These are growths which develop in sinuses or in the nose. Nasal polyps are very common and they can be caused by infection, inflammation or allergies. Nasal polyps happen in both right and left nasal passages and they can block the air flow. Usually, nasal polyps do not cause any symptoms and usually, they are not cancerous. There are some cases when there can be symptoms caused by nasal polyps.
These symptoms include difficulty breathing, sneezing, runny nose, itching and more. Doctors prescribe prednisone or steroid nasal sprays for relief because this can help to stop symptoms or get rid of the nasal polyps. The symptoms of nasal polyps and nasal polyps can come back. When nasal polyps become too large or they are too severe, then they can block nasal passages and it will be harder for you to breathe, which will lead to complications. Also, there are some home remedies which you can use as your home remedy to get a relief from the symptoms. You should see your doctor if you have noticed you’re your symptoms get worse or sever. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from nasal polyps before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies.
Home remedies for nasal polyps
Ginger: This home remedy can be used for the natural treatment of nasal polyps. It has antimicrobial properties, soothe the inflammation and enhance immunity. You should add ginger powder spice or root your food. Usually, you should add one to two teaspoons. Also, you can use pure ginger powder supplement or extract and you should follow label directions. Also, you can drink a cup of ginger tea. [1]
Garlic: This home remedy has many health benefits. It can help to reduce the inflammation, fight against antimicrobial infections and boost immunity [2]. You should add garlic powder spice or root to your food. You can add a pure garlic powder or supplement in your diet.
Steam inhalation: One of the best ways to get a relief from nasal polyps is to add moisture through steam inhalation or a humidifier. Steam inhalation can help to open nasal passages and thin out mucus which will enable it to drain from the sinuses. Also, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air because it will moisten your sinuses and it will soothe the tissues in the nasal passages. This can help to prevent the dryness in the nose and throat which are causes for irritation. Also, humidifiers can prevent the spread of airborne illnesses. Bacteria and viruses cannot travel in the moist areas. This will reduce your risk of infections. Some humidifiers can have essential oils added in them so in this way you have more benefits. [3]
Nasal irrigation: This is a therapy which is using a salt and water solution to flush out nasal passages. There are some studies in which are shown than nasal irrigation can reduce inflammation in the nasal cavities and it is very effective treatment for sinus problems. Nasal irrigation can alleviate the congestion and it can sooth facial pain and pressure. The nasal irrigation with a saline solution can increase the speed and coordination of tiny hair – like structures known as cilia which line the inside of the sinus and nasal cavities. This is causing cilia to more effectively remove the allergens and other irritants. [3]
Echinacea: This is one of the most used home remedies for cold and immune – boosting actions but it can help to carry over nasal polyp symptoms. There are some studies in which are said that Echinacea can reduce respiratory infections. It can prevent them from reoccurring and also it will soothe the airway irritation. You can enjoy a cup of Echinacea tea or you can take Echinacea powder supplement or extract and follow the directions given by your doctor.
Peppermint: This home remedy is rich in menthol which has noticeable decongestant properties that can help in the natural treatment of nasal polyps. There are some studies in which are said that menthol in steam inhalation can help with the decongestion and the treatment of symptoms of common cold. [4]
You should dilute water with peppermint essential oil. You should add three to five drops of peppermint oil to every ounce of water. You should use clean cotton swab to dab this home remedy in your nasal passages. Also, you can add peppermint essential oil to your water and make a steam inhalation. Also, if you want, you can drink peppermint tea.
Zinc: You should include zinc in your diet because it is very important for preventing and treating nasal polyps. Also, zinc can support the immune system. Some foods which are rich in zinc are wild – caught salmon, spinach, grass – fed beef and dairy and eggs. You should add these foods in your diet. Also nuts and seeds (like pumpkin seeds, almonds and cashews) and watermelon are rich in zinc so you can consume them. You should include foods rich in zinc to prevent or treat nasal polyps. [5]
Magnesium: This is very important nutrient which supports over 300 physiological processes or functions in the body. This mineral can help you in the natural treatment of nasal polyps. Some foods rich in magnesium are wild – caught fish, grass – fed dairy, avocadoes, sprouts, sea vegetables, spinach and Swiss chard. Also, coffee, dark chocolate, nuts and pumpkin seeds have magnesium.
Omega – 3 fatty acids: These are essential fatty acids which we must get from food. They are found in fatty fish, like salmon and sardines, nuts (like walnuts) and seeds (like chia seeds and flaxseeds). You should consume Omega – 3 fatty acids because they are some of the best home remedies for nasal polyps.
Eucalyptus: This natural cure has decongestant, anti – inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which can help in the natural treatment of nasal polyps. You can create a diluted water solution of eucalyptus oil. You should add 3 – 5 drops of oil to every ounce of carrier oil. You should use clean cotton swab and dab this home remedy in your nasal passages. Also, you can add eucalyptus essential oil to your water for steam inhalation. If you want, you can add this essential oil in an inhaler.
Turmeric: This is yellow healing and culinary spice which is famous for its anti – inflammatory properties. These properties can help to heal the inflammation and irritation of airways. But there are not studies in which are said that this home remedy can help permanently to rid of nasal polyps. You should add turmeric in your foods. Also, you can make a turmeric tea by mixing one to two teaspoons of turmeric in one cup of boiling water. You should sweeten it with honey or flavor with other herbs which will make the flavor more pleasant. [6]
Chamomile: This natural cure has been used for centuries as a home remedy for inflammation and allergies. You can drink chamomile tea as your home remedy for nasal polyps. Also, you can make a steam inhalation by adding chamomile essential oil t your water.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which can help in the natural treatment of nasal polyps. Also, this natural cure was used to fight against infections and other acute conditions for centuries. The apple cider vinegar is a powerful tonic which has living nutrients. Also, it has unique blend of enzymes, minerals and vitamins. This home remedy can help to break up the mucus in your body and it will clean your lymph nodes which will allow better lymph circulation. This will improve the immune system response.
Tea tree oil: This home remedy can help to reduce the itching and it fights against infection and inflammation. Also, it has antimicrobial properties [7]. You can dilute 3 – 5 drops of tea tree oil to every ounce of carrier oil, like sweet almond oil or olive oil. You should use a clean cotton swab to dab in this home remedy and then apply it to your nasal passages.
Cayenne pepper: This natural cure has capsaicin. There are some studies in which are shown that this element can help to clear your sinuses [8]. It can be effective when it is taken as a nasal spray or when it is taken internally. It has been shown that capsaicin can enhance immunity, open up nasal passages and relieve inflammation. This can play an important role in relieving nasal polyps and the causes for this condition. You can add cayenne pepper in your food or recipes. Usually, it is recommended adding one to two teaspoons of cayenne pepper in your foods.
References:
[1] Sundaresan AS, Hirsch AG, Storm M, et al. Occupational and environmental risk factors for chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. 2015;5(11):996–1003.
[2] Arreola R, Quintero-Fabian S, Lopez-Roa RI, et al. Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds. Journal of Immunology Research. 2015;2015:401630.
[3] Little P, Stuart B, Mullee M, et al. Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2016;188(13):940–9.
[4] Nanda MS. Efficacy of steam inhalation with inhalant capsules in patients with common cold in a rural set up. IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences. 2015;14(1):37-41.
[5] Mohammadhossein D, Mohammad E, Mohammadhossein B, et al. Evaluation of the zinc, copper and iron serum levels in patients with nasal polyposis. Experiments in Rhinology & Otolaryngology. 2018;2(3):147-9.
[6] Wu S, Xiao D. Effect of curcumin on nasal symptoms and airflow in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2016;117(6):697-702.e1.
[7] Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2006;19(1):50–62.
[8] University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center. Heat in chili peppers can ease sinus problems, research shows. Science Daily. 2011.
