wheezing, and foul-smelling drain, consult a medical professional instantly. If the medications fail to eliminate the signs and symptoms, you might be asked to undertake a CT check or other tests.
Infographic: Natural Home Remedies For Postnasal Drip
Isn't it terrific that the solution to a drippy nose is so quickly available right in our kitchen? Based on unscientific proof, all the remedies discussed above are efficient in offering relief from it. Nevertheless, if you favor just natural remedies, we have summarized those in an infographic listed below. Take a look!
Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.
Upper air passage cough disorder, or more frequently, postnasal drip, is a condition in which there is excess mucous manufacturing in the nasal flow. Infections, allergies, climatic modifications, structural abnormalities, zesty foods, and specific drugs are a few of the usual sources of postnasal drip. This problem can make coughs worse at night, trigger nausea or vomiting, throat pain, and foul breath, so you may wish to utilize home remedies to stop postnasal drip. Garlic, crucial oils, turmeric, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger tea, oil pulling, and steam breathing are some efficient ways to get relief. Additionally, you can try nasal watering to clear the mucous using saline solutions. If the treatments don't help or you experience extreme signs and symptoms, please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I take for post-nasal drip during pregnancy?
Ginger is one of the very best all-natural remedies that can supply relief from a postnasal drip in expectant ladies. You might enhance the intake of ginger with your diet or eat the juice extracted from ginger at routine periods. Additionally, a saline rinse making use of a neti pot or saline sprays can also aid in alleviating the signs and symptoms of postnasal drip in expecting women.
How long does postnasal drip last?
Postnasal drip is frequently a symptom of an underlying infection like a cool or influenza, and it generally lasts for about a week.
What tea is good for postnasal drip?
Herbal teas that can relieve a sore throat are the best. Ginger and thyme teas have anti-bacterial and antiviral residential properties and have an air conditioning therapeutic effect on your throat. They might additionally help manage mucus overflow.
What is the best sleeping position for postnasal drip?
Making some adjustments in your sleeping position can help you manage postnasal drip better. Propping up your head with several cushions while sleeping will certainly avoid the mucus from draining pipes down your throat. If you sleep on your tummy, putting a pillow under your abdominal areas will straighten your neck far better and protect against post-nasal drip.
What medicine can help dry out a post-nasal drip?
Decongestants (pseudoephedrine) and non-drowsy antihistamines (loratadine-pseudoephedrine) can help dry your post-nasal drip.
What happens if a post-nasal drip is left untreated?
Light situations typically deal with within a few days. Nevertheless, in some serious instances, the excess mucous might act as a hotspot for infections and cause various other issues.
Does Benadryl help relieve a post-nasal drip?
Yes. The active agent in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, may help relieve a post-nasal drip.
What’s the best antihistamine for post-nasal drip?
Some antihistamines that might ease a post-nasal drip consist of Loratadine (Claritin), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), or Levocetirizine (Xyzal). Consult your physician for more medical suggestions.
Why is a post-nasal drip painful?
A post-nasal drip might aggravate your sinuses and cause an aching throat. It likewise may create inflammation in the cells near the nose and throat and cause pain.
Key Takeaways
- Cold temperature, flu, sinus infection, and allergies are certain common reasons for postnasal drip.
- Consuming apple cider vinegar daily mixed in a glass of water may help treat postnasal drip.
- Inhaling peppermint oil steam is also a powerful home remedy for the condition.
- Ginger tea acts as a decongestant and may help soothe nasal congestion.
- Using a humidifier may prevent postnasal drip.
Quote farewell to postnasal drip with a collection of reliable home remedies. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and discover all-natural means to ease this aggravating condition in the video clip below. See it currently to find alleviation and reclaim your comfort today!
