Home > Herbalism > Tea > Respiratory System > Post Nasal Drip
21 minutes

Last updated: Apr 16, 2024

10 best herbal teas for post nasal drip

When it comes to alleviating postnasal drip, certain herbal teas have proven to be highly effective.

Peppermint tea is a top choice, as its cooling properties help to thin out excess mucus and reduce congestion. Ginger tea is another excellent option, as its natural anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce swelling in the nasal passages, thereby minimizing drips and discomfort. Echinacea tea is also a popular choice, as its immune-boosting properties help to combat underlying infections that can contribute to postnasal drip.

By incorporating these herbal teas into your daily routine, you may find relief from the constant sniffles and congestion.

1. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm tea provides relief from post nasal drip due to its demulcent properties, which mean it has a soothing, protective filming effect.

This film, created by the release of mucilage when the tea contacts mucous membranes, reduces irritation. As a result, the overproduction of mucus in the nasal passages slows, alleviating the sensation of post nasal drip. Slippery elm's high mucilage content also helps to lubricate and moisturize inflamed tissues, further minimizing the symptoms of post nasal drip.

Additionally, this tea's anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties help fight off possible infections causing excessive mucus production responsible for post nasal drip.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in slippery elm tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in slippery elm tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm tea for post nasal drip.

  1. Measure out 1-2 teaspoons of dried slippery elm bark.
  2. Place bark in a tea infuser or loose in a teapot.
  3. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the bark.
  4. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then remove the bark.
  5. Drink the tea slowly, up to three times a day for post nasal drip relief.

2. Marshmallow

Marshmallow tea provides relief for post nasal drip due to its demulcent properties, which imply that it releases a mucilaginous substance that creates a protective film in the mouth and throat.

This soothing film, in turn, reduces irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract, alleviating discomfort caused by persistent mucus accumulation. Moreover, marshmallow tea's antitussive effects further contribute to post nasal drip relief by suppressing chronic coughing, which often exacerbates the condition. Additionally, the hydrating nature of the tea thins out the mucus, promoting effortless expulsion and reducing its overall production.

Lastly, research indicates that certain constituents of the marshmallow plant exhibit anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, further aiding in the reduction of post nasal drip symptoms and fostering overall respiratory health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in marshmallow tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for post nasal drip.

  1. Boil 2 cups of water and steep 2 teaspoons of marshmallow root for 10 minutes.
  2. Strain the tea to remove the marshmallow root.
  3. Add 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey to the marshmallow tea for sweetness.
  4. Squeeze half a lemon into the tea for added vitamin C.
  5. Drink the marshmallow tea warm, up to 3 times a day for post nasal drip relief.

3. Licorice

Licorice tea provides relief for post nasal drip due to its active constituent, glycyrrhizin.

This compound fights inflammation by inhibiting the production of key inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Consequently, licorice tea soothes irritated mucous membranes, reducing excessive mucus secretion and alleviating post nasal drip symptoms. Additionally, glycyrrhizin exhibits expectorant properties, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.

Lastly, licorice tea's demulcent qualities form a protective film over the mucous membranes, further preventing irritation and minimizing post nasal drip.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for post nasal drip.

  1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of dried licorice root.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the licorice root solids.
  4. Optional: add honey or lemon to taste.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day for post nasal drip relief.

4. Goldenrod

Goldenrod tea provides relief from post nasal drip due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, derived from the compound called kaempferol.

This compound helps reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, thereby alleviating congestion. Additionally, goldenrod tea contains tannins known for their astringent qualities, which tighten and dry mucous membranes, decreasing the production of excess mucus.

Furthermore, its antimicrobial properties, attributed to the essential oil content, can help fight off infections causing post nasal drip. By sipping warm goldenrod tea, the steam inhaled aids in clearing nasal passages, providing immediate and soothing relief.

Ultimately, goldenrod tea's diverse beneficial compounds make it an ideal natural remedy for post nasal drip.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in goldenrod tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in goldenrod tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenrod tea for post nasal drip.

  1. Chop 1-2 tablespoons of fresh or dried goldenrod flowers and leaves.
  2. In a tea infuser or mesh strainer, place the chopped goldenrod.
  3. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the infuser or directly into the cup.
  4. Steep the goldenrod for 5-10 minutes, then remove the infuser or strain the tea.
  5. Drink the tea up to three times a day for post nasal drip relief.

5. Yerba Santa

Yerba santa tea provides relief from post-nasal drip due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This herbal tea, derived from the leaves of the yerba santa plant, contains abundant flavonoids and essential oils. These compounds work together to stimulate the discharge of mucus, easing congestion in the respiratory tract. Moreover, yerba santa tea soothes inflamed membranes, reducing irritation in the throat caused by persistent post-nasal drip.

As a result, this tea brings swift, effective relief from bothersome post-nasal drip symptoms.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in yerba santa tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in yerba santa tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yerba santa tea for post nasal drip.

  1. Measure: Grab 2 tablespoons of dried Yerba Santa leaves.
  2. Steep: Steep the leaves in boiling water (8oz) for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain: Strain the tea to remove the leaves, leaving only the liquid.
  4. Sweeten (optional): Add honey or lemon to taste.
  5. Sip: Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day.

6. Echinacea

Echinacea tea assists with post nasal drip due to its proven anti-inflammatory properties.

This herbal tea, derived from the echinacea plant, reduces inflammation in the throat, thereby alleviating irritation caused by excessive mucus. Its immune-boosting abilities shorten the duration of colds and flu, common causes of post nasal drip. Furthermore, echinacea's expectorant qualities help clear airways of mucus, providing relief from related symptoms.

Finally, echinacea tea's antimicrobial and antiviral effects inhibit further infection, promoting overall respiratory health and reducing post nasal drip.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in echinacea tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in echinacea tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic echinacea tea for post nasal drip.

  1. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of dried echinacea flowers or 4 echinacea tea bags.
  2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the tea into a teapot or a cup.
  4. Add honey or lemon juice to taste, if desired.
  5. Drink the tea while it's still warm, up to three times a day.

7. Fenugreek

Fenugreek tea alleviates post-nasal drip due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling in the nasal passages and throat.

This herbal tea contains mucilage, a substance that forms a protective coating on the mucous membranes, soothing irritation. Furthermore, fenugreek's natural expectorant qualities help eliminate excess mucus, while its soothing warmth provides comfort and relief.

Additionally, fenugreek exhibits antibacterial properties, combating potential infections contributing to post-nasal drip.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in fenugreek tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in fenugreek tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fenugreek tea for post nasal drip.

  1. In a small pot, boil 2 cups of water for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried fenugreek seeds, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the seeds.
  4. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
  5. Sip the tea slowly, allowing it to coat your throat, for immediate relief.

8. Plantain

Plantain tea provides relief from post nasal drip due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The plantain herb, from which the tea is derived, contains mucilage, a substance that forms a protective film on the mucous membrane, reducing irritation. This film also helps to lubricate and moisturize the throat, limiting excessive mucus production. Furthermore, plantain tea's demulcent properties alleviate inflammation in the respiratory tract, diminishing the severity of post nasal drip symptoms.

Finally, the antibacterial agents present in plantain tea inhibit the growth of infection-causing microorganisms, addressing one of the potential causes of post nasal drip.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in plantain tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in plantain tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain tea for post nasal drip.

  1. Peel and slice 2 ripe plantains, then add them to a pot of water (4 cups).
  2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Strain the liquid to remove plantain pieces, then let it cool for a few minutes.
  4. Add honey and lemon juice to taste, stirring until fully dissolved.
  5. Serve the plantain tea while warm, up to three times a day as needed.

9. Thyme

Thyme tea brings relief to post nasal drip due to its potent anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

Thyme, the herbal ingredient in the tea, contains compounds called flavonoids that reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, thus alleviating excess mucus production. Moreover, thyme's volatile oils, specifically thymol, work as a powerful expectorant, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the throat and airways.

As a natural antimicrobial agent, thyme also combats infection-induced post nasal drip by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses. By sipping warm thyme tea, both the soothing heat and herbal benefits bring immediate comfort and promote healing in the irritated tissues of the throat.

Therefore, thyme tea's multifaceted actions make it an ideal natural remedy for post nasal drip.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in thyme tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme tea for post nasal drip.

  1. In a small pot, boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves to the boiling water, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for an additional 10 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea to remove the thyme leaves.
  5. Sip the warm thyme tea, allowing it to soothe your post nasal drip.

10. Chamomile

Chamomile tea brings relief to post nasal drip due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The herbal tea, made from Matricaria recutita flowers, contains flavonoids that reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Its soothing warmth also helps to alleviate congestion by stimulating the cilia, tiny hair-like structures, to move mucus out of the nose and throat. Furthermore, chamomile's antimicrobial and antiviral attributes aid in fighting infections causing excess mucus production.

Lastly, the calming effects of chamomile tea on the nervous system can indirectly help post nasal drip by reducing stress-induced inflammation and mucus build-up.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with post nasal drip.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with post nasal drip.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for post nasal drip.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water in a kettle or pot, reaching a temperature of 205-212°F.
  2. Place one tea bag or 1-2 teaspoons of loose chamomile flowers in a tea infuser or empty teapot.
  3. Pour the hot water over the chamomile in the teapot or teacup, allowing it to steep for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea bag or infuser from the teapot or teacup to prevent over-steeping.
  5. Enjoy the warm chamomile tea, adding honey or lemon to taste, if desired.

What is post nasal drip and how can it affect your life?

Post nasal drip is a condition where excess mucus from the nose and sinuses drains down the back of the throat, causing persistent irritation and discomfort.

This constant dripping can lead to coughing, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing, significantly impacting a person's quality of life.

Sleep disturbances, lack of focus, and reduced productivity at work or school are common among those affected by post nasal drip.

What other natural remedies help with post nasal drip?

Post nasal drip, characterized by an excess production of mucus in the back of the throat, often responds well to natural remedies.

One such remedy is a saline nasal spray, which helps to thin and drain the mucus, reducing congestion. Gargling with warm salt water several times a day is another effective method, as it helps to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation in the throat. Furthermore, increasing hydration by drinking plenty of water, clear broths, and decaffeinated teas can also help to thin the mucus and promote drainage.

Lastly, using a humidifier in the home or office adds moisture to the air, further helping to alleviate the symptoms of post nasal drip.