Sinusitis is swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining of the sinuses. Let's know more about sinusitis. In Ayurveda, Sinusitis is known as pinas. It can affect people of any age and gender respectively.
Sinuses are usually hollow spaces within the bones between the eyes, behind cheekbones, and on the forehead. The mucus inside keeps the nose moist. It helps protect against dust, allergens, and pollutants.
Healthy sinuses are filled with air. Sinus infections happen when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the sinuses. This fluid buildup allows germs to grow. Viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria can also cause sinus infections.
Causes of Sinusitis
The common causes of sinusitis are as follows:
- According to Ayurveda, sinusitis is due to aggravated Kapha Dosha and Vata Dosha.
- Impaired Kapha Dosha (water element) accumulates in the sinuses and blocks the flow of Vata Dosha (air).
- Impaired Pitta Dosha (fire) causes swelling and irritation of the tissues of the sinuses
- Common cold.
- Allergic rhinitis is swelling of the lining of the nose caused by allergens.
- A deviated nasal septum is a shift in the nasal cavity.
- Small growths in the nose lining are called nasal polyps.
- Increased intake of dry, oily, spicy foods that are too hot or too cold; foods that are heavy and hard to digest, poor food combinations.
- Exposure to dusty or cold and dry weather.
- Staying awake till late in the night as well as sleeping during the daytime.
- Recurrent respiratory infections.
- Pollen or Dust allergies.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
The common Sinusitis symptoms are as follows:
- Difficulty in breathing due to blockage of one or both nostrils.
- Headache which can be mild or intense or heavy at the front of the head.
- Radiating pain in the ears, teeth and upper jaw.
- Bad breath.
- Swelling around cheeks and eyes.
- Feverish feeling.
- Ear blockages.
- Cough.
- Thick mucus discharge.
Types of Sinusitis
There are four types of sinusitis mainly, which include
Acute Sinusitis
Sinusitis, caused by a bacterial and virus infection, is known as acute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis can cause infection in the upper respiratory tract of a person.
Subacute Sinusitis
Subacute sinusitis is usually caused by seasonal allergies or bacterial infections. The progression of subacute sinusitis is temporary in which the person has a burning and swelling sensation.
Chronic Sinusitis
When the cells around the nose are swollen, the sinusitis caused is called chronic sinusitis. It also results in pain along with swelling of the nose. Chronic sinusitis lasts for a long time with symptoms lasting for months. Any kind of infection, allergy, mucus, and inflammation can cause chronic sinusitis.
Recurrent Sinusitis
Recurrent sinusitis can take place several times a year. It is known as recurrent sinusitis due to its recurrence. Asthma, infection, or allergies are the underlying cause. Once the infection of acute sinusitis gets converted into a chronic infection, the person is more likely to develop sinusitis more than once.
Effective Home Remedies for Sinusitis
Let’s know the efficient Sinusitis Home Remedies which are as follows:
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga is the best and easiest way to heal sinusitis. Meditation is the ancient method of keeping our mind and body calm and fit. Pranayama as well as Yoga Asanas can help in getting relief from symptoms of sinusitis.
Some of effective Yoga Asanas for sinusitis are as follows:
- Sarvangasana
- Halasana
- Janushirshasana
- Matsyendrasana
- Dhanurasana
- Salabhasana
- Bhujangasana
- Matsyasana
- Shavasana
In addition to this, regularly walking for 15 minutes can boost immunity.
Jala Neti (Nasal Rinsing)
The Sanskrit word Jala means “water” and the meaning of neti is “to guide”. In other words, it is also known as “nasal cleansing”. Hence, Jala neti means pouring water through the nasal passages to cleanse them.
Jala neti is a traditional Ayurvedic and Yogic practice that helps in clearing the nose and sinus passages through nasal irrigation.
Application
Sea salt is dissolved into warm, pure water in a neti pot, which is a tool specifically designed for this purpose. The head is tilted forward and to the side and the solution is poured into one nostril and allowed to pour out the other, thus clearing the nasal passages and sinuses of excess mucus, toxins and debris along the way.
Ginger
It is known as Shunthi or Ardrakam in Sanskrit. It is one of the most effective remedies for sinusitis because it is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, as well as it can reduce the inflammation of the sinus.
Application
Ginger can be used in several ways as it can be consumed in the form of ginger tea, and this herbal ginger tea helps in decreasing inflammation. It can also be consumed raw with water.
Basil leaves (Tulsi), Cloves(Laung)
In Ayurveda, Basil is known as Tulsi which is beneficial in various forms. Besides basil, clove known as Laung in Ayurveda is of great help to get relief from sinusitis. All herbs have a healing therapeutic effect. Therefore, a concoction (Kadha) made up of these herbs can cure the infection.
Application
Boil four to five glasses of water, add basil leaves, and two cloves. Let it cool down and drink it sip by sip throughout the day. You can grate basil and take out its juice and add this juice to the herbal tea.
Cinnamon
It is popularly called Dalchini which can be found in every household. It is recommended for people who have the ‘Kaphavata’ constitution. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It proves to be beneficial in sinusitis.
Application
It can be added to herbal tea once or twice a day. This tea is made by boiling mixed herbs (Tulsi (basil), dry ginger powder, black pepper Munakka (raisins), and cinnamon).
Ashwagandha
It is one of the effective home remedies for sinusitis. It boosts immunity and promotes the overall health of the individual. Its regular intake can help in curing congestion and it fights back infections. It is widely used to regain energy in debilitated people.
It is a well-known remedy and can work wonders in controlling stress. It has antioxidant properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties Daily intake can significantly help in the cure of sinusitis and can improve the immune system.
Application
It can be consumed in the form of powder after waking up early in the morning with lukewarm water. It can be taken as Ashwagandha tea and the taste can be enhanced after it gets mixed with other herbs. It can boost immunity, calm the brain, and balance blood pressure.
Hot Fomentation
Warm compresses or Steam inhalation can ease swelling and open the sinus passage, which relieves sinus pressure and pain. More amount of pressure in the sinus is one of the worst symptoms of a sinus infection.
Application
Lie down for 15 minutes or so, placing a warm, wet washcloth over your forehead and the bridge of your nose. It can be performed 2-3 times a day. Taking hot water steam is one of the effective methods when breathing in the steam of boiling water with a towel over the head.
It helps relieve sinusitis, also putting warm compresses on the face can be a good healer.
Turmeric (Haldi)
Turmeric, also known as Haldi, is used extensively for its medicinal properties. Turmeric (Haldi) for Sinuses is one of the best ayurvedic medicines. Turmeric contains natural anti-inflammatory properties as well as it is rich in antioxidants.
According to Ayurveda, turmeric is used for healing sinusitis. Turmeric powder can decrease allergies, which can cause sinusitis.
Application
It can be consumed by mixing a little bit of turmeric in warm milk and drinking it. When combined with some other herbs and brewed in hot milk or tea, it can help loosen mucus from clogged nasal passages, relax sinus pressure, and make feel immediately better.
Ayurvedic Tips for Preventing Sinusitis
- Avoid Kapha Dosha aggravating activities and foods such as cold baths or showers, frequent washing of hair with cold water, excessive sleep, daytime sleep, cold food, cold drinks, and oily, salty, and sour food which is difficult for digestion.
- Include seasonal fruits and juices in diet such as pomegranate, papaya, apple, and pears.
- Avoid milk, sugar, refrigerated food, coffee, and fried food.
- Practise exercise and yoga, and go on walks.
- Follow Vata Dosha and Pitta Dosha pacifying diet, they are responsible for the accumulation of morbidity (sinusitis) in the body.
Conclusion
In this way, home remedies are a holistic approach to the healing journey of sinusitis. Yoga and Meditation are significant in curing sinusitis in a natural way. Thus, Sinusitis Treatment in Ayurveda can prove a boon as it can do wonders.
Article By:
