8 Natural Remedies for Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are benign growths on the inner lining of the nose. They are painless but can lead to other serious complications. Some may experience blocked drainage from the sinuses that can cause nasal congestion and impact breathing. While medications can help treat nasal polyps, this article shares a few natural remedies for the condition.
1. Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is one of the most effective natural remedies to clear nasal congestion. It’s needless to say how relaxing one feels after taking a hot shower when they are down with the flu. Similarly, taking a warm bath or inhaling steam from a pot of boiled water can help improve the symptoms of nasal polyps. It helps reduce nasal inflammation and sinus headaches.
2. Nasal irrigation
This refers to clearing up the sinuses and can be done with the help of a neti pot, a small pot that runs warm distilled salt water solution through nasal passages. The same can be achieved with a nasal irrigation bottle as well. One can also look for over-the-counter saline nasal sprays.
3. Capsaicin
This is the compound that makes chilies hot. It is commonly used in herbs and spices and is also used in topical ailments to help relieve inflammation. Capsaicin helps revive nerve endings to get them to respond. Some studies suggest that topical use of the compound can help treat nasal polyps and also keep them from recurring.
4. Tea tree oil
A diluted solution of tea tree oil can help reduce itching and inflammation associated with nasal polyps. One can use cotton swabs to dab tea tree oil combined with water into the nasal passage and even add the essential oil to steam inhalation.
5. Chamomile
This flower has been used in many forms to relieve the symptoms of inflammation. It is one of the most commonly used compounds in teas to help soothe sore throats. Diluted chamomile essential oil can be used to help manage nasal polyps, and topical use of this oil can help clear nasal passages. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea before hitting the bed also helps.
6. Humidifier
Dry air is one of the main causes of inflammation, and it can worsen the symptoms of nasal polyps. Using a humidifier in the house can help soothe nasal congestion and eventually clear the nasal passage.
7. ButterBur
Topical use of this plant-based supplement made from the genus Petasites can help reduce headaches and sinusitis, which are common symptoms of nasal polyps.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular anti-inflammatory and antibacterial spice, and it’s one of the most commonly used natural remedies to fight cold and flu. It can be added to foods or taken in the form of tea to help manage the symptoms of nasal polyps.