Home Remedies for Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip is not life threatening, but it certainly is annoying. Postnasal drip is excess mucous that runs down the back of your throat. Excess mucous is most prevalent during colds or sinus infections or in people with allergies. Postnasal drip will usually cause excessive throat clearing and sometimes even a sore throat. Usually it will eventually clear up, but in the meantime there are a number of home remedies to help you relieve this annoying condition.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is one way of helping postnasal drip. This will moisten up the nasal passages which will make the dry, thick mucous thinner and therefore easier to swallow. Drinking hot liquids like tea adds the benefit of heat to help flush out and reduce mucous.

Hot Shower

Take a hot shower and inhale the steam. Then blow one nostril at a time to prevent mucous build up in the sinuses.

Gargle With Salt Water

Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water and gargle. This will help to relieve a sore throat due to postnasal drip.

Use a Humidifier

Use a humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist. Moist mucous equals thinner mucous.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used as a nasal astringent by mixing together 1 cup of warm water, 1 teaspoon of water, and a pinch of baking soda. Put the mixture into a nasal syringe and squirt into your nostrils, taking care to close the back of your throat. Make sure to tilt your head forward, backward, and side to side. This will ensure that the baking soda solution goes into all 4 sinus cavities. Then blow your nose.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is an effective decongestant. Wet a washcloth with warm water and ring excess water out. Pour several drops of peppermint oil onto the cloth. Hold the cloth to your nose and breathe in. The warm water helps bring the vapors in the peppermint oil out.