A nasal Polyp is an abnormal mass growing inside the sinuses that can block the airways. They are quite common and occur in 1% to 4% of the general population. Polyps are usually caused by allergies, inflammation, or infection. They are soft and non-cancerous, but they can cause pain, and difficulty in breathing and smelling. Surgery is one option to treat polyps but Ayurvedic remedies for nasal polyps can help too!
Some cases of nasal polyps can also cause itching, runny nose, and sneezing. It can also cause symptoms like flu, headache, nasal congestion, common cold, and other respiratory diseases. When the polyp is small in size, Ayurvedic management can help in shrinking the growth.
Reducing inflammation of the nose and sinuses can help reduce the size of polyps. However, the polyps can get worse by asthma, allergies, certain foods, and environmental irritants. Managing these conditions and reducing exposure to irritants, can help in improving the symptoms.
Home Remedies for nasal polyp
Steam Inhalation
Steam therapy can help unblock the nasal passage by thinning out the mucus secretions caused by congestion. This therapy is also effective in managing headaches and other symptoms. Adding a few drops of essential oil like peppermint and eucalyptus can enhance the effect.
Also, inhaling the steam of apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for nasal polyps. It helps in washing out the bacteria and infectious material from the nostril. It further helps in relieving congestion and reducing inflammation.
How to use it?
- Inhale the steam directly by using a boiling pot of water.
- You can also mix 10 ml of apple cider vinegar into the hot water.
- Inhale the steam three times a day.
Saline rinse
A saline rinse is a very effective remedy for nasal polyps triggered by allergies or sinus infections. Epsom salt dissolved in warm distilled water helps reduce inflammation in the nose and dries up the mucus. You can use a neti pot or a plastic syringe for this process.
How to use it?
- Take half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of boiling water.
- Allow it to cool.
- Rinse the nasal passage with lukewarm saline water.
- Repeat this in each nostril at two hours intervals.
Tea tree Oil
Any essential oil can help clear out the congestion and unclog the sinuses. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties. You can put tea tree oil directly by soaking cotton and applying it to the polyp. This helps in shortening the polyp and has high antibiotic activity.
How to use it?
- Mix it with a few drops of essential oil with coconut oil.
- Apply the mix to the polyps
Castor Oil
Castor oil is very effective in treating nasal polyps. It eliminates the moisture content of the polyp and makes it dry and shrinks its size. Castor oil also strengthens the immune system. It also kills the bacteria and fungi that cause polyps.
How to use it?
- Instill 3-4 drops of castor oil in each nostril
- clean the excess castor oil with a cotton
- Do it twice daily
Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle for nasal polyp
Eat a healthy balanced diet
Proper nutrition is very essential for treating inflammation in the body. A balanced diet strengthens your immune system and protects your body against infections. Eat lean protein, whole wheat, unsaturated fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables.
Eat more garlic
Garlic has potent antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. It wipes out the infection-causing bacteria and prevents the growth of polyps. Garlic helps fight infections and reduce inflammation. Eating garlic can help loosen up the nasal glands and shrink the polyps.
How to use it?
- Eat two cloves of raw garlic and some pieces of raw onion twice a day.
- You can also add garlic to your vegetables and soups.
Eat more Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain which helps to destroy the extra cells and decreases the size of polyps. It also helps improve your immunity and helps fight the polyps.
Add a pinch of Turmeric
This staple kitchen spice is rich in anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antipyretic properties. It accelerates the healing process and reduces the production of mucus. Further, turmeric aids in the prevention of nasal polyps.
How to use it?
- Add half a teaspoon of turmeric to warm milk or water.
- Drink this turmeric milk or turmeric tea twice every day.
Grate some ginger
Ginger is another healing spice that must make it to your plate. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties that can soothe your inflammation. Ginger is also a great immune booster.
How to use it?
- Drink ginger tea in the morning.
- Add ginger to your veggies and curries.
Get enough sleep
Proper sleep is very essential for strong immunity. Ayurveda says resting and fasting are the best remedies to all health problems. Make sure to sleep for at least 7-8 hours every night. This will help fight off the infections.
Avoid irritants
Nasal polyps can get worse if you come in contact with any irritant. Avoiding dust, smoke, paint fumes, chemicals and perfumes can help. If you have any kind of allergy then steer clear of your known allergens.
Research Studies on Ayurvedic management of Nasal Polyp
A research study confirmed that Ayurvedic management of Nasal Polyps is very effective. The study quoted that Nasya is very beneficial in the management of nasal polyps. Another study also reported that Nasya is very effective in treating Nasal Polyps.
A clinical study reported the case of a 14-year-old child suffering from Nasal Block. The child was suffering from breathing difficulty, runny nose, and snoring issues. He was treated with jaloukavacharana and the results were remarkable. Yet another study found Nasya karma beneficial in the management of nasal polyps.
Take away
Research studies and years of experience show that Ayurvedic management of nasal polyps is safe and effective. Though there are prescription medications to help with the symptoms and surgical options to remove the mass, there is a chance of recurrence. Natural approaches in the treatment of nasal polyps are gaining ground.
However, if your symptoms are severe, then these simple remedies may not be enough. Consider consulting a doctor for guided treatment. And the sooner it’s treated, the better would be the results!
