Essential Oils for Allergy Relief

Today, 40 to 60 million Americans are affected by allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and the numbers continue to grow, especially in children. When left untreated, allergies can cause stuffed up and runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches and an impaired sense of smell — this is in less severe cases. For some people, allergies can be life threatening, leading to inflammation and shortness of breath. Essential oils for allergies can be very helpful for allergy sufferers.

People who suffer from allergies often try to avoid triggers, but that is nearly impossible when the seasons are changing. Thankfully, essential oils for allergies serve as a natural and safe way to treat the symptoms of allergies and boost our immune systems. These essential oils for allergies have the ability to chemically support the body and help it to overcome hypersensitivity.

Allergy Diffuser Blend:

½ tsp Peppermint oil

½ tsp Lavender oil

½ tsp Lemon oil

Mix all together is a 15ml bottle and diffuse this essential oils recipe to relieve your allergy symptoms.

Peppermint oil that is diffused and inhaled can oftentimes immediately unclog the sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats. Basil oil reduces the inflammatory response of allergens. It also supports the adrenal glands, which are involved in producing over 50 hormones that drive almost every bodily function. Eucalyptus oil opens up the lungs and sinuses, thereby improving circulation and reducing symptoms of allergies. Eucalyptus oil produces a cold sensation in the nose that helps to improve airflow. Lemon oil supports lymphatic system drainage and helps with overcoming respiratory conditions. When diffused, lemon oil can kill bacteria and eliminate allergy triggers in the air. Tea tree oil can destroy airborne pathogens that cause allergies. Diffusing tea tree oil in the home will kill mold, bacteria and fungi.

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is an over-reaction of our immune system to certain substances such as dust, pollen, animal hair, synthetic materials, or foods. Allergic reactions can make you feel miserable and ruin your day. They cause all sorts of inflammatory reactions such as itchy rashes, dry patches, headaches, puffy or watery eyes, runny nose, or digestive issues.

There are a number of essential oils for allergies that can help to relieve and treat the common symptoms of allergic reactions.

The Best Essential Oils for Allergy Relief

1. Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender essential oil works as a natural antihistamine and possess strong anti-inflammatory properties to treat and relieve most allergic reactions. It works great for treating skin rashes or headaches. And not only will it ease your allergic reaction, it has a calming and relaxing effect on body and mind, and smells great.

How To Use Lavender Essential Oil for Allergy Relief

Topically

Add 1 drop of lavender essential oil to your cheeks, forehead, and sinuses as needed to soothe allergic reactions or headaches. Before bed, add a few drops to the soles of your feet.

Lavender oil can be safely used undiluted, but if you have a sensitive skin try on a small patch of skin first or dilute in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil or jojoba oil.

For skin allergies, rashes or itchy skin, dilute a few drops of lavender essential oil in a carrier oil and rub onto the affected area 3 times a day to relieve your allergic reactions.

Diffuse

Lavender essential oil can be used in a cold-air diffuser to treat allergies. Diffuse for 15 minutes every hour for the best effect or diffuse next to your bed to promote a better night’s rest.

Inhalation

Rub 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil into the palms of your hands. Cup them over your nose and take 4-6 deep and slow breaths. Another thing you can do is add 2 to 4 drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and secure in a zip lock bag to take with you.

Further reading: lavender essential oil is extremely versatile and it is one of the recommended essential oils to have in your home.

2. Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint essential oil has a strong, fresh, and minty aroma that works wonders to treat allergic reactions, especially those that cause respiratory or digestive issues. Peppermint essential oil has pain-relieving, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that come in handy in soothing allergies and the painful conditions associated with them. Peppermint oil helps to open the airways, improve breathing and ease congestion as well as other symptoms of respiratory allergies.

Topically

To reduce the symptoms of allergies, apply 1 drop of peppermint essential oil to the base of your neck 2 times a day. Try on a small patch of skin first if you have a sensitive skin or dilute in a carrier oil of your choice.

Another thing you can do to relieve sinus congestion is to apply 1 drop of peppermint oil in a carrier oil and apply around your nostrils. Never apply around your nostrils without a carrier oil as it will sting the sensitive tissue.

To make a chest rub, dilute 2 to 3 drops in a carrier oil of your liking and massage your chest for a few minutes to ease your allergic reactions.

Diffuse

Diffuse peppermint essential oil according to the directions on your diffuser throughout the day or night to ease allergic discomforts.

Inhalation

Rub 1 to 2 drops of peppermint essential oil into the palms of your hands. Cup them over your nose and take 4-6 deep and slow breaths. Or add 2 to 4 drops on a cotton ball and secure in a zip lock bag to take with you.

To clear sinus congestion, pour boiling water in a bowl and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. It combines well with eucalyptus or rosemary essential oil.

3. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil works as a natural antihistamine, relieves excess mucus, and cools down the inflammation which is the result of an allergic reaction.

Lemon oil is often used for its disinfectant properties, but it can also help to combat seasonal allergies and asthma attacks.

Lemon essential oil works best in combination with lavender and peppermint.

4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is one of the best oils for allergies as it supports the respiratory system and it can also ease seasonal allergies and asthma attacks. Eucalyptus oil is most effective when applied topically or when used as a steam inhalation.

Topically

Always dilute it in a carrier oil first. Apply onto your neck, chest, or bottom of your feet.

Inhalation

Pour boiling water in a bowl and add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam.

5. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Next to lavender essential oil, Roman chamomile works wonders to treat rashes, eczema, and other skin conditions caused by allergic reaction.

Topically

Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba, or olive oil. Apply onto the affected areas three times a day.

Anti-Allergy Trio: Lemon, Peppermint, and Lavender

Combing the powers of these three essential oils for allergies is the best way to tackle most allergic reactions. Combined, they work as one of the most powerful antihistamines to bring down inflammation and other discomforts caused by your body’s allergic response.

Ingredients

Lavender essential oil

Lemon essential oil

Peppermint essential oil

Ways to use the anti-allergy essential oil blend:

Place 1-2 drops of each of the 3 oils in a shot glass with water and gargle for a few minutes before swallowing. Make sure your oils are of a high quality and can be used internally (food grade).

Add all 3 oils in a tablespoon of raw honey and swallow for instant relief.

Add a few drops of each oil in equal ratio to a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, or sweet almond to soothe skin rashes or itchy skin caused by allergic reactions.

Use as a rub: mix a few drops of each oil in equal ratio and rub onto feet, chest, cheeks, or forehead. Dilute in a carrier oil when you have a sensitive skin.

Diffuse the anti-allergy essential oil blend in an aromatherapy diffuser throughout the day or night to ease allergic discomforts.

Editor’s Note/Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Diffuser World, Inc.; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.

Article Source: http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/essential-oils-for-allergy-relief/