If you’re experiencing mildly irritating symptoms of nasal polyps, it may be worth trying these natural treatments at home. But these are not replacements for medical treatment.
Nasal polyps are growths that develop in the nose or sinuses. They’re actually quite common and may be caused by allergies, inflammation, or infection.
Typically, nasal polyps don’t cause any symptoms. Unlike some other types of polyps, they’re usually noncancerous.
In some cases, though, there are symptoms. These include itching, a runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and more.
Doctors may prescribe steroid nasal sprays or prednisone for relief, which can stop symptoms or eliminate polyps altogether. However, symptoms and polyps may come back.
If you’re looking for natural alternatives to medications, this article explores what treatments may be most effective.
These home remedies may help improve symptoms and discomfort associated with nasal polyps, but none are proven to completely eliminate them.
You should be cautious if you are already taking medication for any reason, and speak with your doctor first before trying any supplements. This is because some supplements can interact with medications.
This hot pepper and spice contains capsaicin. Some people believe it can help clear sinuses.
A 2015 study suggests capsaicin may relieve inflammation, open up nasal passages, and enhance immunity. This can play a small role in relieving nasal polyp symptoms and the causes of polyps themselves.
To use: Add cayenne pepper spice liberally to food or recipes. For most people, 1–2 teaspoons (tsp) is typical.
You can also prepare a hot cayenne tea by mixing 1–2 tsp of cayenne pepper spice in 1 cup of boiling water. To make the flavor more pleasant, sweeten with raw honey or flavor with other herbs to taste.
You can also purchase capsaicin or cayenne products as supplements or nasal sprays.
Using a neti pot, also called nasal irrigation, may help improve symptoms caused by nasal polyps. It may also help address polyp causes, like allergies or sinus infection.
Nasal irrigation involves the use of a small pot to run warm distilled or sterilized
To use:
Step 1: Fill your neti pot with warm water, distilled or sterilized. Filtered or purified water is also acceptable. Prepare warm water by boiling it first and then letting it cool. You can use warm tap water, but remember that it should be run through a purifier or filter first. Never insert hot water into your nose.
Step 2: Mix in 1–2 tsp salt or salt to taste. The solution should taste as salty as tears or sweat.
Step 3: Tilt your head sideways and run the solution through one nostril and out the other over a sink. Make sure you don’t plug your nose while this is happening. Let water run through completely.
Afterward, blow your nose to remove the salt solution. Repeat the entire process to irrigate the other nostril and sinus cavity.
Besides using a neti pot, simple hot steam inhalation may also help.
Research shows that, along with nasal irrigation, steam inhalation may help symptoms common with nasal polyps. Sinus inflammation-caused headaches were most notable.
Steam inhalation includes showers, baths, steam rooms, humidifiers, or even steam from water boiled on a stovetop.
To use: Take a shower or bath, or use a steam room and inhale the steam for benefits. Follow the product instructions for a humidifier.
Alternatively, simmer purified or distilled water in a clean pot on a stovetop on a medium setting. Inhale steam from there. Do not keep the water at a rolling boil, as this may cause scalding or burns.
Tea tree is a well-known essential oil. Some people believe it can reduce itching, inflammation, and infection. This may help prevent both causes and symptoms of nasal polyps.
To use: Create a dilute solution of tea tree essential oil (3–5 drops of oil to every ounce of carrier oil). Olive oil or sweet almond oil are examples of carrier oils. With a clean cotton swab, dab the solution in the nasal passages.
You can add the essential oil to steam inhalation or an aromatherapy diffuser.
This tea flower has been used for centuries to aid allergies and inflammation. A 2020 study suggests nasal drops with chamomile extract can improve symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.
To use: Create a dilute water solution of chamomile essential oil (3–5 drops of oil to every ounce of water). With a clean cotton swab, dab the solution into your nasal passages.
You can also add the essential oil to your water for steam inhalation or a diffuser.
Or, enjoy a piping hot cup of chamomile tea.
Butterbur is a plant of the genus Petasites.
Some people use it to help treat sinus-related issues, such as allergies, sinusitis, migraine, headaches, and even asthma.
Each of these may be caused by or be a cause of nasal polyps. However, research on this plant and its use in treating nasal polyps is lacking.
To use: Source a pure butterbur supplement or extract and follow the label directions. Make sure to get your butterbur from a trustworthy supplement company only.
This yellow healing and culinary spice is famous for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
These properties can also help reduce inflammation and irritation of airways, according to some older studies. However, turmeric has not been shown to permanently get rid of nasal polyps.
To use: Add turmeric spice liberally to food. About 1–2 tsp is typical.
You can also prepare a hot turmeric tea by mixing 1–2 tsp of spice in 1 cup of boiling water. To make the flavor more pleasant, sweeten with raw honey or flavor with other herbs to taste.
Some people believe the oils from this Australian tree have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties. However, some people are allergic to eucalyptus, so take care if you have other allergies.
Check to see if you are allergic by diluting a drop of essential oil into 1 tsp of carrier oil. Then apply to the forearm and wait to see if you develop a reaction within 24 hours. Watch for symptoms of allergy when inhaling the essential oil.
Compounds from the plant and its oils are added to many over-the-counter decongestant medications.
To use: Create a dilute water solution of eucalyptus essential oil (3–5 drops of oil to every ounce of carrier oil). With a clean cotton swab, dab the solution in the nasal passages.
Or, add essential oil to your water for steam inhalation or an inhaler.
This potager’s herb is full of menthol, which has notable decongestant properties that could help nasal polyp symptoms.
A 2015 study showed that menthol in steam inhalation can help with decongestion and treating common cold-like symptoms.
To use: Create a dilute water solution of peppermint essential oil (3–5 drops oil to every ounce of water). With a clean cotton swab, dab the solution in the nasal passages.
You can also add essential oil to your water for steam inhalation or a diffuser.
Or, enjoy a piping hot cup of peppermint tea.
Though echinacea is a classic cold remedy and immune-booster, its benefits can also carry over to helping nasal polyp symptoms.
An older 2015 study suggests it can help reduce respiratory infections, prevent them from recurring, and also soothe airway irritation.
To use: Source a pure echinacea powder supplement or extract and follow the label directions. Make sure to get your echinacea from a trustworthy supplement company only.
Or, enjoy a piping hot cup of echinacea tea.
Prescription medications help with severe nasal polyp symptoms. But if your symptoms are mild and you’re looking for natural approaches, you may want to consider these alternative treatments.
However, speak with your doctor first since many supplements can interact with medications, such as blood thinners and antibiotics.
If your symptoms get worse or severe, see your doctor. Don’t rely only on natural remedies, as the evidence behind them is limited, and you may require medical intervention.