The ear (Karna), nose (Nasa), and throat (Kantha) are all interconnected and governed by Prana Vata, Udana Vata, and Kapha dosha. When these doshas are imbalanced due to poor lifestyle, environmental exposure, or infections, it leads to a variety of ENT issues.

In Ayurveda, treating ENT disorders involves clearing blockages, strengthening sensory organs, and nourishing head-region tissues using time-tested therapies.

👂 Common ENT Conditions Treated

Key Ayurvedic Treatments

1. Karnapoorana – Medicated Ear Oil Therapy

What It Is:
Filling the ear canal with warm medicated oils to pacify aggravated Vata and clear blockages.

Procedure:

• The ear is gently cleaned.

• Warm herbal oil (e.g., Bilva Taila, Kshara Taila, or Bala Taila) is instilled into the ear canal and retained for a few minutes.

• The patient lies on one side while oil is administered.

Benefits:

• Soothes Vata in the auditory nerves (useful for tinnitus)

• Reduces pain, itching, and dryness

• Clears mild discharges and helps in infections

• Improves hearing clarity and balances inner ear pressure

Best For:
Tinnitus, earache, mild infections, nerve weakness

2. Nasya – Nasal Cleansing & Rejuvenation

What It Is:
One of the Panchakarma therapies where medicated oils, powders, or juices are administered through the nostrils.

Types of Nasya Used in ENT:

• Shamana Nasya (palliative): For sinusitis, nasal congestion

• Brimhana Nasya (nourishing): For tinnitus, nervous weakness

• Shodhana Nasya (cleansing): For accumulated Kapha and toxins

Oils Commonly Used:

• Anu Taila

• Shadbindu Taila

• Brahmi Ghrita (for tinnitus and nerve-related disorders)

Procedure:

• Warm oil is instilled into the nostrils

• Followed by gentle facial massage and steam

Benefits:

• Opens nasal passages and sinuses

• Reduces headaches and heaviness

• Nourishes sense organs and improves brain function

• Controls postnasal drip, congestion, and sinus blockages

Best For:
Sinusitis, headaches, tinnitus, chronic rhinitis

3. Gandusha / Kavala – Ayurvedic Oil Pulling for Throat & Oral Health

What It Is:
Gandusha: Holding medicated oil or decoction in the mouth without movement
Kavala: Gargling and swishing the liquid actively in the mouth

Oils & Decoctions Used:

• Til Taila (Sesame Oil) or medicated oils like Irimedadi

• Triphala decoction, Yashtimadhu (licorice), or turmeric water

• Honey & turmeric warm water gargle for tonsillitis

Benefits:

• Reduces throat inflammation and tonsil swelling

• Detoxifies the oral cavity and salivary glands

• Prevents recurrent infections

• Strengthens voice and improves oral hygiene

Best For:
Tonsillitis, throat pain, mouth ulcers, gum infections

4. Herbal Decoctions (Kashayam & Kwath)

What They Are:
Boiled extracts of specific Ayurvedic herbs that address ENT conditions internally.

Examples:

• Trikatu Kashaya (Ginger, Black Pepper, Long Pepper): For sinus congestion and throat inflammation

• Dashamoola Kwatha: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic for deeper Vata disorders

• Pathyadi Kwath: Used in tinnitus and headaches

• Yashtimadhu (Licorice) Decoction: Soothes sore throat and reduces inflammation

Benefits:

• Clears mucus and toxins from ENT channels

• Balances Vata and Kapha

• Boosts immunity and healing capacity

• Aids in systemic recovery from infections and chronic ENT issues

🍵 Supportive Diet & Lifestyle

Diet:

• Use warm, cooked foods; avoid cold or refrigerated items

• Avoid dairy, wheat, and sweets during active sinus or throat infections

• Drink warm herbal teas with tulsi, ginger, turmeric

• Gargle with salt + turmeric water for sore throat

Lifestyle:

• Avoid exposure to dust, cold wind, and loud noises

• Perform daily Nasya or steam inhalation with eucalyptus or ajwain

• Maintain good sleep and hydration

• Practice Pranayama (breathing exercises) for better ENT function

🧾 Summary Table