How to Treat Postnasal Drip and Sinus Infections Naturally

Noses are very useful when they work right, but when they don't, you can end up with too much mucus and lots of misery. Two related nose afflictions are postnasal drip and sinusitis (sinus infection). They can be caused by a virus, bacteria, dental problems, pollution, contamination or allergies.

Postnasal drip occurs when the vigorous wave motion of the cilia, or thread cells, in the nose, slows down because of dry mucus. The mucus turns gluey and secretions get stuck at the back of the nose.

Home remedies for postnasal drip include simply blowing your nose, flushing or gargling with salt water, drinking lots of fluids (plain water, herb tea or warm lemon water), cutting down on mucus-producing spicy foods and dairy, using a room humidifier, and just relaxing (stress leads to more mucus).

A nifty Yoga remedy for postnasal drip that's safe enough to use every day and may keep your nose permanently clear is a neti pot, which is similar to a teapot but with a longer spout. Use warm saltwater approximately the consistency of tears. Over a sink, tip your head to the side and insert the spout in one nostril, pouring in all the fluid, which should run out the other nostril. Then repeat the process with the second nostril. After you're done, blow your nose through both nostrils.

Sinusitis is an inflammation caused by swelling of some or all of the six sinus linings around the nose and blockage of their drainage channels. This causes mucus buildup, pressure and pain.

Home remedies for sinusitis are standing in a hot shower and inhaling the steam, blowing one nostril at a time to prevent buildup in the sinuses, drinking a lot of fluids, humidifying the room you're sleeping in, taking walks, and massaging your sinuses.

Herbal remedies for sinusitis include inhaling the steam of peppermint leaves from a bowl of boiling water or applying a wet pack of bruised peppermint leaves to the sinus area or a compress of tea wrapped around the bridge of the nose and head. Also, a fresh peeled pulped horseradish root mixed with the juice of two lemons in a jar can help, ½ tsp between meals for several months or until cleared. Another remedy is to inhale a fresh cut onion until you're unclogged. Not all spices, but certain ones, like garlic, contain chemicals that thin the mucus and decongest the sinuses.

Drinking an infusion of elderflower or goldenseal can also help, although the latter should be avoided if you have high blood pressure or you're pregnant. Aromatherapists recommend inhaling the steam of lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus. All three are antibacterial and anti-catarrhal.

Whatever remedies you try, remember to help keep your nose and sinuses in top condition by moderating your use of over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants.

Two excellent resources for understanding postnasal drip and sinusitis and what to do about them are "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies" and "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies."