Growing up, my father, who was an Ayurvedic doctor, never let me try anything else other than Ayurveda for any illness. I have had my own tough times with sinusitis issues and his remedies and treatments always worked. Though I didn’t like them back then, today, I’m thankful that Ayurveda has become my way of life.
What is sinusitis ?
Sinusitis is a health condition involving inflammation of the tissues lining the sinus, which are the air-filled cavities bordering the nasal passage. The sinus is responsible for creating mucus.
Sinusitis is a result of a bacterial or viral infection, or even an allergy. It is marked by symptoms such as nasal congestion, a mild or severe headache and pain in the face.
Ayurveda associates sinusitis with Peenasa (mild form of sinusitis) and Dushta Pratishyaya (chronic sinusitis).
Ayurveda considers sinusitis as a result of imbalance of Kapha and Vata Doshas. When these Doshas are out of balance, Ama (toxins) accumulate in the sinuses, leading to inflammation and congestion.
Ayurveda recommends many remedies and treatment for sinusitis.
In this blog, let me share some natural treatment for sinusitis that have helped me and that I recommend to my patients.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Sinusitis
In Ayurveda, the treatment for sinusitis starts with determining the main cause of Dosha imbalance.
The focus of the treatment for sinusitis is mainly on regaining the balance of the Doshas, eliminating Ama and improving the functional capacities of the body.
Here are some effective Ayurvedic treatments for sinusitis:
Nasya Therapy
Nasya is one of the five Panchakarma procedures. It involves administering medicated oil into the nose, in order to cleanse nasal passages.
I recommend using Nasya Oil and Steaming Oil to do Nasya. This works best if you are often prone to allergic rhinitis, seasonal cough, cold and other upper respiratory conditions.
If you are healthy and do Nasya as a part of your daily routine, you can just use 2 drops of Nasya Oil. Another option is Anu Taila.
How to do Nasya?
- Massage face, neck and chest with steaming oil
Remember to apply pressure on sinus areas.
- Steam face, neck and chest with eyes protected
Cover your eyes using a cloth and then apply steam.
- Instil 2 drops of Nasya Oil in each nostril
Instil the oil in each nostril and inhale. Position your face facing upwards until you feel the Nasya Oil get into your nasal cavity.
- Spit the mucus out
This step is very important.
The best time to do Nasya is ideally in the morning – 1 hour before/after shower and 1 hour before/after food.
Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation with medicinal herbs is considered one of the best home remedies for sinusitis.
It helps to clear the blocked nasal passages, manage congestion, and lessen sinus pain.
How to do steam inhalation?
- Heat water and drop a few eucalyptus oil or sprinkle herbs, such as mint or tulsi.
- Take a towel and place it over your head and breathe in the steam for the next 10-15 minutes.
- This can be done 2-3 times a day to have relief from sinus congestion.
Jala Neti (Nasal Irrigation)
Jala Neti is one of the six cleansing methods(Shat Karma) mentioned in Hatha Yoga.
It involves rinsing the nasal passage with warm water containing salt.
Jala Neti helps effectively rinse mucus and allergens, thus alleviating sinusitis symptoms immediately.
How to do Jala Neti?
- Mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt in a cup of warm water.
- With the help of a Neti pot, rinse the saline solution in one nostril and let it come out from the opposite side.
- Repeat on the other side.
This should be done once a day and ideally done in the morning.
Herbal Remedies
The following herbs that are useful in the treatment of sinusitis:
- Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential. Tulsi tea or inhaling steam from Tulsi water can help clear up the sinuses.
- Turmeric
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the swelling in the sinuses. Consume one tablespoon of turmeric powder along with lukewarm milk and go to bed.
- Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Ginger tea with honey could help with a sore throat and alleviate sinus pressure.
Diet and Lifestyle
Following suitable dietary and lifestyle practices can help manage your sinusitis symptoms.
Avoid old, heavy, and oily foods, such as yoghurt, ice-cream, deep-fried foods, etc. as they increase the quantity of Kapha.
Include warm, light, and easily digestible foods in your diet.
Drink plenty of warm fluids in the form of herbal teas or soups.
Avoiding having dairy products as they increase the production of mucus.
Be regular with your food and sleep.
Doing Pranayama regularly will increase the capacity of the lungs and will also clear the nasal passage.
Keep away from cold and damp environments.
Ayurvedic Medicines for Sinusitis
Ayurveda prescribes various herbal medicines which are very effective in treating Sinusitis.
- Chyawanprash
This herbal jam helps boost the immunity of the body. Having a spoonful of this medicine every day to prevent the formation of sinus infection.
- Sitopaladi Churna
Taking this herbal powder mixed with honey 2-3 times a day helps reduce cough and congestion.
- Trikatu Churna
Trikatu Churna contains ginger, black pepper and long pepper.
Having one teaspoon of this herbal powder mixed with honey after meals helps reduce Kapha and digestive capacity of the gut.
- Dashamoola
Made of a combination of ten roots, Dashamoola is very effective in reducing inflammation and congestion.
It can be given in the form of powder, tablets or decoction.
- Talisadi Churna
Talisadi Churna is another effective herbal remedy.
Have this herbal powder mixed with honey 2 to 3 times a day.
Preventive Measures
Following these preventive measures reduce the chances of infections:
- Comply with rules of hygiene and wash your hands regularly.
- Keep the mucus membranes moist by having warm fluids.
- Being prone to allergens is a common problem in people with sinusitis. Determine the allergens and stay away from them.
- Be physically active. This helps increase overall immunity.
- Stress damages the immune system. So, practice yoga and meditation regularly.
Ayurvedic treatment for sinusitisis focuses on treating the root cause and balancing the Doshas.
Remember, consistency is key. Allow your body to get back to its normal rhythm and recover from the stress of the day. This means that if the right measures are taken, one will get long-term relief from sinusitis.
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