Role of Nasya Karm in Nasal Polyp: A Narrative Review

Nasal polyps or nasal polypi consists of non-neoplastic masses of oedematous nasal or sinus mucosa. Most of the cases of nasal polypi are linked with allergic condition. Often nasal polypi is associated with sinusitis, rhinosinusitis, asthma. Antihistaminic and steroids are mostly used in nasal polypi and in surgery 'Functional Endoscopic sinus surgery' (FESS) is more common nowadays for removal of nasal polypi[1]. Ayurvedic treatment of nasal polypi include: Nasya Karm (nasal therapy), Kshar Karm (application of alkaline paste), steam inhalation, Jal Neti (cleansing of nasal passage using lukewarm water), use of Samshaman drugs (internal medications), and Pathya-Apathya Aahar and Vihar (advised of healthy and unhealthy diet and lifestyle). Samshodhan or Panchakarma therapies are emerging as a new hope for curing diseases these days. Panchakarma have five purificatory therapies, Vaman, Virechan, Basti, Nasya and Raktamokshan. Nasya is one of the most preferred therapies for nasal polypi. In Nasya Karm, medicated liquid, powder or oil is administered in the nasal cavity. As nasal cavity is called the root of head, medicines are given through this route are more effective for supraclavicular region or diseases of eyes, nose, throat and teeth or diseases of head. Mostly Tail (oil) is preferred in the procedures in Nasya Karm.