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ગુજરાતી: નાકમાં મસા (નેઝલ પોલિપ્સ): લક્ષણ, કારણ અને આયુર્વેદિક સંભાળ
हिंदी: नाक में मस्से (नेज़ल पॉलिप्स): लक्षण, कारण और आयुर्वेदिक देखभाल
Forty-four-year-old Vipul can smell nothing, not the aroma of tempering from the kitchen, not the fragrance of flowers, not even milk boiling over and burning. “My nose has been blocked for two years, my sense of smell is gone, even food tastes bland. Every three months I get sinusitis and have to take antibiotics.” An ENT examination showed soft, yellowish growths like bunches of grapes on both sides inside the nose, nasal polyps. Many people call them “masa” (warts) in the nose in everyday language.
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths that form in the lining (mucosa) of the nose and sinuses because of long-standing inflammation, obstructing the nasal passage. They cause a constantly blocked nose, reduced or lost sense of smell, recurrent sinusitis and a heavy head. In Ayurveda, fleshy growths in the nose are called Nasarsha, a disorder mainly caused by vitiation of Kapha-Vata and of the Mamsa (muscle) and Meda (fat) tissues. Ayurvedic care can help reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms and reduce recurrence after surgery; large polyps need treatment by an ENT specialist.
Key Takeaways
- Polyps form from long-standing inflammation, often linked with allergy, chronic sinusitis and asthma.
- Described in Ayurveda as Nasarsha; Kapha-Vata Shamana, Nasya and Agni correction are the direction of treatment.
- Large polyps may need surgery; afterwards, long-term care is needed to prevent recurrence.
- A growth on one side only, bleeding or facial swelling, get an ENT examination immediately.
Symptoms
- Nose blocked on both sides for a long time
- Reduced or completely lost sense of smell; reduced taste
- Constant runny nose or mucus dripping into the throat
- Pressure in the forehead and cheeks; heavy head
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Snoring, mouth breathing, poor sleep
- A “nasal” sounding voice
- Large polyps may be visible in the nostrils
Causes
Modern View
- Chronic rhinosinusitis: sinus inflammation lasting more than 12 weeks.
- Asthma: many patients with polyps have asthma.
- Aspirin sensitivity: breathing and nasal trouble with aspirin or certain painkillers, identified by a specialist.
- Allergy: long-standing nasal allergy.
- Fungal sinusitis.
- In children: rare; if present, check for conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
- Environment: dust, smoke, pollution.
Ayurvedic View
- Jirna Pratishyaya: a years-old, neglected cold and discharge.
- Kapha-increasing, Abhishyandi food: curd, cold food, sweets, milk-fruit combinations, heavy meals.
- Agnimandya and Ama: Kapha laden with Ama collects locally and, joining with Mamsa Dhatu, takes the form of a growth.
- Daytime sleep, too little exercise.
- Exposure to dust and smoke, and suppression of natural urges.
Ayurvedic Understanding and Samprapti
In Ayurveda, Arsha (fleshy growths, warts) is not limited to the anal region. The classical teachers also described Arsha occurring in other places such as the nose, ears, eyes and navel. Arsha in the nose is called Nasarsha, in which a blocked nose, loss of smell (Gandha Jnana Nasha), discharge and difficulty in speaking are described. This description matches today’s nasal polyps remarkably well.
In the formation of Arsha, the Doshas (mainly Kapha and Vata) vitiate the Tvak (skin), Mamsa and Meda tissues and produce fleshy growths. Thus Nasarsha is not merely a “lump”, but the result of long-term Kapha-Ama accumulation and local tissue vitiation.
Samprapti: Kapha-increasing causes + Jirna Pratishyaya → Agnimandya, Ama → Kapha-Vata aggravation → lodging in the nose → vitiation of Mamsa-Meda Dhatu → Nasarsha (fleshy growth) → obstruction, loss of smell, discharge.
Samprapti-Vighatana: avoiding causes → Deepana-Pachana → herbs with Kapha-drying and Lekhana (reducing/scraping) properties → local treatment through Nasya → surgery (Shastra Karma) when needed → diet and Rasayana to prevent recurrence. The teachers described four measures in the treatment of Arsha, medicine, Kshara (alkali), Agni (cautery) and Shastra (surgery); in today’s context, local Kshara or Agni procedures can only be done by a specialist.
Classical References
- Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana, Chapter 2, diagnosis of Arsha; mention of Arsha in other sites including the nose.
- Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapters 22–23, knowledge and management of nasal disorders (Nasarsha).
- Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 14, principles of Arsha treatment.
- Ashtanga Hridaya, Uttara Sthana, Chapters 19–20, nasal disorders and their treatment.
The Emotional Side
Losing the sense of smell is a bigger loss than many people imagine. The pleasure of food decreases, there is fear for safety because a gas leak or burning food cannot be smelled, and worry about one’s own body odour, all of this brings sadness and self-consciousness. Recurrent sinusitis and poor sleep increase fatigue and irritability. Many patients also fear, “If it comes back, will I need another operation?” Correct information and a long-term plan reduce this anxiety.
Treatment Approach
- Diagnosis: nasal endoscopy by an ENT specialist and, if needed, a CT scan, to know the size and type of polyp and the condition of the sinuses.
- Small to medium polyps: Ayurvedic care, Kapha Shamana, Nasya, Agni correction, alongside the doctor’s steroid spray/medicines.
- Large or obstructive polyps: an ENT specialist may suggest endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).
- After surgery: long-term care to prevent recurrence, Ayurveda’s role here is very useful.
Useful Ayurvedic Medicines / Formulations
The right medicine, dose, Anupana (vehicle) and timing should be decided by a Vaidya according to the person’s Prakriti, age, other illnesses and current medicines.
- Kanchanar Guggulu, a formulation traditionally used in glandular swellings, Gandamala and growths related to Mamsa-Meda; has a Lekhana (reducing) property. Anupana: warm water. Caution in pregnancy and stomach ulcers.
- Chitrak Haritaki, in Jirna Pratishyaya and weak digestion; to reduce Kapha and Ama. Avoid in pregnancy.
- Vyoshadi Vati, Trikatu-based; in Kapha-predominant discharge and obstruction. Use carefully in acidity and Pitta Prakriti.
- Shadbindu Taila / Anu Taila (Nasya), traditional Nasya oils for nasal disorders; number of drops as advised by the Vaidya. Not immediately after surgery without the ENT specialist’s approval.
- Haridra Khanda, when there is an allergic component; a formulation described for Sheetapitta-like conditions. In diabetes, take its sugar content into account.
Never do sharp local treatments such as Rasaushadhis or Kshara yourself or through an untrained person, they can seriously damage the delicate lining of the nose. No herb is miraculous or free of side effects.
Surgery: When, and What Next?
Many patients ask, “Will Ayurveda dissolve the polyps, can the operation be avoided?” The honest answer: in small and early polyps, and in the inflammatory component, significant symptom relief is possible with Ayurvedic and modern medicines. But when polyps are large and completely obstructive, sinusitis is frequent and severe, or there is a risk of spread towards the eyes or brain, surgery is an appropriate and necessary option.
Polyps can come back after surgery, because the underlying tendency to inflammation remains. This is where Ayurveda becomes very useful:
- Regular saline washes and sprays as prescribed by the ENT specialist.
- After the wound has healed (with the specialist’s approval), gentle Pratimarsha Nasya.
- Permanently giving up Kapha-increasing food.
- Control of allergy and asthma.
- Seasonal Shodhana and Rasayana on a Vaidya’s advice.
- Regular follow-up endoscopy.
Diet (Pathya-Apathya)
Take: lukewarm water, water with dry ginger and turmeric, old rice, barley, bajra (in winter), moong, horse gram (kulthi), drumstick, pointed gourd (parval), bitter gourd, fenugreek, ginger, garlic, black pepper, turmeric in moderation, honey in lukewarm water.
Avoid: curd, cold water and drinks, ice cream, cold milk, sweets, refined flour, too much cheese or paneer, fried food, urad dal, milk-fruit combinations, heavy meals at night, alcohol. If there is aspirin sensitivity, take care with medicines and certain foods as advised by the doctor.
Lifestyle
- Complete freedom from smoking and smoke
- Less dust, dampness and mould at home
- Avoid daytime sleep; exercise regularly
- Don’t sleep with wet hair; protect the head and ears from cold wind
- Keep the head slightly raised while sleeping
- Don’t take painkillers on your own, especially with asthma and polyps
Daily Care at Home: A Simple Routine
- Morning: lukewarm water on waking; a saline wash if the ENT specialist has advised it; then (if approved) 2 drops of Nasya oil in each nostril.
- During the day: no cold water; a mask in dusty places; medicines on time.
- Evening: 5–10 minutes of steam, not going into cold air immediately afterwards; 10 minutes of Anulom-Vilom and Bhramari.
- Night: a light dinner two or three hours before bedtime; sleep with the head slightly raised.
- Weekly: wash bedsheet and pillow covers in hot water; check the house for dampness and mould.
This routine may seem small, but following it regularly for months helps reduce both inflammation and recurrence.
A Note for the Family
For a family member who cannot smell, safety measures at home are very important, a gas leak detector, a smoke alarm, and the habit of checking food dates, because spoiled food cannot be identified by smell. If food tastes bland, instead of adding more salt and spices, pay attention to colour, texture and freshness. Understand the patient’s worry and sadness, and support them in follow-up check-ups.
Smell Training to Bring Back the Sense of Smell
After treatment of polyps and surgery, the sense of smell gradually returns in many people. A simple method called “smell training” can help: every morning and evening, slowly sniff four familiar scents, such as lemon, clove, rose and eucalyptus, for 20–30 seconds each, and refresh the memory of that scent in your mind. Many people feel benefit after doing this regularly for a few months. In Ayurveda, Nasya is considered strengthening for the senses, especially Ghrana (smell), so both can be done together.
Painkillers and Polyps: An Important Warning
In some patients, nasal polyps, asthma and sensitivity to aspirin or some common painkillers (NSAIDs) are seen together. In such people, a tablet taken on their own for a headache or fever can suddenly cause a blocked nose, sneezing or a severe asthma attack. So every patient with polyps and asthma should consult a doctor before taking any painkiller, and if such a reaction has happened before, must tell both the doctor and the Vaidya.
Seasonal Precautions
Winter and spring are the seasons of Kapha aggravation, at this time nasal blockage and sinusitis increase; avoid cold and sweet food completely, and keep up steam and Nasya regularly. In the monsoon, dampness and mould, keep the house dry. In summer, AC and cold drinks. Many Vaidyas advise doing Shodhana before Sharad or spring so that Kapha accumulation stays low.
Care According to Prakriti
In a Kapha Prakriti patient there is thick discharge, heaviness and more weight, Langhana, warm and light food, exercise and sharp (Tikshna) Nasya are more suitable. In Vata Prakriti, a dry nose, crusts and little sleep, unctuous Nasya and nourishing food. In Pitta Prakriti, burning and sometimes blood streaks, very heating herbs must be used carefully, and if blood is seen, an ENT examination comes first.
Panchakarma
In Nasarsha, Nasya Karma is the main Panchakarma, the Vaidya first does Abhyanga and Swedana on the face and head and then gives sharp or pacifying Nasya. In strong, Kapha-predominant patients, Vamana and sometimes Virechana may also be considered. After surgery, start Nasya only once the wound has fully healed and the ENT specialist approves. Sharp Nasya only under a qualified Vaidya’s supervision, not at home.
Yoga – Pranayama
- Jala Neti, after the ENT specialist’s approval, with boiled, lukewarm salt water; the same principle as a saline nasal wash.
- Anulom-Vilom, daily.
- Bhramari, gentle vibration in the sinus region; calms the mind.
- Kapalbhati, in Kapha-predominant cases; not immediately after surgery, or in high BP or heart disease.
- Surya Namaskar, pacifies Kapha and Meda.
Precautions
- A growth on one side only, blood-stained discharge or a fast-growing lump, get an ENT examination immediately; not every nasal growth is a polyp.
- Never apply any sharp substance, Kshara or “wart-burning medicine” in the nose yourself.
- Do not stop steroid sprays or medicines prescribed by the doctor on your own.
- In pregnancy, children, and kidney or liver disease, herbs only on a Vaidya’s advice.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: ENT examination, regular follow-up, a Kapha-pacifying diet, Nasya (after approval), allergy and asthma control, smell training, patience.
Don’t: curd and cold food, smoking, self-medicating with painkillers, sharp medicines in the nose, ignoring warning signs, believing claims like “guaranteed to dissolve”.
Counselling
The patient needs to understand that polyps are not a problem where “once removed, it’s over”; the inflammatory nature behind them requires long-term care. Surgery and Ayurveda are not competitors but partners, surgery removes the obstruction, and Ayurvedic diet, Nasya and Dosha balance help reduce the chance of recurrence.
Case Studies
Case 1: Loss of Smell and Recurrent Sinusitis
A 44-year-old man had a nose blocked on both sides for two years, lost sense of smell and sinusitis every three months. Endoscopy showed medium-sized polyps; the ENT specialist started a steroid spray and deferred surgery. Ayurvedically: curd and cold food stopped completely, early dinner, Kanchanar Guggulu and Chitrak Haritaki as advised by the Vaidya, steam twice a day, Nasya in the morning and smell training. In four months his nose stayed mostly open, he had sinusitis only once and he began to smell some strong kitchen odours again. At follow-up the polyps were found to have reduced in size. (Results may vary from person to person.)
Case 2: Preventing Recurrence After Surgery
A 38-year-old woman with asthma and nasal polyps had had surgery twice in five years. She sought Ayurvedic advice to avoid a third time. Continuing the ENT specialist’s medicines and saline washes; giving up Kapha-increasing foods; controlling dust and dampness at home; regular Pratimarsha Nasya after approval; pranayama for asthma; and gentle Shodhana under a Vaidya’s supervision every year before spring. In three years of follow-up the polyps have not grown back and her asthma has also stayed well controlled. (Results may vary from person to person.)
Case 3: A One-Sided Growth, Urgent Examination
A 52-year-old man had a nose blocked only on the right side for three months, sometimes blood-stained discharge and numbness in the cheek. Thinking it was a “masa”, he was putting home-made oil in it. As a one-sided growth, blood and numbness are warning signs, he was immediately sent to an ENT specialist; a diagnosis was made through biopsy and scans and appropriate treatment was started. This case shows that not every growth in the nose is an ordinary polyp, and that with a one-sided growth, a specialist examination comes first. (Results may vary from person to person.)
When to See an ENT / Doctor Immediately (Red Flags)
- A growth or obstruction on one side only
- Bleeding from the nose or blood-stained discharge
- Numbness, swelling or pain in the face
- Swelling around the eyes, double vision or change in vision
- Severe headache, fever, stiff neck
- Increasing wheezing
About Dr. Nikul Patel
Dr. Nikul Patel (BAMS) is an Ayurvedic physician at LifeCare Ayurveda and has been practising since 1999, that is, for 27 years. In nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis and nasal allergy, he offers guidance on long-term care based on Ayurvedic Nasya, diet and Dosha balance, compatible with an ENT specialist’s treatment.
FAQs
Can nasal polyps dissolve with Ayurveda?
Relief is possible in small polyps and inflammation; large obstructive polyps may need surgery. No guarantee can be given.
Do polyps come back after surgery?
Yes, in some patients; regular care, allergy-asthma control and the right diet can reduce the chance.
Does the sense of smell come back with polyps?
In many people, gradually after treatment; smell training and Nasya can help.
What is Nasarsha?
In Ayurveda, fleshy growths (warts) in the nose, which match nasal polyps.
Can I eat curd if I have polyps?
According to Ayurveda, curd is Abhishyandi and Kapha-increasing; it is better to avoid it with polyps.
People Also Ask
Are nasal polyps cancer?
Ordinary polyps are non-cancerous; but if there is a one-sided growth or bleeding, examination is necessary.
What is the link between polyps and asthma?
Many patients with polyps have asthma; both need to be controlled together.
How are polyps diagnosed?
An ENT specialist diagnoses them with nasal endoscopy and, if needed, a CT scan.
Is Nasya useful for polyps?
In Ayurveda, Nasya is the main treatment for nasal disorders; after surgery, start it with approval.
What is smell training?
A method of slowly sniffing four familiar scents daily to strengthen smell recognition again.
Conclusion
Nasal polyps block not only the nasal passage but also the fragrance of life. Ayurveda recognised Nasarsha centuries ago and linked it with long-term Kapha-Ama accumulation. Today, an ENT specialist’s modern examination and treatment, together with Ayurveda’s care based on Nasya, diet and Dosha balance, can help give the patient an open nose, fewer sinus infections and the experience of fragrance again. Every person’s results may differ.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
307, 3rd Floor, Shalin Complex, Above Farki Lassi, Krishnabaug Char Rasta, Maninagar, Ahmedabad – 380008
Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM | Saturday–Sunday: Closed
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