Post Nasal Drip Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Post nasal drip is a common condition where excess mucus from the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat, often causing discomfort, coughing, and difficulty swallowing.
Herbal remedies offer a natural and effective way to treat this ailment, as they can help reduce inflammation, thin mucus, and promote healthy nasal secretions.
Certain herbs such as Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Sage have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms, while others like Thyme, Oregano, and Eucalyptus have antimicrobial properties that can combat underlying infections.
Herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, and salves can be used to treat post nasal drip, with options like Echinacea tea to soothe the throat, Goldenseal tincture to reduce inflammation, and Eucalyptus oil in a steam inhaler to open up airways.
What causes post nasal drip?
The primary causes of post nasal drip are allergies and respiratory infections such as the common cold or sinusitis, which irritate the nasal passages and cause excess mucus production.
Secondary causes can include smoking, exposure to pollution and dust, and certain medications like antihistamines, which can dry out the mucous membranes and exacerbate the condition.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing post nasal drip include working in dusty or polluted environments, living in areas with high levels of air pollution, and consuming spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the nasal passages.
Additionally, people with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions such as chronic bronchitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also more susceptible to developing post nasal drip.
What herbs heal post nasal drip?
The medicinal herbs used to treat post nasal drip are Echinacea, Licorice root, and Thyme, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help alleviate congestion and soothe the nasal passages.
Echinacea contains bioactive compounds such as alkylamides and caffeic acid that exhibit immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, while Licorice root's glycyrrhizin helps reduce inflammation and Thyme's thymol has antimicrobial properties.
Thyme's thymol and Echinacea's alkylamides also exhibit mucolytic actions, helping to break down and clear excess mucus from the nasal passages.
Additionally, Licorice root's glycyrrhizin helps to dry up excess mucus production, providing relief from post nasal drip.
What preparations treat post nasal drip?
The herbal preparations used to treat post nasal drip are often found in soothing teas and infusions, such as those made from certain flowers and trees that have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
Others, made from roots and bark, possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages, providing relief from the discomfort of post nasal drip.
Certain leaves and seeds can be used to make infusions that help to thin mucus, making it easier to expel, while others have decongestant properties that can help to reduce nasal congestion.
Additionally, some herbal preparations, like those made from fruits and berries, have antimicrobial properties that can help to combat underlying infections that may be contributing to post nasal drip.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat post nasal drip.