From United States and Canada call
Post-Nasal Drip (PND) refers to mucus dripping from the back of the nose into the throat. It is also termed as the upper airway cough syndrome. PND is accompanied by a constant urge to clear the throat as the flow of fluid in the throat is irritating. Another offshoot of PND is that the irritants present in the secretions could initiate a cough reflex.
Homeopathic remedies offer a safe and natural cure for post-nasal drip cases, treating the problem very effectively. Homeopathy uses the body’s defense mechanism to combat the cause behind PND. This line of treatment is comparatively non-intrusive. Along with PND, associated symptoms like sore throat, hoarse voice, coughing, hawking and bad breath can also be relieved with homeopathic medicines.
Long-term relief and cure
Homeopathy heals the root cause behind sinusitis and offers long-term relief and cure. Since PND has various causes like cold, allergies, sinusitis, and acid reflux, homeopathy addresses these underlying causes as per the case to provide magnificent results. Homeopathic treatment, if continued regularly as guided by a qualified homeopath, can result in a wonderful recovery. It can also help in reducing dependence on conventional medicines used for PND treatment.
Individualized Treatment
As no two cases of PND are similar, the homeopathic medicines also vary from case to case. The characteristic symptoms in each case help to decide the individualized prescription. Individualized treatment tends to bring miraculous cure in cases of PND.
Safe, Gentle and Free of Side Effects
Homeopathy offers remedies for Postnasal Drip that are safe, successful and devoid of any side effects, whereas medicines used in the modern system of medicine may have side effects due to prolonged use. Homeopathic medicines are toxin-free as they are drawn out from natural substances, and they hence treat PND without any adverse effects. These can always help and never harm us. People of any age group can use these medicines to treat PND. However, the prescription of medicines, their potency and dosage vary for different age groups.
Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Post-Nasal Drip
The best 10 homeopathic medicines for PND are Hydrastis Canadensis, Kali Bichrome, Corallium Rubrum, Natrum Muriaticum, Hepar Sulphuris, Natrum Phosphoricum, Sticta Pulmonaris, Pulsatilla Nigricans, Kali Sulphuricum and Silicea Terra.
1. Hydrastis Canadensis – For PND With Thick Ropy Discharges
Homeopathy assures wonderful treatment for Post Nasal Drip. One of the top treatments in homeopathy for this condition is hydrastis. It is an ideal medicine if the secretions are very thick, ropy and sticky in form. The secretions fall from the posterior nares into the throat. The patient complains of irritation due to a continuous feeling of mucus in the throat. There is a lot of hawking in an attempt to expel the mucus. Usually, thick, yellow mucus is expectorated. Both the nares become raw and the person has a constant urge to blow out from the nose. In case of Postnasal Drip among children, the kid usually suddenly wakes up from sleep due to thick, sticky droppings. The throat feels raw and there is a lot of burning sensation.
When to use Hydrastis Canadensis?
This medicine is the best choice for managing Post Nasal Drip with thick, ropy and sticky secretions with a lot of hawking.
How to use Hydrastis Canadensis?
Hydrastis Canadensis can be used in different potencies like 30C, 200C, 1M. Initially, it is best to use it in 30C potency one to three times a day. For using higher potencies, it is advised to consult a qualified homeopath.
2. Kali Bichrome– For Post-Nasal Drip With Sinusitis
It is another reliable remedy for Post Nasal Drip. It is especially recommended in sinusitis cases when the secretions are thick, yellowish, greenish and ropy. The patient hawks a lot to clear the throat. The root of the nose and the frontal sinus are inflamed, causing a lot of pain and distress to the patient.
When to use Kali Bichrome?
This medicine is apt for the cases of PND linked to sinusitis with thick, yellowish, greenish, and ropy mucus discharges.
How to use Kali Bichrome?
It can be used in both low and high potencies, among which the most preferred is 30C potency once to thrice a day, depending on the intensity of the symptoms.
3. Corallium Rubrum – For Post-Nasal Discharges with Cough
Corallium Rubrum is a wonderful medicine and is used in cases when a lot of mucus is secreted through the posterior nares. The patient expectorates a lot of mucus. Besides, there is dry and spasmodic coughing. The nasal discharge has abundant secretions. A characteristic feature accompanying the above symptoms is the inhaled air that feels very cold.
When to use Corallium Rubrum?
It is a commonly indicated medicine for cough arising from PND.
How to use Corallium Rubrum?
It is advised to take this medicine in 30C potency one to two times daily.
4. Natrum Muriaticum– For PND Related to Allergic Rhinitis
Natrum Muriaticum is a leading homeopathic remedy to help cases of PND associated with cold or nasal allergy. Those who need it complain of mucus dripping from the nose into the throat, along with other symptoms of a cold or nasal allergy. These symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and watering eyes. The nose may be blocked sometimes.
When to use Natrum Muriaticum?
It is the most important medicine when it comes to treating PND linked with cold or nasal allergy. It is frequently accompanied by sneezing, a runny nose and watering eyes.
How to use Natrum Muriaticum?
This medicine is usually prescribed in 6X power. Natrum Mur 6X can be administered three to four times daily as per the severity of the complaint.
5. Hepar Sulphuris– When PND Is Linked With Cold or Sinusitis
This medicine is extremely beneficial when PND is associated with a cold and sinusitis. For those who need it, there is thick discharge from the nose along with sneezing. It gets triggered by cold air. The inhaled air feels cold inside the nose. The mucus dripping into the throat may be blood-stained.
When to use Hepar Sulphuris?
This medicine is recommended for PND in cases of cold or sinus infection, along with thick nasal discharge and sneezing that aggravates with exposure to cold air.
How to use Hepar Sulphuris?
Hepar Sulph 30C can be administered two to three times a day.
6. Natrum Phosphoricum– For Managing PND with Acid Reflux
If a person has acid reflux along with PND, this medicine can be administered. This medicine is required for thick, yellowish mucus that is found dripping into the throat. It aggravates at night and wakes one up from sleep. The person has to sit up to clear the throat. Besides, symptoms of acid reflux, like heartburn and sour burps, may accompany.
When to use Natrum Phosphoricum?
It’s administered when PND is associated with complaints of acid reflux. This medicine is usually required for cases of PND that get worse at night.
How to use Natrum Phosphoricum?
One may use Natrum Phos 6X twice or thrice a day.
7. Sticta Pulmonaria– For PND Accompanied by Blocked Nose
Sticta proves effective when there is dripping of mucus in the posterior throat and the nose is blocked. Fullness at the root of the nose is clearly felt. Nasal blockage gets worse at night and disturbs sleep. There is mucus in the throat that dries soon, forming scabs. There is an urge to blow the nose, but with little to no discharge at all.
When to use Sticta Pulmonaria?
It’s used when there is PND accompanied by nasal blockage and a sensation of fullness at the root of the nose.
How to use Sticta Pulmonaria?
Sticta 30C can be used one to two times a day.
8. Pulsatilla Nigricans – For Thick, Bland, Yellowish-Green Discharge
Pulsatilla is suited for catarrhal conditions with thick, mild (non-irritating) discharge. The mucus is often yellowish or greenish and may cause a constant urge to clear the throat. Symptoms aggravate in a warm, stuffy room and they get better in cool, fresh air. There is often a loss of taste and smell. The patient may have shifting symptoms and a gentle, emotional disposition.
When to use Pulsatilla Nigricans?
It is prescribed when there is thick, bland, yellowish or greenish mucus and PND gets worse at night in a warm room. The nose remains blocked in the evening. The blockage associated with sinusitis or after a common cold clears up in the morning.
How to use Pulsatilla Nigricans?
It is commonly used in 30C potency, 2–3 times daily in acute cases. Reduce frequency as improvement sets in.
9. Kali Sulphuricum – For Yellow, Slimy discharge with Constant Urge to Hawk
Kali Sulphuricum is used for the later stage of colds with mucous discharges that are yellowish in colour. The mucus is sticky, slimy, and may cause a rattling in the throat with a need to hawk out the mucus. Symptoms are aggravated in heated rooms and it improves in the open air. It is especially useful when PND persists after acute inflammation subsides.
When to use Kali Sulphuricum?
It is administered in chronic or sub-acute PND of yellowish, stringy or slimy mucus.
How to use Kali Sulphuricum?
It is often prescribed in 6X or 12X (biochemic form), 3–4 times a day. In higher potency 30C, use it 1–2 times daily depending on the severity of the symptoms.
10. Silicea Terra – For Chronic, Offensive Pus-like Discharges
Silicea is indicated in chronic sinus catarrhal where discharge is thick, purulent, and sometimes quite smelly. There may be post-nasal accumulation causing throat irritation and chronic coughing. The patient feels the chills, there is sensitivity to cold air, and one is prone to recurrent infections. It is useful in long-standing (chronic) sinusitis with blocked passages.
When to use Silicea Terra?
It is administered when there is chronic PND with sinus infection with thick pus-like discharges.
How to use Silicea Terra?
It is commonly administered in 30C potency once daily in chronic cases. In there is chronic tendency, higher potencies (200C) may be used, however, only under the supervision of a qualified homeopath.
Symptoms of Post-nasal Drip
Post-nasal drip is characterized by excessive mucus production by the nasal mucosa. This mucus then collects in the back of the nose or the throat, giving rise to:
1. Sensation of mucus falling from the back of the nose
2. Hawking and an urge to clear the throat frequently
3. A sore throat and chronic cough
4. Hoarse voice
5. Bad breath
6. Painful ear infections
Causes of PND
It can be caused by multiple reasons, which are as follows:
1. Cold & flu: These viral infections affect the nose and the throat. Among these, flu is more severe than a cold. These can cause PND along with other symptoms of nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing, sore throat, body aches, and fever.
2. Sinusitis: It refers to swelling and inflammation of air-filled spaces within the skull. It can lead to PND with other symptoms, such as headache, nasal discharge, nasal blockage, pain/ tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, nose, forehead, sore throat, and cough.
3. Nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis): It refers to a response to a specific allergen (like dust mites, pollens) causing sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and stuffy nose. PND may accompany these symptoms.
4. Non-allergic rhinitis: In this form of rhinitis, symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis appear, but there is no allergic reaction.
5. DNS (deviated nasal septum): A condition in which the wall that divides the nasal cavity into two halves is displaced to one side. As a result, one side of the nasal cavity becomes small, hindering mucus drainage, causing PND.
6. Gastric reflux: The backflow of stomach acid from the stomach into the food pipe, throat and mouth.
An object stuck in the nose in children can be one of the causes.
7. Some medicines: Medicines that help treat high blood pressure, and birth control pills, can trigger PND.
8. Pregnancy.
9. Swallowing disorder: In the case of swallowing disorders, the root cause lies not in excess production of mucus but rather in inadequate clearance of the throat.
10. Weather change, cold weather, dry air, and eating some food items like highly spicy food.
Pathophysiology
Our nose and throat produce small amounts of mucus continuously. This mucus has three functions. First, it keeps the nasal membrane moist. Second, it helps trap and filter any inhaled foreign matter (like viruses and bacteria) and last but not least, it fights infection. This mucus is being swallowed by everyone unconsciously. But when, due to whatever reason, the production of mucus increases, it starts to accumulate in the back of the throat. When excessive or thick mucus drips down the throat from the back of the nose, one at once becomes aware of it. The irritants in the mucus can activate receptors in the respiratory tract, resulting in protective coughing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I get post-nasal drip?
It can happen due to allergies, common cold, sinus infection, weather changes, dust exposure, pollution, or gastric reflux.
2. Is PND serious?
Usually, it is not serious, but if it lasts long enough or is associated with fever, severe headache, thick greenish/yellowish mucus, or there is breathing difficulty, medical consultation is a must.
3. Why is my cough worse at night?
When you lie down, mucus drains more easily into the throat, which may trigger coughing.
4. How can I reduce PND naturally?
Drinking warm water, steam inhalation, avoiding dust and allergens, staying hydrated, and avoiding very cold food may help.
5. When should I see a doctor?
If symptoms last more than 10–14 days, recur frequently, or are associated with high fever, facial pain, blood in the mucus, or if there is breathing difficulty.
6. Can PND be treated with homeopathy?
Yes, homeopathy can help by addressing the root cause, such as allergy, sinus tendency, or recurrent cold, based on individual symptoms.
7. Why do I constantly feel like clearing my throat?
Because mucus keeps collecting at the back of the throat, giving a sticky or irritating sensation.
8. Can PND cause bad breath?
Yes, accumulated mucus and throat irritation can lead to unpleasant breath.
9. Is thick mucus normal in PND?
Mucus can be thin and watery (usually allergy-related) or thick and sticky (often due to infection or sinusitis).
10. Why does my throat feel sore in the morning?
Mucus collects overnight while lying down, leading to morning throat irritation.
11. Does weather change worsen PND?
Yes, cold weather, sudden temperature changes, or pollution can aggravate symptoms.
12. Can PND affect my voice?
Yes, constant throat irritation and mucus can cause hoarseness or voice strain.
13. Can spicy food worsen PND?
Yes, in some people, spicy food may increase mucus production or trigger reflux, worsening the symptoms.
14. How long does PND usually last?
It depends on the cause. Viral causes improve in 1–2 weeks, but allergy-related or chronic sinus-related PND may last longer.
15. Can children get PND?
Yes, children commonly experience PND, especially with allergies or frequent colds.
Dear Sir,
I have suffering from Cold allergy,Sinusitis for the last 2 year.Due to cold ,internal part of the nose(Mucous) got swollen & resulting uneasy to breath.I got my nose operated but didn’t get any result.
Please suggest what to do….
Tausif Jawed
Mobile:7439051100
Sir, I have a complaint of frequently having to clear my throat from whitish,yellowish in morning , evening some time full day for last 1 and half year. Treated with allopathic , homeopathic and ayurvedic medicines I am feeling mostly mucus in my throat. In March 2013 an ENT doctor advised me to undergo for surgery in my nose. But as per my knowledge nothing is in my nose and have no feeling to clear my nose. If u have any suggestion/homeo medicine please advice.
hello doc,
from the past 1 18 to 20 months in i suffering from severe post nasal dripping problem,i been through lots of doctorc and medicines but none of them showed any positive results.i have to cough all the time to clear my throat that feels very bad,a transparent crystal clear and very sticky mucus comes out all the time,but sometimes it sticks on the respiratory track and its very painfull.in the morning everyday after takink breakfast my chest feels like there is something stuck in it and i have to cough and cough reaaly very baddy to take out the mucus after continuous coughing a greenish whitish mucus comes out after that i feel a little relaxed,but as u know there is a lot of pollution in my environment as i go to work again the dripping starts and i have to clear the throat all day long it feels very bad and my day to day life is becoming worse,please help me get rid of this disease
Dear Dr. Sharma,
I have been suffering from post nasal drip for last around 26 years. It gives me very annoying feeling and discomfort. I keep on clearing my post nasal accumulation of mucous continually. I have taken all kinds of treatment, Allopathic and Homoeopathic but all in vain. Most interesting, one of the ENT Specialist declared my case as a psycho case instead of treating me.
Ultimately, stopped going to doctors and left it to God.
Can you please help me in this regards
Thanking you
Purshottam
Dear Dr Sharma,
I have very old problem of pnd. i used lot of medicine of aliphatic , hekmat, as well as homeo.but my problem is still exist. now i am very sad,and tense due every time.24 hr pnd have maked my life very very bed.please advise me in this regard.
Regards,
Mehboob
I have post nasal dropping , have to clear the throat as there is sensation of sticking of thick white mucus. This is more in the morning and remains for 2 hrs or so. There is sensation of plug in throat (due to sticking of mucus(. Further there is stuffed up feeling in the nose. has to clear it but little or nothing comes out.
I am extra careful , anxiously cautious, anxiety if i have to travel or do something which depends on others, to some extent choosy in spending not exactly miserly, apprehensive. Problem of irriable bowel syndrome . gripping in the stomach after the a/n meals.
Taken Kali Bichrom, 200 4/5 doses, argentum nitricum 200 and hydrastis candensis 200 6/7 doses in past 1 month, I am 65 and height 5 feet 8 inch body weight around 79 kg , mostly around belly .
Pl suggest medicine.
Regds
VKS
dear sir,
I am suffered from extreme cold for last 6 years. I have tried almost every type of remedies ranging from allopathy , ayurvedic to homeopathy but nothing worked for me. All type of medicines are providing just temporary relief for few hours and often leave their effect after a week or few days. A surgery was also done in 2008 but again providing no relief. Due to this problem I am losing my breathing power because secretion occurs at night in throat while sleeping causing sleeplessness and breathing problems. It has also weakened my memory and sex power leading to in-activeness & powerlessness. There is no relief in any season either it is winter or summer.The problem starts soon after i get up in the morning with excessive sneezing and watery secretion. Recently doctors have done a PNS CT-SCAN which shows nasal polyps. The doctors are recommending immediate surgery but there is no guarantee of relief.Now I have been taking homeopathic medicine for about two years which have cured nasal polyps to some extent but secretion is still exist. One last thing I would like to tell you is that I have allergies too from some antibiotics & especially from dust. Please tell me If there is any remedy for me. I hope you would not let me down.
“looking forward to hearing from you soon”.
Hello Doctor,
Could you please advise some homeopathic remedies for post nasal drip. My son is 19.He has sinus problems and had a septoplasty recently. But he always has post nasal drip and halitosis due to that.He also does nasal rinse at least twice a day butthat doesn’t help much.
I am looking for a permanent cure.your response will be appreciated.
Thanks
Am
I have had bad vertigo, lost of post nasel drip and a lot of mucus in my throat. Everything dries my nose out giving me a bad headache but not clearing the post nasel and throat mucus causing bad vertigo. I have allergies and tmj. Just my one ear hurts and fills full a lot. Please help ! Thank Tou Connie
Dear Doctor Sharma,
Dear doctor this is Navaid Khan from Pakistan, I hope you will help me, I have problem of Post Nasal Dripping, i feel much secretion and Sticky mucus in my throat, and than i feel short breathing and much discomfort and at that time i feel congested to my nostrils, and short briting, my chest is always clear, i feel too much thick and sometimes thin mucus in my throat and Swallow it, because i am unable to relies it from my mouth because it’s very thick.
these symptoms comes and ago by their own, but now since last month i feel my symptoms goes only for 1 or 2 days and come back again, i am sleeping at air condition room 1st time in this summer season, is it the problem or what?
please help me and proscribe any best homeopathic medicine for me i am too much worry and feeling much discomfort please help me i will pray for you plz.
waiting to your reply,
Regards,
Navaid Khan.
Hello Dr. Sharma,
After reading about Post Nasal Drip problems I am sure that homeopathic medicine can cure this problem. I have been experiencing irritation in throat on and off for large part of the year and as I live in Toronto the weather conditions also aggravate the situation. I experience a lot of coughing which is caused by dripping from the nasal passage into the throat and also have stuffy nose and which causes problems in sleep also. The cough problem makes it very embarrassing in public and in office where I know that it is because of pnd but people may come to other conclusions also. I need help in the above matter.
Thanks
Yunus
sir,
i am dr.parveen ,an ophthalmologist practising in chennai.
iam having post nasal drip where i clear my throat and then unable to breath fully which causes chest discomfort ,relieved either by yawning or belching,.
i have been to ENT,PHYSICIAN ,as well as PULMONOLOGIST,WHO PRESCRIBED ANTI ALLERGICS AND STEROID INHALERS,.still symptoms persist .pl advise.
I have been having severe pain in the front part of my forehead and temples for the past two months. .An irritating post nasal drip which has me clearing my throat and sometimes my voice changes.
Early morning on getting up I throw up a lot of sticky white foamy phlegm and also have a dry cough which gets worse after 5pm.
Been on antihistamines and decongestants nothing is giving me a long term relief. I am confused about choosing a remedy is it for sinus or rhinitis? Please advice.
Chitra
hello sir.
my name is kushal
i have problem of post nasal discharge and constant feeling of sticky cough in throat.
this problem worsens and dripping increases when i am sitting directly under full speed fan and while i drive bike at high speed. so it increases by wind draft exposure….
what is the treatment for this? and how long is the duration of treatment?
Sufering from pnd.difficult toexpectorate sputum.tell me remedy pl
My 5 year old daughter suffers fro post natal drip quite regularly.
She has been on homeopathy on & off.
At present ,she has been suffering from PND SINCE LAST 3 weeks, has developed fever for which I am giving her paracetamol.
Her breath smells and there is continuos discharge in throat.she also suffers from localised eczema on arms.
What medication do you suggest?
Dear Dr.Sharma,
I am suffering from a post nasal drip coughing. I feel sever irritation or something has stuck on my throat and i start coughing. it is worst usually at night. i really want to get rid of it. So please help me . with modern medicine it get temporarily relieved.
Thanks and regards.
Arati
I am suffering from PND cough since last 4 months. Continuous dripping of white secretion irrates my throat again and again resulting in severe cough. Mostly cough starts on exposing to cool wind. In morning yellowish or some times greenish secretion excretes from chest or throat. Have tried a number of allopathic medicines but in vain and thus requests for your help.
Suffering from post nasal drip since last 3 years, tried everything in allopathy. No relief. Situation is getting worsen as I am tired with mucus dropping at the back of my throat, fatigue, pain in legs and arms, and ear blocked with mucus, mucus movement sensation in ear.
Please suggest if there is any treatment for the same to get cure or relief from my illness.
Thanks
#9811974775
Hello.
This winter I got bad cold and cough. And know I am suffering from post nasal drip for quite some time. I feel mucus dripping at the back of my throat.I feel irritation at times in my throat and feel the urge to clean throat. At times with great difficulty little cough comes out. I feel like spitting also at times. Please suggest.
Dear Dr.Sharma.
Iam suffering for a long time with Post nasal drip condition. I always feel like clearing my Throat and i cough to clear my throat. very uneasy feeling. as sugeted by you “CORA LLIUM RUBRAUM” IS THE ANSWER FOR ME. if so waht dose i need to take. Please advise me.
With Regards,
Nagendra
please medicine name
Constant sore throa with watery eyes and a bad cough whenever my throat tickles. Often keeps me up at night. No relief from cough medication
i have problem of post nasal drip since last 6 years(1. secretions like green,yellow,and thick water base lying throughout the day in mouth with smel,some mucus lying in my chest i have vissle in my chest and i devlop asthma due to post nasal drip please sugeest treatment
Dear Dr. Sharma, I have a complaint of frequently having to clear my throat from whitish,yellowish in morning and at times greenish(in winter) nasal drip. Had sinusitis about 10 years ago, treated with allopathic and homeopathic medicines. One ENT specialist had made a small hole in the middle nose partition to clear deposits around eyes & forehead then. Now have to clear nose a few times especially in the morning and frequent hard sneezes when concentrating on job on computer or books. 2. while start my meals, the first bite gets stuck in the throat/food pipe, have to take few sips of water to push it down. 3. Occasional swelling and socks bite/marks around ankles. I am otherwise ok, healthy and work normally. my age is 64 years. I take one tablet a day of Olmezest 40 mg for BP since 2-3 years. Please advise. Thank you.
I have been having postnasal drip for about last 2 months and I need your help. After reading your article I believe that I can heal it with homoeopathic remedies but I’m not sure which one to use. I have been to the doctor (conventional) and all they say is that it’s probably allergies and they tell me to use a steroid nose spray
The secretions in my throat are sticky in form. I would say that they are most of the time white in colour. I have a dry cough due to a continuous feeling of mucus in the throat. I have a hawking cough during the day and night occasionally trying to expel the mucus (sometimes I succeed but then it never lasts long, and I will be doing it again).
On the other hand, my nose is not congested and I have no urge to blow the nose. I can breathe through it fine. I have got no pain in my sinus area in the face, I
I would like to add that here are the things that I have tried:
–
– I am using the steroid nasal spray for last one week
I hope you can help me out I am looking forward to hearing you soon please do reply me at my email which is given as under I will be grateful to you Thanking you in anticipation and highly obliged of you.
Yours sincerely,
Ahmed Syed