Seasonal and pollen allergies can be incredibly frustrating and difficult to manage. There are very few options available to those of us who suffer from allergies, most of the remedies being over-the-counter allergy medications. But what if you want a more natural approach to managing your allergies? Essential oils can actually be used to help manage allergy symptoms, making early Spring and Fall a little less painful for those seasonal allergy sufferers. Here’s how to use essential oils to manage allergies.
“Essential oils can be
used to help manage
some of your seasonal and
pollen allergy symptoms.”
Aromatherapy
If you experience respiratory or sinus issues with your allergies, you know how frustrating it can be to go outside during early Spring or Fall. Runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, inflamed sinuses, and more can make us completely miserable during those times when the pollen count is high.
Aromatherapy with essential oils can help to alleviate some of these symptoms, making your home feel like less of an allergen prison and more like a relaxing environment. Peppermint essential oil is especially useful in this application, being that the potent aroma of the plant helps to open up airways and assist with the flow of mucus (clearing out the airways and improving breathing).
DIffusing peppermint while you sleep can help alleviate the morning’s clogged nose or heavy feeling associated with clogged sinuses. Lavender is another essential oil that can help with inflammation caused by allergies. It also has a calming effect, so you can reduce some of that stress from having a clogged airway!
In The Bath or Shower
A hot bath or shower combined with a diffused oil like eucalyptus or peppermint can rejuvenate your senses and really clear out those airways. The steam combined with the dilating effects of peppermint and eucalyptus can help to reduce the allergy symptoms you’re experiencing, and of course, help you breathe a little better.
For a bath, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil as you run your water. Only about 3-5 drops should be necessary for a bath; any more than that, and you may overwhelm yourself with the scent of the oil. For showers, turn on your diffuser before you get in the shower. Once the steam and the aroma fill the room, you’ll be able to breath better, and you’ll likely notice your nasal passages starting to run.
Skin Applications
If your skin becomes inflamed when it comes in contact with an allergen, the itchiness and irritation can prove frustrating and difficult to alleviate. Luckily, there are essential oils that can assist in lessening the effects of these allergens and help your skin to return to a non-irritated state.
If you apply essential oils to your skin, it’s best to use a carrier such as lotion or another oil, or simply to dilute the essential oils before application. Since essential oils are so highly concentrated, they can prove irritating to bare skin if applied without a carrier or dilution.
If you experience an allergic reaction with a specific essential oil, you’ll want to choose a different one for further use. You obviously don’t want to make your reaction worse by introducing something you’re also allergic to.
Always purchase high-quality essential oils versus their cheaper counterparts. These are cheaper for a reason and are usually not held to the same quality standards as some of the higher-end brands. Lower-quality essential oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Spray Bottle Application
Diluting essential oils in a spray bottle can be a great way to apply the oils to furniture, clothing, or just the air. If you don’t have a diffuser, this can be an alternative to purchasing one. Simply add a few drops to a spray bottle and shake.
You can spray all manner of surfaces with this diluted mixture, spreading the sweet aroma around your home. Be careful with certain oils like orange or lemon, however, as these oils are highly concentrated from citrus fruits. Citrus is notorious for staining. If you’ve ever gotten lemon juice on a white shirt, you know exactly what we mean!
Which Ones?
We’ve mentioned a few essential oils for allergies, but which ones are the best? Here are some essential oils that will help alleviate your allergy symptoms.
Peppermint
As we’ve previously mentioned, peppermint essential oil is great at opening up airways and helping mucus run. Used in bathwater or in a diffuser, the oil will feel energizing and clear those clogged passageways.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is yet another energizing oil that has similar effects to peppermint essential oil; clearing nasal passages and airways and making you feel energized. You can use this oil in a diffuser or bath, or even in lotions for skin irritants.
Lavender
Lavender is an incredibly pleasant-smelling essential oil, but it can also be used to help manage allergy symptoms. Applied with a carrier to the skin, it may even be helpful in reducing irritation caused by skin irritants.
Lemon
Lemon is said to help reduce mucus production, which can be incredibly relieving during those particularly allergen-rich days in the Springtime. Lemon has a wonderful citrus scent that can make your home smell great as well.
Conclusion
When your allergies start acting up, don’t reach for the allergy meds quite yet. Essential oils can provide relief in a more natural way, and aren’t dangerous to the liver like some medications can be in large doses. You can use essential oils indefinitely; just be sure to discontinue use if you develop an allergic reaction.
Have you used essential oils to manage allergies?
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