Sesame oil infused with herbs is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy for healing sinus problems. If you’re experiencing problems with congested sinuses, this may be the thing that finally gives you some relief. The best part is that unlike the Western approach to a stuffy nose, you won’t spend a lot of money or have side effects from the remedy.
Breathing is pretty important. I rank it high on the list of things I have to do every day, so when my sister told me I stopped breathing several times during the night, that was the catalyst that made me spend the next year visiting doctors trying to figure out why. Let me tell you what I learned so you can save yourself some money and aggravation.
To make a long story short, I was eventually diagnosed with sleep apnea, but that expensive machine they sent me home with didn’t help one bit. I was too congested for any air to make its way into my sinuses. My allergies don’t give me red eyes, a runny nose, or make me sneeze. I simply get so stuffed up I can’t breath through my nose.
So, I started taking decongestants which is tiresome and expensive. I decided to take my health into my own hands and find a solution to my stuffy nose.
How to Clear a Stuffy Nose
I already knew about Ayurveda and neti pots. I actually owned one but I hadn’t been using it (duh). But I wanted to know if there was anything else I could do to clear my sinuses. As it turns out, there is a healing oil for your sinuses.
Nasya oil, like the neti pot, comes from the Ayurvedic tradition. The word nasya means to dispense something through the nose so it roughly means nose oil. The oil I use contains the following:
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Brahmi
- Calamus
- Skullcap
- Eucalyptus essential oil
The formula is meant to lubricate the nasal passages and help decongest the sinuses. In Ayurveda, the nose is the entrance to the brain, mind, and consciousness. The breath is also key because the vital life force, Prana, accesses the body through the breath. Moisturizing the sinuses with herb-infused oil affects the higher cerebral functions such as mental clarity, memory, and intuition.
You should not use the oil immediately after using the neti pot. Wait at least 24 hours to let all the saline solution from the neti pot wash drain from your sinuses. Administer 5-10 drops while lying on your back with your head tilted upwards. If you find this method difficult, you can put the drops on your finger and massage the nasal passages.
This oil is especially handy if you’re traveling by airplane. The dry air can irritate your sinuses and you’ll find nasya oil comforting since it moisturizes and soothes the nasal passages. It’s also easier to use in public than a neti pot. You don’t have to use the two therapies together, but they do complement each other.
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Using the nasya oil and neti pot for your stuffy nose is a wonderful alternative to expensive decongestants or a sleep apnea machine. These two Ayurvedic therapies have a few thousand years of successful use behind them and will give you the tools to take your sinus health into your own hands. At least give them a try before investing in a more expensive solution.
