Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I have had chronic post-nasal drip for years. It has been very debilitating with the need to constantly expectorate. Oddly enough, my mouth is excessively dry. Do you have suggestions for natural remedies that might bring me some relief? Thank you.” — Effie B., Nazareth, PA

A. Dear Effie, I am so sorry you are having this problem and have not been able to find relief. Post-nasal drip is usually a sign of allergies. In order to eliminate any common cause that may be responsible for the allergies, the first thing I recommend would be to eliminate all grains and dairy products from the diet for at least three months.

When it comes to natural treatment options, I would suggest a blend of eucalyptus and myrtle oils to improve sinus function and sea buckthorn oil to alleviate the dryness in your mouth.

Eucalyptus and myrtle oils are two very wonderful oils that can support the sinuses. Eucalyptus oil helps decongest the sinuses, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and has been traditionally used to treat runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Myrtle essential oil has been well-studied and sold in Europe for more than 75 years. I suggest taking 1 or 2 softgels of this blend three times daily. If you are on the brave side and want to try my personal recommendation, take the softgel and allow it to melt in your mouth. This allows the fragrance of myrtle and eucalyptus to permeate throughout the lungs and nasal passages. While it is an intense flavor, I find it effective and invigorating. If you do not prefer this method, taking it orally will also be effective. When choosing a formula, make sure it features concentrated plant oils that have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a hardy plant naturally grown in Europe and Asia. The fruit of sea buckthorn has been called a “nutrient bomb” because it is so rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds. The seeds contain exceptionally high omega fatty acids, including the rare Omega-7 fatty acid (palmitoleic acid). Taken internally, sea buckthorn oil improves hydration of the mucous membranes, helping to alleviate dryness. I recommend taking 1,000 mg in the morning and another 1,000 mg in the afternoon/evening.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally