Nasal polyps are growths that form in the tissues inside your nose. Although they are not cancerous, they can affect your ability to breathe, decrease your sense of smell, and cause other problems. Medications and surgery are common treatments for nasal polyps, but natural remedies may also help.¹

There are different types of natural treatments for nasal polyps that you may want to consider.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any natural health remedies to make sure they do not interfere with your medications and other treatments.

Nasal Rinses 

A nasal rinse, wash, or spray uses sterilized saline water to moisturize and clean the nasal passages. Nasal rinses may help with the symptoms and some causes of polyps.

For example, using a nasal rinse may help prevent polyps caused by allergies. By washing the sinuses, you may be able to flush out allergens and irritants.¹

Eucalyptus Oil 

Research on 1,8-cineol—a compound found in eucalyptus oil (eucalyptol)—shows it may help people who have nasal polyps. The compound has antimicrobial properties, so it may help stop bacterial growth in the sinuses that can be harmful. It may also improve congestion to make it easier for you to breathe.²

You can use a small, diluted drop of eucalyptus oil to dab the inside of your nose. Another option is to breathe in eucalyptus oil through an inhalation device like a diffuser.

Warning

Do not swallow eucalyptus oil. If you do, contact your local poison control.

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that your body needs to stay healthy. Research shows that vitamin D may help prevent nasal polyps. Also, some people who have nasal polyps are deficient in vitamin D. Previous studies showed that vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties and may play an important role in respiratory health.³

One form of vitamin D is D3, which is often found in supplements. When participants in a study received vitamin D3 tablets with a dose of 4000 IU once per day for an entire month, they had an improvement in their nasal polyps.³

Capsaicin 

Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers. Although it causes a burning sensation, it can relieve pain and dilate blood vessels. Capsaicin may help improve the symptoms of nasal polyps by making it easier to breathe. It can cause a runny nose, which may clear mucus from the sinuses.

You can find nasal sprays with capsaicin in them but talk to your healthcare provider before using them.⁴

Probiotics 

Your microbiome consists of the microorganisms that live inside you. Some of these microorganisms, like bacteria, can be beneficial to your overall health. Research shows that your microbiome may also have an impact on your sinus health.

Probiotics may help balance the microbiome in your body and may relieve the symptoms of nasal polyps. You can find probiotics in supplements and foods.⁵

Probiotic-rich foods include:

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Pickled vegetables

Humidifier 

Humidifiers work by adding moisture to the air around you. They can prevent dryness and moisturize your nasal passages to make it easier to breathe. By helping mucus drain from the sinuses, the risk of blockages and inflammation is lower.

Keep the humidifier clean to prevent mold and bacteria from growing inside.¹

Breathing Exercises 

Breathing exercises may help you by reducing congestion and other symptoms of nasal polyps. According to research, Bhramari pranayama—a type of yoga breathing exercise—can open your sinuses. These types of exercises also help you control your breathing.⁶

A Word From Verywell

Nasal polyps can be difficult to treat and may even return after taking medications or having surgery. You should discuss all of your treatment options, including natural remedies, with a healthcare provider. Some people find additional relief from their symptoms by combining natural treatments with medications.

Before taking any supplements or changing your lifestyle, talk to your practitioner. Supplements may interfere with your medications and cause side effects.

It is important to have patience as you search for the right treatment options to manage your nasal polyps. Some people respond differently to both prescription and natural treatments. Contiue to explore your choices and look for the best ones for you.

Sources:

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Nasal polyps.
2. Schürmann M, Oppel F, Gottschalk M, et al. The therapeutic effect of 1,8-cineol on pathogenic bacteria species present in chronic rhinosinusitis. Front Microbiol. 2019;10:2325. Published 2019 Oct 22. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2019.02325
3. Hashemian F, Sadegh S, Jahanshahi J, Seif Rabiei MA, Hashemian F. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on recurrence of nasal polyposis after endoscopic sinus surgery. Iran J Otorhinolaryngol. 2020;32(108):21-28. doi:10.22038/ijorl.2019.37766.2241
4. Piromchai P, Kasemsiri P, Laohasiriwong S, Thanaviratananich S. Chronic rhinosinusitis and emerging treatment options. Int J Gen Med. 2013;6:453-464. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S29977
5. Abreu NA, Nagalingam NA, Song Y, et al. Sinus microbiome diversity depletion and Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum enrichment mediates rhinosinusitis. Sci Transl Med. 2012;4(151):151ra124. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.3003783
6. Abishek K, Bakshi SS, Bhavanani AB. The efficacy of yogic breathing exercise bhramari pranayama in relieving symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Int J Yoga. 2019;12(2):120-123. doi:10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_32_18

Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.verywellhealth.com by Lana Bandoim where all credits are due. Medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD

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