Gargling

Gargling

Try gargling with warm salt water. Better yet, make an herbal gargle with sage and cayenne pepper. The physical action of gargling helps to decongest inflamed tissues. Salt shrinks irritated throat passages and provides comfort. Sage provides soothing relief, freshens bad breath, and diminishes bacterial growth. Cayenne numbs uncomfortable mucus membranes and kills bacteria. Use a minimum of one fourth of a cup of fluid each time that you gargle. The following recipe is an adaptation of world famous herbalist Rosemary Gladstar’s remedy for sore throats.
Gargle Recipe for Post Nasal Drip
1. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over 4 teaspoons of dried sage leaves or 4 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves.
2. Add a tiny pinch of whole cayenne pepper seeds. Cover the container.
3. After twenty minutes, strain out the herbs. Add one tablespoonful each of apple cider vinegarand salt to the liquid. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
4. Let cool. Gargle as desired. If you have access to marshmallow root, add two teaspoonfuls of it to the blend when brewing the herbs. It is a very soothing herb. You may obtain marshmallow root from herb shops and natural food stores.
Eat Spicy Foods
It may seem counter-intuitive to eat spicy foods to get rid of post nasal drip as hot spicy foods often makes noses run. Foods and seasonings like horseradish, garlic, ginger, onions, and hot peppers contain potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which reduce swelling and fight infection. Initially you may find that your nose runs, but then the post nasal drainage will diminish. The anti-inflammatory actions help to relieve discomfort, thin secretions, and open up clogged sinus and nasal passages.
Take a Hot Shower or Bath
A hot shower or bath provides needed moisture to sore tissues. You may be thinking,”my tissues are wet enough”. However, inhaling the water vapor from a shower or hot bath thins secretions, and helps to get rid of irritating substances which may be precipitating your post nasal drip. Make a bath even more effective by adding several drops of essential oils to the tub. Eucalyptus and rosemary oils are especially beneficial.
Use a Neti Pot
Even mainstream ear, nose, and throat specialists recognize the value of this ancient Ayurvedic practice. A neti pot rinses out the nasal cavity. Follow instructions on the product label for use and care of the pot.
Saline Spray
It is not always convenient to use a neti pot. If you are on the go or if you have a child who suffers from post nasal drip, purchase some saline nasal spray. It is safe, inexpensive and may provide immediate relief of post nasal drip.