Nasal drip occurs when the membranes that line the nose and sinuses produce excess mucus. This mucus then can affect the upper respiratory tract by trapping miniscule particles before they reach the lungs, creating uncomfortable symptoms like difficulty in breathing. Nasal drip can be caused by colds, flus, allergies, hormonal changes, and sensitivity to certain foods and spices. Using herbs to treat nasal drip is a common and effective way to treat the problem without having to resort to pharmaceutical drugs
Herbal Treatments
Also called catarrh or sinusitis, nasal drip can easily be treated by single herbs or a combination of herbs that help to dissolve mucus, relieve congestion, and reduce inflammation. Side effects are uncommon for herbal remedies.
Advantages of Using Herbs
When used alone or together in a tea or tincture, herbs can help reduce symptoms and effectively treat the root cause of the problem.
Herbs for Treating Nasal Drip
The most common herbs for treating nasal drip include Barberry, Goldenseal, Fenugreek, Licorice, Echinacea, Anise Seed, and Slippery Elm Powder.
Barberry is an anti-microbal herb that contains berberine alkaloids--an agent that fight against infection and stimulates the immune system. The herb Goldenseal also contains the same properties.
Fenugreek is a strong astringent that helps to relieve congestion and allows the body to eliminate excess mucus through expectoration.
Licorice is an excellent anti-inflammatory.
Echinacea is famous for boosting the immune system. It also helps to treat and eliminate infections.
Anise seeds are used to break up mucus. It also functions as an expectorant.
Slippery Elm powder soothes mucus membranes and works as an anti-inflammatory.
Eucalyptus helps to loosen mucus in the respiratory system, prevents infection and works as a powerful antiseptic. A tea made with the Eucalyptus leaves works as an excellent gargle. Place leaves in a deep pan filled with boiled water and place a towel over your head to inhale the steam. This is an excellent way to encourage mucus from leaving the body. A very effective formula used in Germany is to drink a tea made of gentian root, primrose flowers, sorrel herb, elder flowers, and European vervain.
Natural Treatments
Other natural ways to treat nasal drip include combining black peppercorns with honey, which breaks up mucus while warming the body to prevent more mucus from forming. Horseradish is also known to dissolve mucus. Eat a half teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish three times a day, or take a half teaspoon of tincture three times a day to help cure nasal drip.
