Characterized by extra growths that develop within the nasal cavities, nasal polyps are jelly like in consistency and can be very uncomfortable to handle. In addition to causing discomfort and soreness, nasal polyps can also cause other symptoms like pain, inflammation, nasal blockages, frequent snoring (as a result of the blockage), respiratory issues, allergic reactions and infections inside the nasal cavities. And although the fleshy growths are noncancerous, they can affect an individual’s quality of life greatly.
The most common remedies for these grape like growth happen to be steroid injections, oral corticosteroids, antifungal medications and surgery. However, certain home remedies can also help treat nasal polyps to a great extent. In addition to being cost effective, these remedies come with minimal or no side effects and are considered equally effective when compared with other standard forms of treatment.
Effective Home Remedies For Nasal Polyps
Given below are some of the most common home remedies often recommended for nasal polyps.
1. Homemade Nasal Rinses
Although there are standard saline water solutions available at most drug stores, an individual with nasal polyps can benefit with a homemade saline water solution as well. Breathing in the saltwater solution would effectively clear the nasal cavities, thereby curbing respiratory issues (and other related issues) associated with the polyps. Regular use of nasal rinses can also prevent the formation of nasal polyps.
A saline nasal spray solution can be prepared by mixing a teaspoon of Epsom salt in a glass of warm water nicely until the salt dissolves completely. The resultant solution can be stored in an empty nasal spray bottle and can be sprayed into each nostril at regular intervals throughout the day in order to get relief from the symptoms of the condition. A bulb syringe can also be used to administer the saline solution to each nostril.
2. Steam Inhalation
Inhaling steam at regular intervals throughout the day can also do away with nasal congestion and the other symptoms of nasal polyps. The basic procedure involves boiling water in a vessel and then inhaling the steam arising from the vessel while covering the head (along with the pot) with a thick blanket so that the steam rising from the vessel hits the face directly.
Breathing through each nostril at alternate intervals can effectively clear the nasal cavities of blockages and infections caused by the polyps.
3. Hot Baths/Showers
Taking a hot bath or shower is also known to reduce the symptoms of nasal polyps to an extent and prevent recurrences. Soaking in a hot water bath or letting the hot water from a shower hit the face directly can help relieve nasal congestion and bring down the inflammation caused by the polyps.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Inhaling the steam from a solution of apple cider vinegar and hot water (mixed in the ratio 1:4) can help relieve nasal congestion caused by nasal polyps to a great extent.
Another effective home remedy for nasal polyps using apple cider vinegar involves mixing three tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and 3 tbsp. of honey with hot water (one cup) and drinking the resultant solution twice every day in the morning and night. Apple cider vinegar is considered to be a good detoxifying agent and would help remove the mucus and infections aggravating the polyps.
5. Citrus Fruits And Vitamin C
Citrus fruits contain plenty of Vitamin C which is needed by the body to ward off illnesses and infections, including nasal polyps. Vitamin C aids in strengthening the immune system, thus providing the body with the boost it needs to fight off conditions like nasal polyps. Increased intake of Vitamin C would also ensure the increased production of bioflavonoids, substances that regulate the blood vessels and tissues present inside the nasal cavities.
This in turn can reduce the development of nasal polyps to an extent and bring down the symptoms of existing growths greatly. Therefore, it is considered wise to eat at least a few citrus fruits every day to take care of nasal polyps and their symptoms. Excellent examples would include lemons, oranges and grapefruits etc.
6. Horseradish With Honey
Horseradish is considered to be one of the most effective home remedies for nasal polyps, thanks to its strong antibacterial properties that aid in removing any infection or allergen contributing to the formation of nasal polyps. Consuming a little amount of horseradish would effectively reduce the symptoms of nasal polyps and prevent recurrences as well.
Horseradish has a strong odor and taste and so cannot be consumed alone. The best option would be to mix grated horseradish with honey and consume the resultant mixture twice every day for desirable results.
7. Castor Oil
Castor oil aids in boosting the body’s immune system to fight off infections and other allergens that can potentially cause nasal polyps. A tablespoon of castor oil first thing in the morning every day can bring down the symptoms of nasal polyps, reduce the size of the polyps and prevent recurrences as well.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Possessing strong antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can effectively clear nasal blockages, get rid of nasal infections and bring down the swelling caused by nasal polyps to a great extent.
Rubbing a few drops of tea tree oil along the opening of the nasal cavity at regular intervals throughout the day can offer extended relief from nasal polyps and their symptoms.
9. Garlic And Onions
Eating raw garlic and onions can be highly beneficial for individuals suffering from recurrent nasal polyps. Loaded with potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, garlic and onions can trigger the nasal glands and get the mucus flowing, thereby clearing nasal blockages instantly.
If the smell and taste of raw onions and garlic is intolerable, one can add them to cooked dishes to get the same results (less effective though).
10. Deep Breathing Exercises
Nasal polyps are known to cause mucus blockages which would further aggravate the other symptoms of the condition (like snoring, respiratory issues and nasal infections).
Regular deep breathing exercises can relax the mind and help clear the nasal passages to an extent, thereby providing relief from the symptoms of nasal polyps. 10 minutes of deep breathing from each nostril (while covering the other nostril) in the morning, noon and night can provide desirable results.
