Sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which may be due to infection, allergy or autoimmune issues. Most cases are due to a viral infection and resolve over the course of 10 days

Sinusitis is an infection of the mucous membranes lining the sinuses, which are present in and around the face. Sinusitis may be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis may improve on its own, but chronic sinusitis usually requires treatment.

Sinusitis is termed as "Dushta Pratishyaya" or "Peenas" in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic treatment is effective in both the acute and chronic types of sinusitis.

Oral medication is advised of ghee treated with Haridra (turmeric), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Vishwa (Zinziber officinale), Karanj (Pongamia pinnata), Renukabeej (Vitex negundo), and Yava-Kshar. Medicated ghee containing Hinga (Ferula narthex), Yava-Kshar, Deodar (Cedrus deodara) is also recommended.

Medicated ghee containing Chafa (Michelia champaka), Dadim (Pomegranate) flowers, Sabja (Canna edulus) leaves, Kanher (Nerium indicum) leaves, Durva (Cynodon dactylon), Haridra (turmeric) and Keshar (Crocus sativus) is used as nasal drop for obtaining immediate relief from symptoms.

A procedure called "Shodhan Nasya" is used, in which medicated oil (Vacha oil, containing Acorus calamus) or Shigru (Moringa oleifera) seed powder or Madanphal (Randia spinosa) powder is put into the nostrils, after giving fomentation to the area surrounding the nose. This helps in draining the sinuses, and contributes to early recovery. For further reduction in sinus inflammation, mild medicated drops are used, such as Anu oil or Panchendriya vardhan oil.

Several Ayurvedic formulations are used for the treatment of sinusitis. Tribhuvankirti, Sitopaladi, Godanti Bhasma, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Bhallatak Parpati, Shrung Bhasma and Sanjeevani vati are some of the well known compounds. Sookshma Triphala, Chaturbhuj Ras, and Gandhak Rasayan are used for symptoms like fever and inflammation. Most patients get significant relief in a period of two to six weeks.

A daily process of applying medicated nasal drops such as Anu oil or Panchendriya vardhan oil (known as "Pratimarsha Nasya") is believed to prevent frequent occurrence of sinusitis. In addition, breathing exercises like Yogic Pranayam, and special procedures like the Yogic Neti, are also very useful. It is advisable to avoid known aggravating factors.

For recurrent sinusitis, Ayurvedic compounds like Laghu Malini Vasant, Madhu Malini Vasant and Suvarna Malini Vasant are used along with Pippali (Piper longum). A special preparation called Chausashtha Pippali is used in a gradually increasing dose, followed by a gradually decreasing dose. Sometimes, several courses of these medicines are required.