Drooling when I try to drink

You lift the cup, and some of the drink runs straight back out. One side of your mouth will not grip the rim. The liquid dribbles down your chin before you can swallow.

This often starts when the muscles on one side of your face turn weak. That lip cannot press shut, so the seal leaks. Bell's palsy is one common reason for sudden weakness on one side of the face.

It can come on over a few hours, or show up when you wake. Food may slip out of that same side while you chew. The cheek can feel thick or stiff, even though you still feel touch on it.

When to see someone

Sudden face weakness can mean a stroke, so call emergency services now if your arm is weak, your speech is slurred, or you feel confused. See a doctor today for any new droop on one side of your face, even without those signs. Go sooner if you also have a bad headache, a rash, ear pain, or trouble swallowing.

Below is a list of home and natural remedies that people use for this complaint. Each one carries a grade for the strength of the research behind it. A high grade means better evidence, not a promise, and a low grade means the proof is thin or mixed.

Bell's Palsy: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

8 options · 1 graded B · 1 graded C · 6 traditional or ungraded

How long ago did the weakness on one side of your face begin?

About one to three months ago - movement is coming back, and I want to support the nerve while it heals

  1. Acupuncture

    Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Trialled as an adjunct; grouped by severity

    Why this matches
    Acupuncture is most often used as a repeated course of sessions across the weeks of recovery. A randomized trial of electroacupuncture plus intradermal acupuncture grouped people by how severe their facial weakness was and reported improved facial function.
    Why try it
    Electroacupuncture aims to stimulate the facial-nerve pathways as an add-on to standard care. Here it is a reasonable adjunct to try, not a proven cure.
    Dose or use
    Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
    Time to results
    Typically 4–12 weeks
    Key study
    RCT (2026, PMID 42185063): electroacupuncture combined with intradermal acupuncture in Bell's palsy, stratified by facial-paralysis severity, reported improved facial function as an adjunct to usual care.
    Caution
    Seek a licensed acupuncturist; inform them of any blood thinners or pacemaker use.

  2. Methylcobalamin (B12 Active Form)

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Active B12 form for nerve repair

    Why this matches
    In the early weeks the facial nerve is inflamed and trying to heal. Methylcobalamin is the active, ready-to-use form of vitamin B12 that nerves draw on to rebuild their protective myelin coating.
    Why try it
    B12 is genuinely central to nerve-sheath repair, and methylcobalamin is its most nerve-available form, so it is a low-risk nutrient to add while the nerve recovers.
    Dose or use
    Commonly taken as an oral supplement; follow the product label or your practitioner's guidance.
    Time to results
    Nerve repair is slow; think weeks to months
    Key study
    Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12 involved in nerve-myelin repair; its specific benefit in Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Generally well tolerated, but if you have a known B12-related blood disorder, check with your doctor first.

  3. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    An unchecked B12 gap can stall nerve healing

    Why this matches
    If movement is coming back only slowly, it is worth ruling out a hidden reason. Low vitamin B12 on its own causes nerve problems and can slow the nerve repair your face is relying on now.
    Why try it
    Checking and correcting a B12 deficiency removes one fixable roadblock to recovery; it is a simple blood test and an easy correction if you turn out to be low.
    Dose or use
    Ask your doctor for a B12 blood test, and supplement only if you are found to be low.
    Time to results
    If low, correcting it supports healing over weeks to months
    Key study
    Vitamin B12 deficiency independently harms nerve function; whether correcting it speeds Bell's palsy recovery has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Supplementing can mask the blood signs of B12 deficiency, so test before you treat, ideally with your doctor.

  4. Vitamin D Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Low vitamin D is common in Bell's palsy

    Why this matches
    As you recover, low vitamin D is worth checking: people presenting with Bell's palsy have repeatedly been found to have lower vitamin D than others, sometimes with more severe weakness at the start.
    Why try it
    This is association-level evidence, not proof, but a vitamin D test is simple and correcting a real deficiency benefits nerve, muscle and bone regardless.
    Dose or use
    Ask for a 25(OH)D blood test and supplement to correct a confirmed deficiency.
    Time to results
    Weeks to months to restore healthy levels
    Key study
    Case-control studies have found lower vitamin D in people with Bell's palsy than in controls; this is an association only and has not been shown to change recovery in controlled trials.
    Caution
    Very high-dose vitamin D can be harmful; dose to your blood level rather than guessing.

More than three months ago - I still have weakness, tightness, or muscles that move together when they shouldn't

  1. Acupuncture

    Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Trialled as an adjunct; grouped by severity

    Why this matches
    Acupuncture is most often used as a repeated course of sessions across the weeks of recovery. A randomized trial of electroacupuncture plus intradermal acupuncture grouped people by how severe their facial weakness was and reported improved facial function.
    Why try it
    Electroacupuncture aims to stimulate the facial-nerve pathways as an add-on to standard care. Here it is a reasonable adjunct to try, not a proven cure.
    Dose or use
    Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
    Time to results
    Typically 4–12 weeks
    Key study
    RCT (2026, PMID 42185063): electroacupuncture combined with intradermal acupuncture in Bell's palsy, stratified by facial-paralysis severity, reported improved facial function as an adjunct to usual care.
    Caution
    Seek a licensed acupuncturist; inform them of any blood thinners or pacemaker use.

  2. Physical Therapy

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Retrains facial muscles when recovery lags

    Why this matches
    Months on, if you still have weakness, tightness, or muscles that move together when they should not (synkinesis), guided facial retraining targets exactly these lingering problems.
    Why try it
    Facial neuromuscular retraining and mirror-guided exercises with a trained therapist are the best-supported non-drug approach for incomplete recovery, aiming to rebuild control and reduce unwanted co-movements.
    Dose or use
    Work with a physical or facial therapist on a tailored exercise program, and practice the exercises daily at home.
    Time to results
    Gradual, typically over several months of practice
    Key study
    Tailored facial retraining is widely recommended for incomplete Bell's palsy recovery, but benefit varies between people and has not been confirmed for this use in large controlled trials.
    Caution
    Avoid forceful, repetitive over-exercise, which can worsen synkinesis; let a therapist guide the intensity.

  3. GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Point at the base of the skull for the face

    Why this matches
    GB20 sits in the hollows at the base of the skull, near the facial-nerve region on the affected side. In Chinese medicine it is the main point for 'wind' patterns affecting the face, the traditional category Bell's palsy falls under.
    Why try it
    A long-used TCM point for the head and face that you or a helper can press by hand; the same point features in the acupuncture protocols used for facial palsy.
    Dose or use
    Apply gentle pressure to the two hollows just below the base of the skull for 1-2 minutes; keep it light.
    Time to results
    Varies; used as ongoing gentle support
    Key study
    GB20 is a traditional acupressure point for the head and face; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use gentle pressure only, as the area sits near the base of the skull; avoid deep or forceful poking.

  4. LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    At-home acupressure point for the face

    Why this matches
    Early on you may want something you can do yourself between appointments. LI4, in the web of the hand between thumb and index finger, is the classic self-acupressure point for the face and mouth in Chinese medicine.
    Why try it
    In traditional Chinese medicine LI4 is a long-used point for problems of the face and jaw, and you press it yourself, so it costs nothing to try alongside your care.
    Dose or use
    Press the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand for 1-2 minutes, a few times a day.
    Time to results
    Varies; used as ongoing gentle support
    Key study
    LI4 is a traditional acupressure point for the face and mouth; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Traditionally avoided in pregnancy, so skip firm stimulation of LI4 if you are pregnant.

Within the last few weeks - it is still new (if it started in the last 72 hours, see a doctor now: early steroid treatment matters most)

  1. Moxibustion

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Small early-phase trials, low certainty

    Why this matches
    In the early weeks, moxibustion is one traditional option that has actually been studied here: a 2021 meta-analysis looked at acupuncture and moxibustion in both the acute and non-acute phases of Bell's palsy, with moxibustion as one of the arms.
    Why try it
    Moxibustion warms specific points with heat from a smouldering herb, a long-standing Chinese-medicine approach for facial paralysis. The trial evidence behind it is early and low-certainty rather than proven, so treat it as something to try alongside standard care.
    Dose or use
    Have moxibustion applied by a trained Chinese-medicine practitioner, who can advise on how many sessions and how often suit your situation.
    Time to results
    Typically 4–8 weeks
    Key study
    Meta-analysis (2021, PMID 34847316) of acupuncture and moxibustion for Bell's palsy reported higher recovery rates, but the pooled trials were small and of low methodological quality, so the finding is preliminary rather than confirmed.
    Caution
    Should be performed by a trained practitioner; keep away from skin to avoid burns.

  2. Methylcobalamin (B12 Active Form)

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Active B12 form for nerve repair

    Why this matches
    In the early weeks the facial nerve is inflamed and trying to heal. Methylcobalamin is the active, ready-to-use form of vitamin B12 that nerves draw on to rebuild their protective myelin coating.
    Why try it
    B12 is genuinely central to nerve-sheath repair, and methylcobalamin is its most nerve-available form, so it is a low-risk nutrient to add while the nerve recovers.
    Dose or use
    Commonly taken as an oral supplement; follow the product label or your practitioner's guidance.
    Time to results
    Nerve repair is slow; think weeks to months
    Key study
    Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12 involved in nerve-myelin repair; its specific benefit in Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Generally well tolerated, but if you have a known B12-related blood disorder, check with your doctor first.

  3. GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Point at the base of the skull for the face

    Why this matches
    GB20 sits in the hollows at the base of the skull, near the facial-nerve region on the affected side. In Chinese medicine it is the main point for 'wind' patterns affecting the face, the traditional category Bell's palsy falls under.
    Why try it
    A long-used TCM point for the head and face that you or a helper can press by hand; the same point features in the acupuncture protocols used for facial palsy.
    Dose or use
    Apply gentle pressure to the two hollows just below the base of the skull for 1-2 minutes; keep it light.
    Time to results
    Varies; used as ongoing gentle support
    Key study
    GB20 is a traditional acupressure point for the head and face; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use gentle pressure only, as the area sits near the base of the skull; avoid deep or forceful poking.

  4. LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    At-home acupressure point for the face

    Why this matches
    Early on you may want something you can do yourself between appointments. LI4, in the web of the hand between thumb and index finger, is the classic self-acupressure point for the face and mouth in Chinese medicine.
    Why try it
    In traditional Chinese medicine LI4 is a long-used point for problems of the face and jaw, and you press it yourself, so it costs nothing to try alongside your care.
    Dose or use
    Press the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand for 1-2 minutes, a few times a day.
    Time to results
    Varies; used as ongoing gentle support
    Key study
    LI4 is a traditional acupressure point for the face and mouth; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Traditionally avoided in pregnancy, so skip firm stimulation of LI4 if you are pregnant.

What kind of support for your facial nerve appeals to you most?

I'd like hands-on treatment from a trained practitioner - acupuncture, moxibustion, or guided facial retraining

  1. Acupuncture

    Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Trialled as an adjunct; grouped by severity

    Why this matches
    Acupuncture is most often used as a repeated course of sessions across the weeks of recovery. A randomized trial of electroacupuncture plus intradermal acupuncture grouped people by how severe their facial weakness was and reported improved facial function.
    Why try it
    Electroacupuncture aims to stimulate the facial-nerve pathways as an add-on to standard care. Here it is a reasonable adjunct to try, not a proven cure.
    Dose or use
    Work with a qualified, licensed practitioner; ask them how many sessions and how often are right for you.
    Time to results
    Typically 4–12 weeks
    Key study
    RCT (2026, PMID 42185063): electroacupuncture combined with intradermal acupuncture in Bell's palsy, stratified by facial-paralysis severity, reported improved facial function as an adjunct to usual care.
    Caution
    Seek a licensed acupuncturist; inform them of any blood thinners or pacemaker use.

  2. Moxibustion

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Small early-phase trials, low certainty

    Why this matches
    In the early weeks, moxibustion is one traditional option that has actually been studied here: a 2021 meta-analysis looked at acupuncture and moxibustion in both the acute and non-acute phases of Bell's palsy, with moxibustion as one of the arms.
    Why try it
    Moxibustion warms specific points with heat from a smouldering herb, a long-standing Chinese-medicine approach for facial paralysis. The trial evidence behind it is early and low-certainty rather than proven, so treat it as something to try alongside standard care.
    Dose or use
    Have moxibustion applied by a trained Chinese-medicine practitioner, who can advise on how many sessions and how often suit your situation.
    Time to results
    Typically 4–8 weeks
    Key study
    Meta-analysis (2021, PMID 34847316) of acupuncture and moxibustion for Bell's palsy reported higher recovery rates, but the pooled trials were small and of low methodological quality, so the finding is preliminary rather than confirmed.
    Caution
    Should be performed by a trained practitioner; keep away from skin to avoid burns.

  3. Physical Therapy

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Retrains facial muscles when recovery lags

    Why this matches
    Months on, if you still have weakness, tightness, or muscles that move together when they should not (synkinesis), guided facial retraining targets exactly these lingering problems.
    Why try it
    Facial neuromuscular retraining and mirror-guided exercises with a trained therapist are the best-supported non-drug approach for incomplete recovery, aiming to rebuild control and reduce unwanted co-movements.
    Dose or use
    Work with a physical or facial therapist on a tailored exercise program, and practice the exercises daily at home.
    Time to results
    Gradual, typically over several months of practice
    Key study
    Tailored facial retraining is widely recommended for incomplete Bell's palsy recovery, but benefit varies between people and has not been confirmed for this use in large controlled trials.
    Caution
    Avoid forceful, repetitive over-exercise, which can worsen synkinesis; let a therapist guide the intensity.

I want to feed the healing nerve and rule out hidden nutrient gaps that could slow my recovery

  1. Methylcobalamin (B12 Active Form)

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Active B12 form for nerve repair

    Why this matches
    In the early weeks the facial nerve is inflamed and trying to heal. Methylcobalamin is the active, ready-to-use form of vitamin B12 that nerves draw on to rebuild their protective myelin coating.
    Why try it
    B12 is genuinely central to nerve-sheath repair, and methylcobalamin is its most nerve-available form, so it is a low-risk nutrient to add while the nerve recovers.
    Dose or use
    Commonly taken as an oral supplement; follow the product label or your practitioner's guidance.
    Time to results
    Nerve repair is slow; think weeks to months
    Key study
    Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12 involved in nerve-myelin repair; its specific benefit in Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Generally well tolerated, but if you have a known B12-related blood disorder, check with your doctor first.

  2. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    An unchecked B12 gap can stall nerve healing

    Why this matches
    If movement is coming back only slowly, it is worth ruling out a hidden reason. Low vitamin B12 on its own causes nerve problems and can slow the nerve repair your face is relying on now.
    Why try it
    Checking and correcting a B12 deficiency removes one fixable roadblock to recovery; it is a simple blood test and an easy correction if you turn out to be low.
    Dose or use
    Ask your doctor for a B12 blood test, and supplement only if you are found to be low.
    Time to results
    If low, correcting it supports healing over weeks to months
    Key study
    Vitamin B12 deficiency independently harms nerve function; whether correcting it speeds Bell's palsy recovery has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Supplementing can mask the blood signs of B12 deficiency, so test before you treat, ideally with your doctor.

  3. Vitamin D Deficiency

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Low vitamin D is common in Bell's palsy

    Why this matches
    As you recover, low vitamin D is worth checking: people presenting with Bell's palsy have repeatedly been found to have lower vitamin D than others, sometimes with more severe weakness at the start.
    Why try it
    This is association-level evidence, not proof, but a vitamin D test is simple and correcting a real deficiency benefits nerve, muscle and bone regardless.
    Dose or use
    Ask for a 25(OH)D blood test and supplement to correct a confirmed deficiency.
    Time to results
    Weeks to months to restore healthy levels
    Key study
    Case-control studies have found lower vitamin D in people with Bell's palsy than in controls; this is an association only and has not been shown to change recovery in controlled trials.
    Caution
    Very high-dose vitamin D can be harmful; dose to your blood level rather than guessing.

I'd rather have simple things I can do myself at home, between appointments

  1. GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Point at the base of the skull for the face

    Why this matches
    GB20 sits in the hollows at the base of the skull, near the facial-nerve region on the affected side. In Chinese medicine it is the main point for 'wind' patterns affecting the face, the traditional category Bell's palsy falls under.
    Why try it
    A long-used TCM point for the head and face that you or a helper can press by hand; the same point features in the acupuncture protocols used for facial palsy.
    Dose or use
    Apply gentle pressure to the two hollows just below the base of the skull for 1-2 minutes; keep it light.
    Time to results
    Varies; used as ongoing gentle support
    Key study
    GB20 is a traditional acupressure point for the head and face; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use gentle pressure only, as the area sits near the base of the skull; avoid deep or forceful poking.

  2. LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    At-home acupressure point for the face

    Why this matches
    Early on you may want something you can do yourself between appointments. LI4, in the web of the hand between thumb and index finger, is the classic self-acupressure point for the face and mouth in Chinese medicine.
    Why try it
    In traditional Chinese medicine LI4 is a long-used point for problems of the face and jaw, and you press it yourself, so it costs nothing to try alongside your care.
    Dose or use
    Press the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand for 1-2 minutes, a few times a day.
    Time to results
    Varies; used as ongoing gentle support
    Key study
    LI4 is a traditional acupressure point for the face and mouth; this specific use for Bell's palsy has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Traditionally avoided in pregnancy, so skip firm stimulation of LI4 if you are pregnant.

Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Bell's Palsy, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.

Other ways people describe this

Same underlying problem, different words.

These suggestions come from our full page on Bell's Palsy, where you can see every option and how it is graded. Evidence grades are explained in our methodology, and every phrasing we cover is listed under health topics.

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