There are a lot of home remedies, herbs and supplements that claim to treat nasal polyps. However, many of these haven't been proven to work.
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which relieves pain and opens up the sinuses. It can also help decrease the size of the polyps.
Steam inhalation helps thin the mucus that causes congestion. You can do this by taking a hot shower, breathing in the steam from boiling water or using a humidifier.
1. Salt Irrigation
Nasal polyps are abnormal growths that can form inside the nose and sinuses. They are soft, non-cancerous and often painless but they can interfere with breathing and cause loss of smell and taste. Doctors usually prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, postnasal drip and headaches but home remedies can also be helpful.
Practicing jal neti (salt irrigation) may help ease nasal polyp symptoms and address their causes, such as allergies or sinus infection, according to research. To do this, rinse your nostrils and sinus cavity with warm distilled or sterilized salt water solution.
Steam inhalation (taking a hot shower, using a humidifier or boiling water) can also help alleviate nasal polyps symptoms. You can also inhale essential oils such as peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil.
2. Horseradish
Having anti-inflammatory properties, horseradish can help reduce the irritation of nasal polyps. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can be used as a nasal spray or taken orally. This remedy may be particularly helpful for those with inflammatory conditions such as allergies and sinus infections.
Capsaicin is found in chilli peppers and can be used as a nasal spray to help relieve pain. It helps reduce congestion and swelling by draining the mucus from the sinuses and nasal cavity.
Ayurvedic herb Costus root is a powerful expectorant that helps clear the nose and throat of mucus, relieving nasal polyps of their irritation. It relaxes the windpipe and makes breathing easier. It can also be snuffed as a powder. Increase your dietary intake of Vitamin A and beta carotene.
3. Turmeric
Curcumin is one of the most powerful healing compounds in nature. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may be effective in reducing the symptoms of nasal polyps. It is commonly used as a cooking spice and can also be taken as a supplement.
Bromelain is a natural enzyme found in pineapples that can help reduce inflammation (swelling) of the nose and sinus cavities. It is available over the counter in tablet form at your local pharmacy.
The menthol in peppermint can help relieve congestion and other symptoms caused by nasal polyps. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help combat the free radical damage that may cause your polyps to deteriorate over time. You can inhale the vapors from peppermint essential oil or drink a cup of peppermint tea.
4. Bromelain
Pineapples are one of the best natural sources of bromelain, an enzyme that decreases inflammation and swelling in the nose and sinuses. It is also available in supplements at your local health store.
The roots of dandelion are rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E and anti-inflammatory properties. Eat fresh dandelion greens, or make a tea from dried leaves or a dandelion supplement.
Steam inhalation can help thin nasal mucus secretions and reduce the appearance of polyps. Try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to hot water and inhaling it through your nose. It is recommended to use a pure, high quality oil and avoid using any synthetic oils or extracts. If you are unsure, speak to your practitioner before adding any new herbs or supplements to your diet.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Another effective home remedy for nasal polyps is chamomile. This natural herb has been praised for its anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties. It also helps to soothe irritation and reduce the size of nasal polyps. To use, mix three drops of tea tree oil and chamomile in a bowl of warm water and steam it. This will help to remove any lingering odors in the nose and prevent the irritation of the nasal passages and sinuses.
Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can apply a solution of diluted tea tree oil (2 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond) on a cotton swab and apply it inside the nose. This oil may be a irritant for some, so always do a patch test before using.
