Ayurveda Treatment for Sinusitis

Posted on May 09, 2019
Ayurveda Treatment for Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of tissues around the sinuses. Sinuses are the air-filled spaces behind the nasal bone, forehead, cheeks, and eyes. When these openings are blocked, they become prone to infections. The condition can be triggered by factors including the common cold, pollen allergies. The symptoms of acute sinusitis include facial muscle pain, stuffiness of the nose, running nose, loss of smell, congestion, etc. In this blog, let's discuss Ayurveda Treatment for Sinusitis.

Causes

Ayurveda regards the cause of sinus infections to be an imbalance of PranaVata, a subtype of Vata which governs the brain and head and Shleshaka Kapha which governs moisture and lubrication balance. Imbalances of these Dosha scan block the sinus channels which leads to the imbalance of Pitta that causes sinus inflammation.

Symptoms

  • Sneezing
  • Heaviness in the head
  • Feeling of heaviness
  • Blocked or runny nose

Ayurvedic recommendations to manage Sinusitis

Ayurveda Treatment for Sinusitis involves liquefying and expelling aggravated body energies with the use of certain Ayurvedic herbs and diet as well as nasal therapies and applications. The Panchakarma treatment of Nasya is quite effective in dealing with sinusitis.

Steam Inhalation: Steam act as a decongestant which effectively clears the congestion and reducing sinusitis pain. Adding ginger, eucalyptus oil, cough drops and other medicated herbs to boiling water and inhaling the steam is extremely beneficial. Inhaling steam can be done multiple times a day for relief. Chronic sinusitis with excessive pain requires continuous steam inhalation treatment for at least two years.

Nasyam: One among the Panchakarma detoxification therapies of Ayurveda, Nasyam involves administering medicines through nostrils. Medicated oils or herbal preparations administered through the nasal passages helps remove the excess humor in sinus cavities which improves the flow of oxygen in the body. This cures the pain associated with sinusitis.

Spices: Drinking water flavoured with spices is another remedy suggested by Ayurveda. Add Tulsi leaves, slices of ginger, cloves and mint leaves to water and drink it throughout the day for managing the condition.

Diet: It is recommended to avoid cold and oily food when suffering from sinusitis. Processes foods, chocolates, alcohol and carbonated drinks are also restricted. It is also advised to increase the intake of fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Starting the day with a glass of water with lemon juice is also considered beneficial for sinusitis patients.

Home Remedies

  • Boil 1 to 2 litres of water and add a few drops of clove oil (or a large spoonful of cloves), 10-12 crushed mint leaves, and a few drops of eucalyptus oil (or 1/3 cup of eucalyptus leaves). Inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes. Continue this twice a day until congestion clears and then once a week to clear the phlegm that gets deposited in the sinuses.
  • Have 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger juice with 1 teaspoon of honey in it twice a day.
  • Crush 4-5 peeled garlic buds and inhale the fragrance. This will reduce nasal congestion.
  • Mix 1 tsp of crushed garlic and 1 tsp of turmeric with 2 tbsp of honey. Take 1 tsp daily.