Diseases of the Nose

The Nose is principally affected by what was traditionally called Catarrh, and is equivalent to the Sinusitis and Rhinitis of modern medicine.

The Nose can also be affected by Loss of the Sense of Smell, as well as diseases such as Polyps.

Catarrh, Sinusitis and Rhinitis

Catarrh is acute inflammation of the mucous of the Upper Respiratory Tract, typically including acute rhinitis, acute nasopharyngitis and common cold.

The Western Tradition held this to be caused by ‘distillations’ from ‘vapors’ rising from the Stomach. Despite this seeming to be a foreign concept to TCM, it is actually related to the Lungs (and Upper Respiratory Tract) being the ‘Upper Source of Water’ in TCM fluid metabolism theory.

The primary differential diagnosis is of Hot or Cold types. Hot type will have thicker phlegm that may be yellow, perhaps with other symptoms of heat such as Sore Throat or Fever. Cold type will have excess clear mucus, a pale face and a cold feeling.

Treatment may include clearing Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, and strengthening the Stomach.

Research

1. Comparison of the therapeutic effect of the Persian Medicine Protocol with the common treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis: a randomized clinical trial
2. EVALUATION OF A COMBINATION OF A UNANI PHARMACOPEAL PREPARATION (ITRIFAL USTUKHUDOOS) WITH CLOVES (QARANFAL) IN ALLERGIC RHINITIS – A PRELIMINARY CLINICAL STUDY

Special Formula for Catarrh (Sinusitis & Rhinitis):

Loss of the Sense of Smell

1. Calamus has a reputation for obstruction of Qi by Phlegm and Damp which affects any of the senses, including loss of smell.
2. Pellitory is likewise similar to, but stronger than Calamus
3. Magnolia flower, Xin Yi is used in TCM, and has a fragrant scent which opens the passages of the nose
4. Xanthium, Byi tsher is also useful

In the Western Tradition, purging is usually indicated unless the person is very weak. Purges used for Catarrh, above, may be used.

Topically
Purge the Body; any of the following strong scents can awaken sense of smell:
1. Oregano mixed with Vinegar and Salt
2. Benzoin dissolved in Vinegar
3. Mustard seed mixed with Vinegar
4. Cyclamen juice taken up the nose

Loss of Smell:
“To recover the lost Smell: Take a sufficient quantity of Roman Nigella, reduce it to Powder, and pound it with old oil in a Mortar: Put of this Liquor into your Nose and snuff up the Spirit, holding up your Head in the mean while, and having your Mouth full of Water”. (The Compleat Herbal, Tournefort, 1719)

Nasal Polyps

1. Painting the juice of Garlic has been used.
2. Birthwort and Cyperus cures Nasal Polyps (Pliny)
3. Earthworm “Cures Polyps in the nostrils”. (Li Shi Zhen)
4. Apply Sal ammoniac powder to Nasal Polyps “and they will fall off”. (Ben Cao Gang Mu)

Powder for Polyps
Troches of Orpiment

Research

1. Nasal Polyp in Iranian Traditional Medicine & Conventional Medicine