Exploring the Question: What is the drug Ponaris used for?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

First formulated in 1931 and famously included in NASA's medical space kits, Ponaris is a botanical oil blend for nasal relief [1.2.3, 1.7.3]. So, what is the drug Ponaris used for today? It primarily serves as a nasal emollient to treat dryness, stuffiness, and irritation [1.2.1].

Quick Summary

Ponaris is an over-the-counter nasal emollient crafted from a blend of iodized botanical oils including pine and eucalyptus [1.3.5]. It is designed to relieve nasal dryness, congestion, post-nasal drip, and allergy symptoms [1.2.1, 1.2.2].

Key Points

Primary Use: Ponaris is a nasal emollient used to relieve nasal dryness, congestion, post-nasal drip, and irritation from colds and allergies [1.2.1, 1.2.2].
Key Ingredients: Its formula consists of a blend of botanical oils including pine, eucalyptus, peppermint, and cajeput in an iodized cottonseed oil base [1.3.2].
Historical Significance: The product was formulated in 1931 and was once a standard item in NASA's medical space kits to combat dry air [1.7.3].
Mechanism of Action: It works by moisturizing and lubricating the nasal passages, not by shrinking blood vessels like a medicated decongestant [1.2.6].
Administration: The standard application is 1-2 drops in each nostril with the head tilted back, once or twice daily [1.4.3].
Safety Information: Users should be aware it contains iodine, and it is not recommended for infants or pregnant women without a physician's advice [1.2.2].

A Legacy of Nasal Relief: From 1931 to Outer Space

Ponaris is a nasal emollient with a history stretching back to 1931 [1.2.3]. Its unique, all-natural formulation has remained a trusted choice for generations seeking relief from various nasal complaints [1.2.6]. Unlike modern steroid sprays or simple saline solutions, Ponaris utilizes a blend of specially prepared iodized botanical oils to moisturize, soothe, and protect the delicate mucous membranes of the nasal passages [1.3.5]. Perhaps its most notable claim to fame is its inclusion in NASA's medical space kits for Apollo missions [1.7.3, 1.7.5]. Astronauts used it to combat the extremely dry air inside spacecraft, a testament to its effectiveness in hydrating irritated nasal passages [1.7.2]. This unique history underscores the product's long-standing reputation for providing safe and effective relief.

Deconstructing the Formula: Key Ingredients and Their Action

The efficacy of Ponaris lies in its carefully selected blend of natural ingredients. It is not a medicated decongestant in the typical sense (like one containing oxymetazoline), but its components work synergistically to provide comfort and relief.

Botanical Oils: The formula is a compound of oils from Pine, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Cajeput suspended in a Cottonseed oil base [1.3.2]. These essential oils are traditionally known for their aromatic properties that can provide a cooling, soothing sensation and help individuals feel as though they are breathing more freely.
Iodized Treatment: The oils undergo an exclusive iodization process [1.2.3]. Each drop contains approximately 150 mcg of iodine [1.2.2]. This unique preparation is a key part of its proprietary formula, contributing to its overall effect on the nasal mucosa. The total iodine content is between 0.5% and 0.7% [1.2.3, 1.3.4].

This composition makes Ponaris a moisturizing agent, or emollient, rather than a vasoconstrictor drug that shrinks swollen tissues. Its action is to lubricate and restore moisture to dry, irritated nasal passages [1.2.6].

Primary Uses and Clinical Indications

Ponaris is recommended for a surprisingly broad range of nasal issues, stemming primarily from its ability to combat dryness and inflammation.

Key applications include:

Nasal Dryness (Atrophic Rhinitis): It provides significant relief for dry, inflamed, and crusted nasal passages, whether acute, chronic, or caused by allergies [1.2.3].
Nasal Congestion: By moisturizing and helping to loosen dried mucus, it can relieve stuffiness associated with colds and sinusitis [1.2.1, 1.2.2].
Post-Nasal Drip: The emollient can soothe the irritation in the throat and nasal passages that contributes to post-nasal drip [1.2.2].
Allergy Manifestations: It is used for symptoms associated with hay fever and rose fever, primarily by soothing the nasal irritation these allergies cause [1.2.3].
Nosebleeds (Epistaxis): For nosebleeds caused by irritation from dried mucous membranes, Ponaris helps by moisturizing the area and creating a protective barrier [1.2.2].
Rebound Sinus Reaction: It can be used to soothe nasal passages irritated by the overuse of medicated decongestant sprays or by environmental factors like smog [1.2.2, 1.2.3].

Proper Administration for Maximum Efficacy

Using Ponaris correctly is key to achieving the best results. The goal is to coat the nasal passages with the oil, not to have it run down the throat.

Tilt Your Head Back: Lean your head back as far as is comfortable [1.4.3].
Apply the Drops: Place one to two drops from the provided dropper into each nostril [1.4.3]. Some packaging suggests a half dropperful, but many users find one or two drops to be sufficient to avoid tasting the product [1.2.3, 1.4.7].
Let Gravity Work: Do not sniff or inhale sharply. Simply allow the oil to slowly coat the nasal passages via gravity [1.4.1]. You can gently pinch and release the nostrils to help spread the emollient [1.4.1].
Frequency: This can be done once or twice a day, or as directed by a physician [1.4.3].

An alternative method preferred by some users is to dip a Q-tip in the oil and gently swab the inside of the nostrils. This can provide more control over the application [1.4.6].

Comparison: Ponaris vs. Other Nasal Products

To understand where Ponaris fits, it's helpful to compare it to other common over-the-counter nasal products.


Feature	Ponaris	Saline Nasal Sprays	Medicated Decongestant Sprays
Mechanism	Emollient (moisturizes and soothes) [1.2.1]	Irrigation & Hydration (thins mucus) [1.6.2]	Vasoconstriction (shrinks swollen nasal tissue)
Active Ingredients	Botanical Oils (Pine, Eucalyptus, etc.), Iodine [1.3.2]	Sodium Chloride (Salt) and Water [1.6.2]	Oxymetazoline, Phenylephrine, etc.
Primary Use	Relieving dryness, irritation, crusting [1.2.3]	Flushing allergens, thinning mucus, gentle moisturizing [1.6.2]	Rapid, temporary relief of severe congestion
Risk of Rebound	None mentioned; soothes rebound from other drugs [1.2.2]	No	Yes, with use beyond 3-5 days
Sensation	Cooling, soothing, aromatic [1.4.4]	Neutral, can sometimes sting slightly	Can cause stinging or dryness

Safety, Precautions, and Final Thoughts

While Ponaris is an all-natural product, some precautions are advised.

Do not give to infants or young children unless directed by a physician [1.2.2].
Pregnant women should consult a physician before use [1.2.2].
Individuals with concerns about iodine intake should consult their doctor, as each drop contains about 150 mcg of iodine [1.2.2].

In conclusion, Ponaris is a time-tested, oil-based nasal emollient used to provide long-lasting moisture and relief from a variety of symptoms related to nasal dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Its unique botanical formula and history of use, even in the demanding environment of space travel, set it apart from other nasal care products. It serves as a gentle yet effective solution for maintaining nasal health.

For more information, you can visit the official product website: Ponaris [1.3.5].

Frequently Asked Questions

Ponaris is a nasal emollient, not a medicated decongestant. It relieves congestion by moisturizing nasal passages and loosening mucus, rather than by shrinking swollen tissues with drugs like oxymetazoline [1.2.1, 1.2.6].

Yes, the directions suggest using it once or twice a day as needed to maintain nasal health, especially in dry conditions. For severe dryness, some physicians recommend use up to three times a day for a few weeks [1.4.1, 1.4.3].

The product packaging advises that pregnant women should consult a physician before using Ponaris [1.2.2].

Users describe the smell as an 'herbal forest' and the feeling as quenching and cooling inside the nose, with a taste like a spa if it drains into the throat [1.4.4].

Ponaris was included in NASA's medical space kits, particularly for Apollo missions, to help astronauts combat the extremely dry air inside spacecraft that could lead to nasal irritation [1.7.2, 1.7.5].

The product information focuses on warnings, such as for pregnant women and those with iodine sensitivity, but does not list common side effects [1.2.2]. It is generally considered a gentle solution [1.2.6].

Ponaris is an oil-based emollient that provides a longer-lasting moisturizing barrier [1.6.5]. Saline spray is water-based and primarily used to thin mucus and flush out irritants from the nasal passages [1.6.2].