If you're suffering from post nasal drip, you're probably looking for relief. While there are many over-the-counter and prescription medications available, there are also some home remedies that can provide relief. Here are four home remedies for post nasal drip that you can try.
There are many ways our sinus system and throat get affected. Post-Nasal Drip (PND) is one such condition in which excessive mucus is produced. It is also known as rhinitis.
Post nasal drip is usually caused by an allergy. When overproduction of mucus begins due to inflammation of the mucus membrane, it begins to drip from the nasal passage to the inside the throat. Hence the name-Post Nasal Drip.
The mucus in the sinus system is essential to continuously clean the nasal passage from bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles. In addition to that, the Mucus humidifies the air keeping the insides comfortable. It is the overproduction that we need to treat.
You will begin to feel continuous irritation in the throat (Sore Throat) or you will get bouts of chronic cough. Post nasal drip also causes bad breath.
There are many home remedies for post nasal drip. If precautions are taken then you may not need to visit a doctor for this condition.
We will first look into some common sense changes that will help reduce post nasal drip. Then, other remedies can also be added to the daily routine.
Quick and Effective Post-Nasal Drip Home Remedies
Keep Yourself Fully Hydrated
Our body requires the consumption of 8-10 glasses of water every day. Make it a habit of drinking a lot of water to keep you fully hydrated throughout the day.
Today’s busy lifestyles and air-conditioning are the main reason we don’t drink enough water. To counter this default setting, always keep a water bottle handy with you.
Humid conditions are better than dry climates. So if you are living in a dry place make sure that the room’s humidity is maintained by air-conditioning or a humidifier.
Keep away from Allergens
Since post nasal drip is an allergic reaction, it makes sense to stay away from exposure to these allergens.
Most common allergens like cat dander, smog, smoke, etc. are easy to remember but dust mites are the ones that require special attention.
You may get warning signs in the form of sneezing. This is the time to get alert and stay away from the area. If you must be there in the allergen-infested area, then cover your nose with a mask or with a hand towel. Finish your work fast and get out of the place.
This is the simplest way to stop post nasal drip.
Salt Water Gargling
The drip at the back of the throat is an irritant. Daily salt water gargling at regular intervals throughout the day can help in getting rid of the post nasal symptoms.
- Add 1 teaspoon of table salt to a glass of water
- Heat it to become slightly warm.
- Take a small sip. Don’t gulp it down.
- Gargle for 15 seconds and spit it out in a basin
- Repeat the cycle by taking another sip and gargling until you finish all the water.
Gargle 5-6 times a day for fast recovery. In most cases, the gargling alone will be enough to get rid of the post nasal drip.
Drink Citric Juices - Vitamin C
Fruit Juices are great to cure for Post Nasal drips. Orange and lemon juice in particular will help a lot. The juices are liquid so they help increase hydration and vitamin C helps in fighting intruders. What hydration does is flush out the excess mucus production.
Adding rock salt to the juices will expedite the recovery from post nasal drip.
- Extract juice from 3 Oranges in an orange juice extractor.
- Fill the juice in a glass
- Add half a teaspoon of rock salt powder
- Stir it well
- Enjoy drinking it slowly sip by sip
Fresh orange juice will provide better protection and cure than commercially packed orange juices.
You can add rock salt powder to diluted lemon juice for the same effect. Post nasal drip is not a serious condition to be worried too much about. It is easy to cure. Just take the above precautions to identify the possibilities early and avoid exposure to allergens. If you get it then quickly get relief from it by the above methods.
Cinnamon, black pepper, ginger powder, and many other herbs are useful in getting rid of post nasal drip. However, if there is a bacterial infection then visiting your doctor is necessary for the treatment of post nasal drip.
Conclusions
In conclusion, many home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of post nasal drip. However, it is important to consult with a doctor if the symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days.