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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.
Hello Dr Sharma
I m 34 yrs old , last 2 year suffering from AR , PND, wheezing, breathlessness in night occasionally. Took allopathic, ayurvedic,homeopathic treatments, but not permanent cure.
Now only focussing on treating through naturally diet, exercise, homeopathic treatments.pls suggest.
Thankyou
Dear DR. Sharma,
Please inform me what can be done for constant rhinitis and excess production of mucus. I have had this for many years, now as a senior, it has gotten worse. There are times I sneeze for hours and have to get out of bed to clear the mucous. I have tried many allergy meds and do not want to use them as the relief is temp and the side effects are many.
Can you help? If so what is the cost as I am a writer with only SS?
thank you for any help.
Barbra
Hello doctor,
I am continuously feeling cough in back of my throat. Consulted many doctors who said it it PND and gave me allegra m . Symptons reduced but not completely. Can you suggest homeopathic medicine for my lingering cough
I have post nasal drip and after that I start coughing. All this repeated few times in the year.
I have hydrastis and corallium rubrum in potention of 30c. How many times daily can I take this remedies to make my condition better?
please,pnd+acid reflex position me best homeopathic medicine kya hai.thanks
I am suffering from post nasal drip for last 6 months. My breathing passages seem clear as I am able to breathe. No phlegms come out of nose but constant irritation due to post nasal drip behind.
I have been suffering from throat allergy for last 28 years. I got severe irritation in my throat which results continuous forceful cough. I do have deviation in my right nose and it is closed most of the time . I also have severe gastric problem and my stomach mostly get bloated even if I take little amount of food. I have been to many doctors over the years. Some says acid reflux and some says nasal drive responsible for this allergy. I have tried all types of medicines, it is whether allergy medicine or gastric. No results but sometimes it goes automatically and comes back again after a short while. I do have mucus produced in my throat which is salty. The mucus produced from my nose is also salty. Please help.
After a year of constant PND (clear, thick, and slimy) which at night drains into lungs causing me to be awakened by cough which brings up 1/2-1 teaspoon of light yellow mucus, and having to sleep in a recliner sitting up to get any rest; my ENT said i needed sinus surgery because the passages were too small and almost closed off. He said the surgery would “fix the PND problem” It did not. I use a saline rinse 2-3 times a day. the only nasal spray that has any effect at all is Atrovent/Ipratropium. A new ENT told me to quit using it and take mucinex expectorant to thin out the mucus and that because of the surgery cutting away so much tissue in the sinus, there is nothing for the mucus to stick to so my body makes too much.
Mucinex did not slow or stop the PND. I need some help and was thinking of trying Natrum Muriaticum and Corallium Rubrum. Anything you can advise that will stop this PND?
I think you got post nasal drip. You can take antihistamine. If it does not work take montilukast daily 10mg 1 tablet. If it does not work may be u got acid reflux, take omeprazole. Do not rely on homeo remedy, it is not helpful.
Hello sir, I’m 57yrs old allopathic doctor and have been suffering from chronic post nasal drip since years. It’s very terrible and there is always feeling sensation of mucus in throat and keep me coughing To get rid of mucus . I have no DNS. Sinusitis or polyp. It has been worst. I’ll be great full if you send me treatment.
Regards
Dr. Parkash Hans
+923362917715
Which remedy will work for PND in Chronic allergic rhinitis with fluent discharge easily hawked up without cough.
Dear Doctor,
I need to give you a brief history of my experiences with Post Nasal Drip or PND so that you can advise me correctly how to proceed.
I am a 62 year old man who had retired a few years back after a full tenure in the forces I had been in pretty good health all along and I have no lifestyle diseases or ailments.
In May 2016, when I was in Chennai, I had my first experience with PND. It was a long rainy spell at that time. It took all kinds of allopathic medication to treat it at that time. I suspected sinusitis but it seemed it was only a Deviated Nasal Septum which is supposedly very common. The severe period of PND lasted for about 10 days though it took about a few weeks for it to subside completely. Curiously, there was no relapse of PND even during the cyclonic storms in 2017 when it rained heavily for many days in Chennai.
I moved to Hyderabad in 2018 and there have been a few monsoon seasons here too but I did not have PND so far. However I seem to have got PND again as a result of Pharyngitis in the last three days since 20 August 2020 during the rains here in the last 10 days. It has been raining continuously here in Hyderabad with the sun coming out only once for a few hours. With heavy allopathic medication, the PND seems to be under control but I had some severe throat pain, and even a bit of a traumatic throat blockage. Not much of phlegm as such and even that was not very yellow actually, but the PND itself was quite uncomfortable. There was great difficulty in swallowing the phlegm too and pushing it down. I would like to add that there was no temperature or cold or headache or loss of smell or appetite etc, so there was no fear of COVID.
What is worrying me is that as my age advances, the throat muscles will get weaker and if I have Pharyngitis and PND again any time in the future, it will definitely be very painful and extremely uncomfortable. Therefore, I want to seek your advice on the following.
1. Permanent cure for PND so that I don’t get this at all in future.
2. Medication to strengthen my throat muscles so I don’t have a swallowing problem.
3. Preventive medication to avoid pharyngitis in future, since it appears that I am susceptible to pharyngitis in rainy seasons even though I don’t get a cold or fever or headache etc.
I shall be grateful for your detailed advice.
Regards.
Hi
I have a problem with basal obstruction for two days and the third day I feel pnd it’s been three months. have got done septoplasty and chochoplasty 17 days before. but no relief. Please help me out. And the mucus is sticky and rubbery and keeps dripping inside mouth with pressure and its white or transparent.
Please help me out with this. According to surgeon everything is fine. But I am having constant problem
Dr Sharama. I have Post nasal drip for almost 2 months. been to several Drs included An ENT . Tried several prescriptions, steroid
Sprays Nasal Saline sprays. Etc. . It’s not infection . All these Meds just made me more dry, Please , any help would be so Appreciated. Thank You. Rich
Hi hope you can help ive been to so many doctors hospitals and everyone is telling me different
.someone mentioned post natal drip to me last week and my symptoms are similar in every way ..had this problem over two years now .can only think from the time the urbanization was getting reharled and maybe picked up an infection then ..1 doctor suggested laser surgery to open nasal passage ..it goes into my chest quite a lot resulting in me havin palpatations .seems to build in throat more than the ear or nose
Hi
I have a continual post nasal drip since 2015 which is worse in the change of seasons and when I lie flat on my back, it is often accompanied by a headache. As a child I had several ear infections resulting in multi doses of antibiotics.
in 2018 I saw a three ENT consultants and had both a gastroscopy and chest X rays in an attempt to discover when clearing my throat I found blood in the expelled mucus.
All investigations came back clear.
I avoid dairy and alcohol and only drink one cup of coffee a day. I have tried so many home remedies including steam inhalation netti pot aromatherapy oils.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received
Many thanks
I have a problem of PND. I am on homoepathic medicine from a Doctor. My worry is more on throat as I have lot of irritation and burning sensation. I do gorgilling with salt water twice a day. Lot of transparent mucus comes out. Sometimes I feel problem is over but next day again dryness and irritation starts. The problem is persistent since last two months.
I live in Sydney Australia and I am an issue of excess post nasal drip. This condition is worse in the morning following eating breakfast. In which a cough follows in an attempt to remove an excess of mucus from my throat. The cough becomes hawking in nature and not a pleasant feeling. The mucus is clear to beige in colour.
Regards
James
From five years coughing problem..feeling always mucus is coming from nose to throat which causes excessive cough..after bus traveling to my job it happens
Dr, I’m having the problem of PND since past 3 months. I have tried with allopathy medicines but no results. Let me explain my condition.
1. I have pain in my eyelid and eye balls
2. No nose block nor running nose
3. Always have a sensation of some thing in throat
4. Sticky feeling in throat and on tongue. Feel like forcefully remove the mucus from throat but when I try it does not come.
5. I Have BP and some times have Margarine problem.
presently I’m using homepathic Hydrastis, Kali Bich and corallium Rub from past 5 days but no improvement is shown. Pls Dr, help me to get rid of this PND
Thanks for your support
Hello Dr,
I am having pollen allergy and my recent allergy testing confirmed that i am having allergy to most of the weeds and specificaally oak tree. My Doctor said that i am having post nasal drip and cough. When i was doing research, i came though your site and like to know what is the best medicine for this.
Please get back to me.
Hello Dr. Sharma
I am 52 years old and live in Calgary, Canada. I get allergies almost all year. These days I suffer from post nasal dripping and cough. I feel urge to keep clearing my throat. I have problems sleeping at night due to this.
I am allergic to dust
Any recommendations?
Thanks
Harv
Hi Dr. Sharma,
(A) I am 59 now. I have a problem of focusing and concentrating on reading my books and learning new soft wares which require hard work, persistence, patience and practice. In other words i am lethargic and slow moving person. Can you kindly suggest any homeopathic medicine. I shall appreciate.
(B) My son has just passed his MBBS exam. I want him to learn Homeopathy as well but he doesn’t believe in it. Could you please advise any book through which he can start believing in Homeopathy as a natural curative system.
Thank you so much
I have a nasal drip which causes tickling and coughing to clear throat. At times the mucus has blood in it. Can you advise what homeopathic medicine to take to cure this. It happens at night more than the day.