If nasal congestion has been interfering with your daily routine even with the use of over-the-counter medications, nasal polyps could be the reason behind the congestion. Nasal polyps, the noncancerous growths, can be found inside the mucosa or the lining tissue of the nose. These polyps are round cysts that can cause blockage in the nasal passage. There are many natural remedies that help treat nasal polyps. Here are some of them listed.

1. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a spice that contains capsaicin – the compound which helps unblock sinuses. While a 2011 study showed that cayenne pepper could show effects when taken as a nasal spray, in a 2014 study, its effects were seen when consumed. In 2015, it was shown that capsaicin could also provide relief from inflammation, unblock nasal passage, and also build up immunity. To use cayenne pepper for treating nasal polyps, add 1 to 2 teaspoons to your food.

2. Neti pot
Also known as nasal irrigation, a neti pot can help in fighting the symptoms of nasal polyps. Using nasal irrigation can also let you fight the causes of nasal polyps, like sinus infections and allergies. In this process, a small pot filled with warm or sterilized salt water is used. The water is run through the sinuses and nasal passages to unclog them. In a 2012 study, it was shown that if the technique is done in the right manner, nasal irrigation can prove to be an effective way of treating sinus and allergies naturally.

3. Steam inhalation
If you are not comfortable with the nasal irrigation process, steam inhalation is another way of treating nasal polyps naturally. Steam can be inhaled during hot showers, in steam rooms, humidifiers, or simply from water boiled on the stove.

4. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil with many benefits. Studies have shown that the oil can work as an antimicrobial and help in fighting itchiness, inflammation, and infection. This means using tea tree oil can help fight the symptoms as well as the causes of nasal polyps. Make a diluted solution using 3 to 5 drops of tea tree oil in one ounce of carrier oil to get the benefits of tea tree oil. You can use sweet almond or olive oil as a carrier oil in the solution.

5. Chamomile
This flower has been used to treat inflammation and allergies. To use chamomile, create a mixture by adding 3 to 5 drops of chamomile essential oil in every ounce of water. Use clean cotton swabs and put the solution in the nasal passages. Alternatively, you can also add chamomile essential oil to your diffuser or use it during steam inhalation. You can also drink a warm cup of chamomile tea.