Post nasal drip is often the result of persistent allergies, sinusitis or a common cold. You can treat this aggravating condition with various herbs and spices to loosen and thin the secretions that are clogging your throat. Before embarking on an herbal or spice treatment plan for post-nasal drip, consult with your physician or nurse practitioner.
The Basics
One of the best things you can do to lessen the problem of post-nasal drip is to drink plenty of water or other fluids. Whether it is juice, water or soup stock, fluids help to thin out the secretions that are inherent to post-nasal drip. Hot tea made with honey and lemon can relieve congestion associated with post-nasal drip, along with the traditional chicken soup remedy.
Adding cayenne pepper to food can stimulate the production of mucous while thinning it out, enabling better breathing and less dripping in the back of the throat.
Herbal Options
Post nasal drip responds well to herbal therapies commonly used to treat sinusitis and other sinus problems such as colds and allergies.
Steam inhalations of eucalyptus provide relief for chest and nasal congestion, and can help loosen up the annoying mucous of post-nasal drip. In fact, eucalyptus oil inhalations can actually penetrate the mucous membranes, as it loosens congestion. Look for vials of eucalyptus oil in your health food store. Put a few drops of the oil in the bottom of a large bowl and fill with steaming, hot water. Place a towel over your head and breathe in the vapors. Repeat until the water cools down. Do this at least once a day and see if you experience relief.
Combine thyme, rosemary and peppermint and use them in a steam inhalation to treat post-nasal drip. Look for the essential oils of these herbs in health food stores. Place a few drops of each in a large bowl and, as above, fill with steaming hot water. Place a towel over your head and breathe in the vapors. This inhalation process helps to warm, moisten and loosen the mucous that is stuck in your throat and sinuses. Repeat the process once or twice per day for relief until your symptoms subside.
Use echinacea tea not only to loosen congestion, but to help fight off the infection that is most likely causing the post nasal drip problem. Drink six cups of echinacea tea daily for relief.
Garlic is a potent antibiotic that you can add to your diet to help fight off infection and alleviate symptoms of colds and congestion. Eat three raw cloves per day, or pick up a garlic supplement in your health food store.
If you continue to be bothered with post nasal drip symptoms, consult your physician for other, more conventional treatment options.
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