Nasal polyps are painless non-cancerous soft growths that develop in the nose or sinuses. A polyp is formed when the lining of the nose or sinuses become inflamed and swell over a long period of time. These Polyps may grow in one or both nostrils at the same time and obstruct the nasal passages and sinuses and lead to sinus infections and breathing problems. If you’re seeking natural alternatives to medications, this article explores what treatments may work best and are most effective.

Large polyps or clusters can make your nose feel stuffy causing breathing difficulties and can decrease your sense of smell. Nasal polyps are much more common in males than females.

Causes of Nasal Polyps

The exact causes of nasal polyps are unknown but it is believed certain things can increase your risk of getting nasal polyps like:

• Certain genetic conditions
• chronic inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinus infections.
• asthma
• allergic rhinitis(hay fever)
• cystic fibrosis
• allergy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin

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SYMPTOMS OF NASAL POLYPS

The main symptoms of nasal polyps include:

• blocked nose or runny nose
• poor sense of smell or taste
• snoring at night
• Postnasal drip
• Pain in the face/pressure around sinuses
• Headache
• Frequent sinus infections
• Difficulty in breathing through the nose
• Obstructive sleep apnea (in severe cases)
• Double vision (in severe cases) – more likely to occur if the patient has allergic fungal sinusitis or cystic fibrosis

Taking care of Nasal polyps in children

• If your child has asthma or allergies (or both), make sure he or she avoids things that make the problem worse. These include pollen and dust. Asthma and allergies make it harder to breathe.
• Place a humidifier by your child’s bed or close to your child. This may make it easier for your child to breathe.

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TREATMENT FOR NASAL POLYPS

Doctors may prescribe steroid nasal sprays for relief, which can stop the symptoms or get rid of polyps. But, the symptoms and polyps may return, usually within a few years. If there is no sign of improvement or if you have recurrent polyps causing obstruction, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove your polyps. A nasal polypectomy is a surgery done with a small suction device or a microdebrider that cuts and removes soft tissue, including the mucosa.

Prolonged treatment with nasal steroid sprays or oral corticosteroids may reduce your resistance to sinus infections. Surgery may also result in nosebleeds and infection. Most treatments have been shown to improve the symptoms and discomfort associated with nasal polyps. None of the treatments have been shown to eliminate nasal polyps completely. However, there are several Ayurvedic and natural remedies that can cure, shrink or remove polyps as well as reduce the chances of forming more.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Nasal Polyps

Ayurveda defines nasal polyps as Nasa arsha, a condition that arises due to increased Kapha Dosha.   For the treatment of nasal polyps, Ayurveda determines the root cause of their origin and prepares your body to fight till it cured.

•  Shadbindu Oil

Shadbindu oil is a popular herbal and ayurvedic medicated oil used as nasal drops in the treatment of diseases in the head region like respiratory problems, poor eyesight, hair fall, troubles of headaches. It is a type of Nasya oil with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties used to treat sinusitis and nasal polyps.

Suggested Use: With head tilted back, place 3 to 5 drops into each nostril and sniff.

• Turmeric is one of the strong herbal remedies for various health issues, can be used both internally and externally. Curcumin, in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation good for internal injuries, diabetes, Eczema, Psoriasis, and many more. Drink turmeric golden milk every night before going to bed. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with hot milk.

• Tea tree oil is an essential oil used in Ayurveda to treat problems with the nasal cavity. Due to its antimicrobial properties, Tea tree oil inhibits the growth and multiplication of bacteria. Essential oils clear out the congestions, unclogs the sinuses, and also cures the infection. This can be used daily instead of medicated nasal sprays. Add 3 to 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil ( you can take lavender, eucalyptus, thyme oils) to every ounce of your chosen carrier oil (coconut or olive oil). Tree Tea oil is too powerful to apply alone, so adding it to a carrier oil is essential. Use a clean cotton swab to gently dab the solution onto the insides of your nasal passages.

• Xanthium is an herb used for treating sinus polyps and sinusitis as it is packed with anti-inflammatory properties. The bur part of dried Xanthium is used for treating nasal congestion. This herb helps to get rid of mucus and dampness of the nasal cavities and may shrink nasal polyps very fast. Avoid this herb if you suffer from diabetes. Take supplements of Xanthium to get relief from the symptoms of nasal polyps.

• Butterbur an herbal remedy for sinus-related issues, which are caused due to allergies, treats inflammation in sinusitis, migraine, headaches, and in asthmatic patients. It is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women and people with kidney and liver disease.

As an herbal tea:
Put 1 teaspoonful of the root in a cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drink the tea three times a day.

As a tincture:
Take 1- 2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

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Natural and Home Remedies for Nasal Polyps

How to get rid of Nasal Polyps

1. Steam Inhalations

Steam Inhalations help clear the nasal passages and loosen the mucus secretions caused by the congestions. The use of a regular humidifier can help control the symptoms of Nasal Polyps. To get better results, add essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus.

2. Nasal Irrigation or saline rinse

 Rinse the sinus tract with saline water multiple times. The saline water (which contains salt and water) helps to shrink the polyps within the nasal tract and also reduce the inflammation in the nose and dry up the mucus. Nasal irrigation with the help of a neti pot is considered an effective solution to sinus or allergy treatments.

–Fill the pot with warm distilled or sterilized water and mix 1-2 tsp of rock salt to it. Make sure that the salt completely dissolves in the water. Close the pot, and tilt your head sideways and run the solution through one nasal passage and allow the water to flow through.  The water will begin to drain out from the opposite nostril. Repeat the entire process to irrigate the other nostril and sinus cavity. Make sure to keep your mouth open while doing this and do not hold the breath. After completing the process in each nasal passage, blow your nose gently, to keep the airways clean.

3. Saline Nasal sprays

Use saline nasal sprays to remove the irritants and allergens from your nasal canal. This will moist your nasal passages and improve the flow of mucus.

4. Chamomile

Herbal Teas are good for treating a clogged nose

This flower has a calming remedy that has been used for centuries for allergies and inflammation. Drinking chamomile tea is the best way to relieve inflammation. The exact dosage of chamomile extract powder is 220 to 1,600 mg per day for adults. Make a dilute water solution by adding 3–5 drops of chamomile essential oil (you can also use peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil) to every ounce of water. With a clean cotton swab, dab solution in nasal passages. Also, mix essential oil into your water for steam inhalation or a diffuser. You can drink up to four cups of chamomile tea daily.

5. GARLIC

Garlic has antifungal and antiviral properties that can help relieve colds and other infections and reduce inflammations. Immune boosting diets are beneficial when you suffer from any type of allergies. Consuming more onions and garlic on a regular basis helps in getting rid of polyp growths in the nasal passages by dissolving the mucus and stimulating proper circulation.

-Eat two cloves of raw garlic and some pieces of raw onion twice a day. Add garlic to tea, vegetables, soup, or eat it raw to maximize its health benefits. 

–Boil 2-3 garlic cloves in one cup of water. You may also mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Drink it daily until the congestion clears. 

-Doing garlic nasal rinse daily helps to get rid of nasal polyps. For this, take 1-2 garlic cloves, and chop it finely. Place the chopped garlic into a small strainer that is kept over a cup. Pour half a cup of boiled water over the chopped garlic. Collect the liquid in the cup below and allow this solution to cool down.  Use it to rinse the nasal passages with the help of a Neti pot.

6. GINGER

Ginger is also a natural way to control the symptoms of sinus and can open up nasal passages, relieve inflammation and increase immunity. Add about1–2 tsp of ginger powder to food or try a hot cup of ginger tea.

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7. Capsicum

Capsicum contains a compound called capsaicin which helps to clear the sinuses and promotes the opening up of the nasal passages. Many people reported that they got relief from the pain and shrinking of the polyps when they used a diluted capsicum spray. Prepare a cup of tea by mixing 1-2 tsp of cayenne pepper with some raw honey. You can also use capsicum products as supplements or nasal sprays.

8. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is good for seasonal allergies. It breaks down thick mucus and prevents the growth of nasal polyps. Take 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of raw honey in a glass of warm water and drink this mixture twice a day.

9. Drink Plenty of Water 

Always hydrate your body by drinking plenty of water. This will keep the nasal passages moist and loosen up the mucus produced. Avoid cold drinks as it can cause colds to block your respiratory tract.

10. Vegetables & Fruits

Consume foods that improve the immune functions of the body which prevent further polyp growths. Include foods high in vitamin A, C, E, beta-carotene, selenium. This can be sourced from greens like spinach, broccoli, and apricots, carrots, mango, melons, kale, sweet potatoes, winter squash, etc.

11. Avoid diet that increases mucus production – Avoid consuming bananas, curds, and milk at night.

12. Avoid nasal irritants. Dust, smoking, chemicals, and airborne pollutants can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses. 

Nasal polyps can be easily relieved with several ayurvedic and natural treatments. Always consult your doctor before taking any of these treatments. 

Disclaimer:  Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. We use Affiliate links as this is our means to survive. We by no means solicit any products for any company. Please take professional guidance or a doctor’s advice before taking these medicines as every individual is different and circumstances are different for all. We by no means will be held responsible for any bad effects that can come out of using these medicines. 

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