What are Ayurveda has to say about Managing Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a common condition which affects 28.9 million (1 in every 274) people around the world. People with sinusitis not only suffer from nasal congestion but from non-nasal symptoms such as anxiety, depression and fatigue. According to researchers, the patients with chronic sinusitis were over 50% more likely to suffer from depressive episodes and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, chronic sinus inflammation can cause neurological change and alterations in brain activity according to a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. Due to all these reasons, sinusitis is one of the biggest health concerns now.

We are already familiar with the fact that air pollution levels are rising at an alarming rate. According to WHO,  9 out of 10 people breathe poor quality air that exceeds the guideline limits set by WHO on the high levels of pollutants. Exposure to these environmental pollutants and other allergens may exacerbate sinusitis symptoms. Another sad part is that a majority of people suffering from sinusitis are highly dependent on over the counter antihistamines and decongestant nasal sprays to manage sinusitis symptoms. However, it is a disastrous thing to do as they can actually worsen sinusitis by making mucus thicker and adding to drainage problems. When used frequently, they cause the body to become resistant which in turn creates the need to take even higher dosages to manage sinusitis.

Ayurvedic treatment for Sinusitis can help you break this vicious cycle in a natural and holistic manner!! Ayurvedic experts do not believe in merely suppressing the symptoms but aim at resolving the deeper body imbalances which cause the sinusitis infection and follow a personalized approach. Ayurveda for Sinusitis includes treatments such as Nasya therapy, Dhumapana with Haridra churnam, and Nasal steam inhalation of camphor and menthol have promising potential for management of sinusitis symptoms. They not only aim at dissolving the mucus lodged in the nasal passages but significantly help boost the immune system thus preventing recurrence of the sinusitis symptoms. If sinusitis is wreaking havoc on your life, continue to read to leverage the unique healing powers of Ayurveda and get sustainable results.

Introduction to Sinusitis

Sinusitis is associated with inflammation and infection of the paranasal sinuses that are located behind your face. Anatomically, they are a hollow cavity or air filled pockets within the bones of the face and the skull near the nose. When fluid or mucus builds up in these sinus cavities, the mucus membranes that line the sinuses get irritated and inflamed which causes a sinusitis infection. A sinusitis infection could mean days or weeks of nasal congestion, pain and pressure in and around the eyes, itchy nose, and thick mucus discharge from the nose. 

Sinusitis infections develop as a result of exposure to certain viruses, bacteria and fungus. As a matter of fact, viruses require living hosts such as people to survive and multiply. Thus, when a virus or bacteria that cause sinus infections enters your body, it takes over the cells ability to multiply and reproduce resulting in a rising virus count in the body. As they travel through the nose, they may infect the lining of your nasal cavity causing a sinusitis infection. A weak immune system is often unable to stop harmful bacteria, viruses or fungi from reproducing in the sinuses. So people with lower immunity are at greater risk of catching a sinusitis infection.

Signs & Symptoms of Sinusitis

While signs and symptoms of sinusitis may vary from person to person depending on the type of sinusitis, sinusitis infections of any form usually manifest with nasal congestion and headache followed by post nasal drip (sore throat due to secretions from the nose). Some people may develop acute sinusitis symptoms, others with a higher level of immunity may experience mild or manageable symptoms.  

Let us take a look at the list of the most common signs and symptoms of sinusitis infection. 

• Swelling, tenderness and pain around your eyes and the sides of your nose 
• Uneasiness when breathing because of inflamed sinuses
• Stuffy and blocked nose 
• Thick and rubbery mucus discharge from your nose which is either green or yellow
• Pain around the upper jaw and cheeks which may feel like a toothache
• Disturbed sleep cycles (due to blocked nose and nasal congestion) 
• An unpleasant breath (this is because sinuses drain into the back of your throat)
• Fever
• Headache, which may get intense when bending down or lying down
• Fatigue
• A decreased sense of smell and taste
• A constant need and desire to clear the throat

Important Note

If all the above symptoms or a few symptoms persist for more than a week or recur very often or worsen over time, it might be a surefire sign of sinusitis infection. Book your appointment with an experienced Ayurvedic professional to help manage the sinusitis symptoms effectively, relieve the sinus pain and pressure and enhance well being.

Risks factors associated with Sinusitis

Some people are more susceptible to a sinusitis infection than others. The body’s immune response and the existing environment play a critical role in the patient’s ability to catch a sinusitis infection. Below are the people who are at increased risk of developing chronic sinusitis symptoms. 

• People who are allergic to dust mites
• People who have a poor immune function 
• People who smoke regularly
• People who have a higher exposure to viruses, bacteria and fungi at their workplace 
• People who have an abnormal nose structure such as deviated septum or nasal polyps
• People who are suffering from asthma and struggle to breathe
• People who are living with cystic fibrosis 
• People having a severe tooth infection
• A person who has a broken nose or nasal fracture 
• People with an immune system disorder such as AIDS

Types of Sinusitis

A sinusitis infection may last for a few weeks or may cause recurring symptoms throughout the year. Let us take a look at the different types of sinusitis near the nose and eyes and how long they could last. 

• Acute bacterial sinusitis: Anyone suffering from this sinusitis condition experiences symptoms similar to cold or flu such as runny nose, stuffy nose, and facial pain. The symptoms may start suddenly and normally resolve within two weeks. Fighting this type of sinusitis can be specifically hard, because symptoms seem to improve initially but then return very often. 
• Chronic sinusitis: As the name itself suggests, this type of sinusitis can cause your sinuses or the sinus cavities to get inflamed in a severe manner. This causes symptoms such as nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure, and decreased sense of smell which may even last for more than 3 months. 
• Subacute sinusitis: This sinusitis type is a continuum of the natural progression of acute sinusitis. The symptoms associated with this form of sinusitis last four to twelve weeks.
• Recurrent acute sinusitis: This type of sinusitis is a more rigid form of sinusitis. This is because the person may have several sinusitis attacks every year. These sinusitis triggers or attacks may last upto two weeks each time. Recurring sinusitis attacks can be tormenting and life may become a struggle.

Continue to read below how Ayurvedic experts approach sinusitis through a combination of therapies like Panchakarma and why Ayurveda is the most befitting solution for managing sinusitis symptoms. 

What Ayurveda has to say about Sinusitis

As per Ayurveda, the ancient healing science, sinusitis is caused by an underlying imbalance of two sub doshas – Prana Vata and Shleshaka Kapha (a subdosha of Kapha). 

• Prana vata is one of the five types of vata and one of the three doshas in the body. Located in the head area, it flows inward from outside to inside and performs specialized functions such as controlling the sense and knowledge perception, inhalation and consumption. Overall, it governs the functioning of the human body.
• Shleshaka Kapha is one of the five subdoshas of Kapha dosha. It is basically a fatty substance, which helps protect bones from deterioration and lubricate the joints which is vital for movement.

When the two doshas become out of balance simultaneously, they block the sinus channel and ultimately lead to sinus inflammation. In addition to this, they lower your immunity and make it difficult to fight out a sinusitis infection. In such a scenario, a combination of a Vata Kapha balancing diet and traditional Ayurvedic herbs & medicines can be intensely soothing and beneficial for sinusitis symptoms. If you are having persistent nasal congestion, pressure around your eyes and sinus headache that continues to stay during the day, Ayurveda has the appropriate Ayurvedic treatment for Sinusitis which will be personalized for your Prakriti. 

People with sinusitis often resort to over the counter antihistamines and nasal sprays to suppress the problem. These medications provide only temporary relief and aren't a long term solution. Ayurvedic experts believe and suggest not to indulge in over medications to suppress the problem because it may create severe dependency and make the symptoms of sinusitis worse by making mucus thicker and adding to drainage problems like we read in the beginning. Also, most sprays available over the counter contain steroids which may lead to side effects such as weight gain, insomnia, mood changes and even nosebleeds In addition to this, using OTC medicines and nasal sprays regularly or on a daily basis can cause the body to become resistant and the patient may need to switch to even higher doses of antihistamines and sprays to resolve the sinusitis symptoms.

Ayurvedic experts recommend Ayurvedic treatment for Sinusitis that approaches the root cause of the problem in a natural and holistic manner strengthening the body’s natural defence system and battle against the viruses and bacteria which cause sinusitis.

image credits shreyas

Ayurveda Treatments for Sinusitis

Sinusitis not only impacts physical health in a significant manner but is also linked to anxiety and depression. The sad part is that widely used over the counter medicines and sprays further increase the chances of recurrence. Due to all these reasons, Ayurveda is the treatment of choice for sinusitis in several parts of the world. It aims to balance the doshas by softening and expelling aggravated doshas in the body and treats the root cause of the sinusitis infection in patients which helps prevent a recurrence. Below are some promising Ayurveda therapies recommended by experienced Ayurvedic Doctors, herbs and medicines which can help you relieve sinusitis pain and pressure. 

Nasya

People dealing with sinusitis often complain of constant mucus discharge from the nose. Nasya Ayurvedic therapy (shiro virechana) aims to eliminate this additional mucus and thus helps clear the irritants from your nasal passages. This therapy initially starts in the sitting position with a head massage using medicated ayurvedic oil. Later the person is required to lie down and the medicated ayurvedic oils specific to the dosha are then administered via the nostrils to help dissolve and break up the thick mucus accumulated in the nasal and sinus passages. When the excess mucus breaks down, it gets eliminated through the nose and the sinusitis symptoms start to subside. 

Dhumapana with Haridra churna

image credits One world Ayurveda Bali

This Ayurveda therapy to treat sinusitis involves inhaling a mixture of Camphor, Menthol, etc. in the form of steam to clear nasal passage, reduce the kapha and instantly clear congestion. The person is required to inhale the medicated mixture twice daily for the best results.

Ayurvedic Medicines

• One drop - A blend of spearmint, camphor and caraway extracts, One Drop is an effective Ayurvedic medicine to treat sinusitis congestion. When a few drops of this medicine are inserted into nostrils, its vapours work like magic and help reduce nasal congestion and provide relief from headaches caused by sinusitis symptoms such as sneezing. Ayurvedic medicines are often backed by years of intense research which makes them highly reliable. One drop medicine is the  result of over 110 years of intense research in Shathayu and has a strong and penetrating smell beneficial for unblocking the sinuses. 
• Lakshmi Vilas Ras – Headache is one the most common symptoms of sinusitis which can make getting a restful night’s sleep difficult. This ayurvedic medicine comes handy in reducing nasal allergies which in turn helps relieve headache and pain in the forehead due to sinusitis. Most importantly, this Ayurvedic medicine provides the required strength to the immune system to fight viruses and bacteria which cause sinusitis infection.

Jala Neti (Nasal Cleansing Exercise)

Jala Neti is an effective and popular Yogic technique to cure and treat sinusitis. It involves pouring water in one nostril and flushing it out from the other nostril to release the excess mucus buildup and deep clean the nasal passages. Practicing this technique around 3 to 4 times a week can help you maintain nasal hygiene and prevent mucus build up which leads to sinusitis infections. 

Yoga Asanas 

Certain yoga asanas may help clear any obstruction in the nasal packages and ease breathing during sinusitis. Some of the best yoga asanas to get relief from sinusitis are 

• Anulom Vilom Pranayama
• Bhujangasana
• Sarvangasana
• Uttanasana 
• Kapalbhati

 

Diet, Herbs and Fruits that help with Sinusitis

Diet plays an important role in maintaining the health of our sinuses. If you are suffering from regular sinus problems, it is advisable to make considerable changes to your eating habits and diet. Below are some dietary tips to follow to relieve sinusitis symptoms and prevent problems in the future.

• Balance your Doshas: Each body has a different combination of doshas such that one dosha is dominant over the others and decides your lifestyle. Since sinusitis is the result of imbalance of the Prana Vata and Shleshaka Kapha, following a Vata-Kapha pacifying diet can be greatly beneficial in bringing doshas into balance and relieving sinusitis. 
• Hot & Cold: If you have a sinusitis infection, your body may react to too hot or too cold foods. Avoid eating foods that are too hot and too cold to prevent sinusitis symptoms from getting worse.
• Say no to sugar rich drinks: It is better to avoid or reduce the consumption of sugar rich beverages as they can interfere with white blood cells' ability to kill bacteria and exacerbate a sinusitis infection. 
• Hydrate regularly: Dry mucous membranes can cause an itchy nose and sneezing. It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids to keep them moist and eliminate the toxins from the sinuses. 
• Omega 3 & fatty acids: Fish and other types of seafood are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Include them in your diet regimen to help boost the body’s immune system, stave off infection and reduce sinusitis inflammation.
• Honey: Honey has powerful antibacterial properties and is known as one of nature’s greatest healers. Scientists claim that upon introducing honey to bacteria cultures containing common sinus infection strains, they discovered the other side of honey and that is its ability to kill and destroy bacterial pathogens.

Best Fruits for sinusitis

Fruits rich in vitamins and minerals can play a significant role in managing sinusitis. This is because Vitamin C helps boost immunity which in turn helps prevent and fight infections. Some  fruits which are abundant in Vitamin C are apricots, cantaloupe, strawberries, red and green peppers, kale, parsley and broccoli. By including them in your diet, you not only make a healthy choice but can keep allergies and sinus infections at bay. Before you add them you might want to check for food allergies that you may and may not have.

Best Herbs for sinusitis

Herbs have various other uses outside cooking. Certain herbs can also treat bacterial infections such as sinusitis and boost immunity. Below are herbs that may help ease sinusitis symptoms and strengthen immunity. 

• Oregano - Oregano is not just a vibrant herb for adding flavor to the Italian dishes but it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Due to this reason, oregano oil is a great option to help ease sinus congestion. Ayurvedic professionals have been using it for centuries and vouch for its benefits in supporting a healthy body.
• Black seed - Black seed has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antimicrobial properties due to which it can help inhibit the inflammation of sinuses and respiratory airways. 
• Nettle - Nettle leaves work as a natural antihistamine and thus are  a popular herbal remedy for fending off sinusitis infections. 
• Yarrow - Yarrow is an amazing plant with drying, astringent properties.  It helps to dry up and move excess mucus out of the respiratory system which can be greatly beneficial to those with sinus infections. 
• Bayberry - Bayberry, is known for its ability to resolve phlegm and mucus. When snuffed as powder or used as an ointment for massaging the sinus, it acts as a warming and stimulating tonic to relieve nasal congestion and cure nasal polyps. 
• Plantain - Plantain is a soothing herb containing anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely included in nasal rinse because of its ability to pull foreign objects out of the sinus and reduce irritation in the nasal passages.

Key Takeaways

1. A sinusitis infection is mainly associated with inflammation of the air cavities within the paranasal sinuses. It can cause severe nasal congestion and nasal stuffiness due to excess mucus buildup and also makes breathing difficult. 
2. A sinusitis infection may last for a few weeks or months depending on the type of sinusitis. Recurrent acute sinusitis is one of the worst types of sinusitis in which the person may have multiple episodes of sinusitis per year with each episode lasting less than 2 weeks.
3. According to Ayurveda, a sinusitis infection is caused due to imbalance of the Vata and Kapha dosha. Achieving a proper balance of these doshas and following a personalized diet plan based on one's unique dosha constitution is the key to treating sinusitis. 
4. Ayurvedic treatments for sinusitis aim at softening and expelling aggravated Kapha doshas (mucus) that have built up in the nasal passageways. By helping eliminate the excess Kapha or mucus from the body, they help treat sinusitis issues using a holistic approach. 
5. Specially designed panchakarma programs like Nasyam aid in complete detoxification of the body and the mind to reduce the risk of infection and help open up the blocked passages in the skull and facial structures. Nasya Karma or Nasyam is one of the most popular Panchakarma therapies in Ayurveda and has a unique principle of purification of the body for treating sinusitis with successful results. Through this procedure, the accumulated Kapha in the sinus passage gets cleared and released. 
6. Ayurvedic medicines are made of natural extracts like camphor, caraway, spearmint and others all of which can help reduce nasal congestion and ease sinusitis symptoms in a natural and sustainable manner. Most importantly, Ayurvedic medicines boost immune health which is extremely significant to stay healthy and prevent the recurrence of sinusitis infections.  
7. Relying on temporary measures and OTC medicines can worsen and aggravate sinusitis symptoms. Ayurveda based solutions address the root cause of the sinusitis infection and thus are more sustainable and provide long term benefits.
8. Anyone suffering with sinusitis experiences inflamed sinuses and constant mucus buildup in the nasal cavity. Jala neti is one of the best Yogic and holistic approaches to 
9. help remove mucus and pollutants from the nasal passage and sinuses, and clear obstruction in the respiratory pathways. It involves pouring water in one nostril and releasing it out from the other nostril to remove toxins and deep cleanse the nasal passage.

Published Research on the efficacy of Ayurveda for Sinusitis

• Prana Vayu in the modern prespective
• A review on the therapeutic effects of Neti Kriya with special reference to Jala Neti
• EFFICACY OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINE IN THE TREATMENT OF UNCOMPLICATED CHRONIC SINUSITIS

Frequently Asked Questions about Sinusitis

Can Ayurveda cure sinusitis?

All forms of Ayurvedic treatments for sinusitis such as medicines and formulations, herbs, massages and therapies aim at eliminating the excess fluid buildup and germs such as bacteria and viruses from the sinuses which may be causing inflammation and pain. If you have a sinusitis infection, Ayurvedic remedies can work favourably to not just relieve the symptoms of sinusitis in the short term but strengthen immunity to reduce the chances of recurring sinusitis infections.

As far as a complete cure is concerned it will depend on the kind of sinusitis one suffers from and what severity is it at. It is recommended that you seek professional Ayurvedic treatment for Sinusitis early on rather than as a last resort when everything else has failed.

What Herbs clear sinuses?

Ayurvedic herbs and plants are a natural solution for managing sinusitis symptoms and opening up the nasal passages. Some of the herbs best suited for treating sinusitis issues are oregano, black seed, nettle, yarrow, bayberry and plantain. Having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, they are well known for alleviating nasal congestion and boosting immunity to prevent sinus infections. 

Are bananas bad for sinuses?

While certain foods play an important role in calming sinuses, certain foods can aggravate and worsen a sinusitis infection. One such food which is bad for sinuses is the banana. A banana has a cooling nature due to which it may increase the production of phlegm and lead to even more congestion. Thus, people with a sinusitis infection should avoid eating bananas to prevent the sinus symptoms from worsening.

One important thing to note is that eating bananas should be strictly avoided during the winter season especially at night. This is because the winter season already makes your body prone to cold, allergies and sinusitis infections. Eating bananas when there is a dip in the temperature can trigger the sinus and increase congestion.

Is Tulsi good for sinus?

Tulsi is fondly known as “Mother Medicine of Nature" and "The Queen of Herbs" in Ayurveda.  Owing to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, it is highly beneficial in relieving cold and sinusitis symptoms. Taking a few leaves of this holy basil along with honey everyday is one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for sinusitis infections. Additionally, you can take tulsi in the form of herbal tea in the morning and start your day on a delectable and aromatic note. To make tulsi tea, collect some dry tulsi leaves and brew them in the tea along with black pepper and cumin for the best results. Apart from this, steam inhalation with water infused with tulsi and mint leaves can soften and loosen mucus and provide very quick results in clearing the nasal passages. Most importantly, the herb has immune-boosting properties and thus can prevent sinusitis infections.

What foods help clear sinuses?

Antioxidants help fight and neutralize free radicals that contribute to sinusitis infections by giving up some of their own electrons. Including antioxidant-rich foods in your diet regimen can help clear sinuses and ease sinusitis symptoms. Foods such as cranberries, kiwi, red grapes, pumpkin, papaya, peaches and pineapple are an abundant source of antioxidants and essential vitamins. Eating them regularly and in proper amounts is highly recommended to reduce inflammation and clear the nasal cavity.

What juices are good for sinus infection?

Fruit juices are full of taste and health benefits and thoroughly enjoyed throughout the world. Interestingly, fruit juices with high vitamin C and antioxidants content can help fight inflammation and treat sinusitis. One of the most common and popular juice recipes for sinusitis is the Super Sinus-Be-Gone Juice. The recipe for the same is shared below.  

• 1 green apple
• 1-inch fresh ginger root
• 1 large carrot
• 2 oranges (peeled)
• ½ lemon (peeled)
• 1 pinch of ground cayenne pepper

Collect all the above ingredients and blend together to prepare the juice which can help clear your sinuses.

What is the best treatment for sinusitis?

According to Ayurveda, every individual has a unique constitution (Prakriti) which is determined at the time of birth. Hence Ayurvedic experts emphasize treating sinusitis in a highly individualized manner based on the individual’s Prakriti and its characteristic features.

There is no one size fits all treatment or single best treatment for managing sinusitis. However, Panchakarma therapy together with immunity-boosting Ayurvedic drugs is considered to be highly effective in managing sinusitis symptoms. While panchakarma therapy can help purify and detoxify the body and the mind by helping remove the mucus lodged in the nasal passages, certain Ayurvedic drugs containing natural ingredients can help boost immunity and prevent the recurrence of the symptoms.

In addition to this, practising ancient ayurvedic yogic techniques like Jal Neti 3 to 4 times a week can be beneficial in improving overall sinus health. As water goes through one nostril and comes out of the other nostril, it helps loosen and break the fluid and mucus pollutants that have been trapped in the sinuses. When the accumulated Kapha gets cleared and eliminated, sinusitis symptoms will be reduced allowing easy breathing and peaceful sleep.

 

All the Ayurveda treatments for sinusitis mentioned in this article can help minimize symptoms and reduce the need for OTC medicines and sprays in sinusitis patients. An experienced Ayurvedic practitioner near you can help you suggest the best treatment plan based on your Prakriti and that shall actually be the best treatment in your case to help get your body doshas back into alignment.

**The benefits of Ayurveda vary from person to person and the results may vary immensely based on the quality of the herbs, oil concoctions and medicines. BalanceBoat.com is not responsible or liable for the effectiveness and outcome of the Ayurvedic treatments. The information above is shareable purely for educational purpose it is not to be considered as a replacement for medical advice. Please always consult a certified specialist/Doctor before you embark upon a treatment.