Natural Home Remedies for Postnasal Drip

Here are some tips for simple things you can do at home to help you decrease, and possibly eliminate, the amount of medication you're taking for postnasal drip. These suggestions can make you more comfortable and possibly even speed your recovery.

What Is Postnasal Drip?

Postnasal drip occurs when the mucus your body produces becomes abnormally thick or thin and you feel it draining down the back of your throat.

To be clear, it's natural for mucus to run down the back of your throat, but usually you won't notice it if it's of the right consistency. Conditions that frequently cause or contribute to postnasal drip include:

• Sore throat
• Voice loss or hoarseness
• Persistent clearing of the throat
• Persistent cough

These symptoms can be caused by allergies or cold viruses. Postnasal drip can also occur with hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or as a side effect of certain medications.

Seeking Medical Care

Postnasal drip does not always require a consultation with a medical professional. However, you should see a doctor if:

• Your postnasal drip lasts longer than a few weeks.
• You have difficulty swallowing.
• You feel like you're choking.
• You suspect a bacterial infection.

Home Remedy Basics

The following home remedies are helpful in treating postnasal drip, regardless of the exact cause. You usually can use these treatments in conjunction with your doctor's prescription, but check with your doctor first to avoid interactions.

Thick Mucus

The following home remedies are most helpful if you have thick mucus:

• Avoid dairy products. While dairy doesn't cause your body to make mucus, it may make it thicker.
• Drink plenty of water because staying hydrated can thin the thickened mucus. Also, avoid drinking dehydrating beverages, such as anything with caffeine or alcohol.
• Use a humidifier next to your bed at night or take hot, steamy showers. To loosen the thick mucus, breathe warm, moist air. A cool mist humidifier (vs. warm mist) is helpful if you have inflammation in your throat or nasal passageways.
• Try an over-the-counter saline nasal spray to loosen thick mucus and clear the debris from inside your nose. This can be used frequently throughout the day.
• A neti pot (a small and simple device yogis use for nasal irrigation) is helpful in relieving symptoms. While most studies on neti pots show positive results, at least one study shows regular use of neti pots may increase your risk of developing a sinus infection. Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, use a neti pot just once per week when you're not experiencing any infections or symptoms. Be sure to use a saline rinse, not just plain water. Avoid using a neti pot regularly if you suspect a sinus infection or are prone to developing sinus infections.

Thin, Watery Mucus

If you have thin, watery mucus, try these home remedies for postnasal drip:

• Eat spicy foods, including the chili peppers used in Thai or Indian food and Japanese horseradish, or wasabi, because they are expectorants. The spiciness encourages your body to expel mucus and is also known to lift your mood.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid spending a lot of time in cold temperatures. For example, avoid exercising outside in cold weather. This is because cold weather encourages your body to produce more mucus.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapists use essential oils to help clear out the mucus causing your postnasal drip. There are several ways to inhale the vapors, including through the air with a vaporizer or diffuser, or by putting a few drops on a small cloth and breathing in. Common essential oils for congestion include:

• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Fennel

Despite the popularity of essential oils, you should avoid using these substances around infants, young children, or pets or if you have an underlying lung condition that could be aggravated by inhaling these oils. Additionally, never ingest essential oils.